Defence

The European Union is stepping-up efforts to strengthen its defence and security capabilities amid significant changes in the geopolitical landscape. The lead and lead battery value chains support a wide range of mission critical products which are essential for European military security. At a time when Europe requires security of supply, the EU’s lead battery value chain provides reliable and autonomous industrial support.

Strategic autonomy and supply chain security: Lead and lead batteries for the military sector

The lead and lead battery industries play a vital role supporting the European Union’s defence capabilities and regional security in a broad range of applications - from military vehicles to secure energy storage systems. It is one part of the defence landscape where Europe already has both domestic capability and resilience. As a core part of Europe’s complex and critical defence supply chain, it is critical that policy-makers and legislators continue to ensure the best possible conditions for the industry to thrive and grow.

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Lead is central to Europe’s established small-calibre ammunition production

European companies are at the forefront of defence resilience, including the production of small-calibre ammunition - just one of a broad range of critical products in the defence supply chain. As defence investment increases across Europe, reinforcing domestic ammunition manufacturing becomes a matter of strategic autonomy. Defence readiness, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy are interconnected. Maintaining Europe’s established small-calibre lead ammunition production capacity supports all three.

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Long lifecycle is key for defence equipment

Defence products have extremely long lifecycles, relying on robust engineering to withstand demanding operating conditions. They are expected to be in use for much longer than civilian products of similar types - a warship, for example, may be designed for 35-40 years of service, but a commercial container ship may be retired after 10-20 years. The expected life duration for defence equipment is also increasing: there are many examples of military aircraft and submarines seeing their service life extended. And because maintenance must be to the same specification as the original build, a secure, ready supply of repair materials such as lead is needed throughout their lifetime.

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Strategic autonomy and supply chain security: Lead and lead batteries for the military sector

Download case study

Lead is central to Europe’s established small-calibre ammunition production

Download case study

Long lifecycle is key for defence equipment

Download lifespan information