European defense startups eye commercial deals and hiring push in the Middle East amid the Iran war

Skip Navigation Markets Business Investing Tech Politics Video Watchlist Investing Club PRO Livestream Menu Key Points Countries in the Middle East have been targeted with a barrage of strikes from Iran since the war began at the end of February. The war has galvanized defense startups in Europe to step up commercial discussions with militaries in the region. Companies also told CNBC they're seeing increased inbound from Gulf states and planning to accelerate hiring in the region. European defense tech startups are ramping up commercial discussions with Middle East governments since the Iran war, company execs told CNBC. Another CEO said interest from Gulf states was "skyrocketing" as they race to bolster measures to counter drone and missile attacks. Iran has targeted its neighbors since a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation began at the end of February, with more than 3,000 drones and missiles having been fired on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, according to data compiled by think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. European startups that develop defense technology, in particular drone and missile interceptors, told CNBC they were increasingly talking with and receiving approaches from Gulf states to supply their militaries. Others are ramping up hiring in the region as they look to meet the demand for their systems. …