mikolaj firlej

First wave focused on big platforms (air defense, drones, loitering munitions) informed by Ukraine; second wave targets enabling infrastructure — sensors, software, communications, advanced compute — to win the time domain in autonomous warfare.

Expedition's research with 50+ stakeholders identified over 10 critical capability gaps including space ISR, data fusion platforms (European Palantir alternative), and deep strike capability. Investment is shifting from first-wave platforms (drones, air defense) to second-wave critical infrastructure: sensors, software, communications, and advanced compute for autonomous warfare where time domain is decisive.

Scaling defense tech across Europe is uniquely difficult due to fragmented procurement rules, armament agencies, and domestic champion preferences; Expedition builds dedicated teams with military-to-business talent to navigate this complexity.

Products for European militaries must meet strict sovereignty requirements (no Chinese components), unlike Ukrainian battlefield solutions that prioritize speed and cost; this creates a structural advantage for European-native suppliers like Orca.

Research with 50+ stakeholders identified space-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and sovereign data fusion platforms (European Palantir alternative) as top-10 critical capability gaps for European defense.

Ukraine's success in projecting power into enemy territory (deep strike) and the shift toward autonomous warfare where time is the critical dimension drive investment in drones, loitering munitions, and the software infrastructure to command them.

Expedition's edge comes from intensive outbound networking in talent-dense communities, building relationships with leaders, and maintaining a deep bench of active servicemen and special forces veterans who combine military domain expertise with business acumen to help portfolio companies decode fragmented European government go-to-market.