The European defense industry is undergoing profound upheavals, and traditional innovation models may no longer be adequate. For this reason, further investigation is needed to know if the triple helix (TH) is suitable for one of the most influential industries in the world. If not suitable, it is necessary to identify which type of n-helices are appropriate. This article follows an embedded case study research strategy that uses several sources of data collection such as interviews with active-duty military personnel, scholars, the defense industry, and interagency professionals. Field notes and official documentation were also collected for corroboration and triangulation purposes. The results showed that the defense industry is increasingly globalized, leaving the national sphere and weakening the action and participation of European Union governments. This research resulted in the design of a quintuple helix innovation model for the defense industry, which was based on a TH combined with technology and the natural environment. We concluded that the traditional TH may not be adequate for the entry of new supranational players and that political contributions are subject to a further response by the European states. Scientific research is also needed, especially in Asian and American countries, which have national defense policies different from those of Europe.
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