Henrik Larsen
Commercial drones are repurposed. Private satellites spy. Volunteer hackers provide an essential cyber defense for Ukraine.
Ukraine has deployed these private sector technologies to bolster its military. Its success offers an opportunity for Europe to sharpen its financially strapped defense industry.
The new European Commission has put the task near the top of its agenda. A post of defense commissioner has been created, with the goal of revitalizing European militaries. Although funds are tight and the risk of duplicating NATO efforts exists – outgoing NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned about creating a “competing force” — the continent can and should move ahead to rationalize and expand its arms industry. Ukraine’s experience will be key.
The European Investment Bank recently removed an important obstacle by allowing itself to lend to defense firms. It plans to invest €8 billion in defense. However, the most important military innovations may not arise from traditional investment in traditional defense industries. They could come from the application of civilian high-tech on the Ukrainian battlefields. As Europe modernizes its militaries, it should pay close attention to how civilian tech is transforming warfare, in three particular areas, drones, satellites, and cyber.
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