Read more about the article The Modernisation of the Italian Armed Forces after the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
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The Modernisation of the Italian Armed Forces after the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a wake-up call for many countries in Europe, which decided to start a comprehensive modernization of their armed forces after decades of neglect. Although traditionally sceptical about prioritising the strengthening of its military, Italy is raising its defence expenditures to address the structural problems of its armed forces, which include a lack of personnel and adequate equipment. While these steps are surely essential, there is more that Italy can do to further improve the condition of its land, naval and air forces, including a better allocation of resources, the integration of innovative weapons systems in its arsenals and an increased proactivity in some European collaborative defence projects.

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29 October 2024
Read more about the article The New Portfolio of Defence and Space Commissioner: Key Priorities and Challenges Ahead
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The New Portfolio of Defence and Space Commissioner: Key Priorities and Challenges Ahead

In this paper, Marek Gallo analyses the implications of the newly created post of Defence and Space Commissioner (DaSC) for the European security architecture. The appointment of Andrius Kubilius reflects a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the EU’s defence industry and achieving greater strategic autonomy in response to Russian aggression and global instability. However, this paper argues that while the DaSC role emphasises joint procurement and enhanced interoperability, the portfolio lacks the authority to drive substantial defence reforms. At the same time, Kubilius' success depends on securing resources, overcoming institutional hesitancy, and fostering collaboration with NATO. Additionally, the EU’s cost-effective space policy focuses on regulatory leadership and space programmes continuity, rather than militarisation. This paper constructively highlights the challenges Kubilius will face in aligning immediate security concerns with long-term strategic objectives, positioning the DaSC as a symbolic yet limited step in strengthening Europe’s defence posture.

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25 October 2024
Read more about the article Command and Control Insights from Ukraine
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Command and Control Insights from Ukraine

Examining the role of Command and Control (C2) dynamics in the war in Ukraine, this article highlights the advantages of decentralised over traditional command systems in multi-front combat lines. The research showcases the benefits of utilising decentralised C2 frameworks for European armed forces in specialised scenarios, such as the one at hand, implying that better operational efficacy and strategic posture in upcoming wars hinge on greater flexibility and real-time information.

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23 October 2024
Read more about the article Greek Efforts in renewed Air Superiority Doctrine– A Scramble for Security or Conflict?
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Greek Efforts in renewed Air Superiority Doctrine– A Scramble for Security or Conflict?

Greece is taking significant steps in securing its air superiority in the Aegean Sea with modernised fighter jets and drone technologies. As part of a broader defense modernisation strategy "Agenda 2030", the country is planning to integrate Switchblade drones into its military framework to bolster surveillance and precision strike capabilities. At the same time, the acquisition of F-35 jets and Rafale fighters strengthens Greece's air defense  in response to regional tensions with Turkey. The question remains: is this buildup a proactive defense strategy  or a sign of escalating conflict  in the Mediterranean region? 

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21 October 2024
Read more about the article France Claims World’s First Ground to Space High-Speed Optical-Laser Link
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France Claims World’s First Ground to Space High-Speed Optical-Laser Link

In late 2023, the French Defence Innovation Agency (AID), through the French Armament Directorate, launched a new satellite named Keraunos with the aid of two novel French Space companies, Cailabs and Unseenlabs (AID, 2O24). The project, along with others like Toutatis and Yoda (Bosquillon, 2024), contribute to the French 2024-2030 Military Programming Law (AID, 2024). The mission is meant to test the potential of space Optical-Laser Infrared (OLI) communications between space and ground segments of communications networks. During the summer of 2024, these three entities performed a successful test (Ruitenberg, 2024). The test was followed by a joint announcement on September 10th, 2024, claiming the world’s first stable OLI high-speed communications “end-to-end” downlink between a low orbit nanosatellite and an optical ground station, which lasted for several minutes (AID, 2024). Despite the possibility of classified initiatives and recent breakthroughs by NASA (Powers, 2024), China (Xinhua, 2024), and others (Depond, 2024), this was the first commercial test of its sort (Bosquillon, 2024), marking a new age for space to ground optical-laser infrared (OLI) communications.

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21 October 2024