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

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? 

Comments Off on Greek Efforts in renewed Air Superiority Doctrine– A Scramble for Security or Conflict?
21 October 2024
Read more about the article Back to Basics: Europe’s Struggles and Successes with 155mm Shell Production
Info Flash

Back to Basics: Europe’s Struggles and Successes with 155mm Shell Production

The early days of the war in Ukraine seemed to favour agile and relatively innovative capabilities which appeared to be the new protagonists of future battlefields. In fact, the fate of the war appeared to rest on Stingers and Starstreaks, Javelins and NLAWs, FPV commercial drones and on the Bayraktar TB2. However, as the chaotic first phase of the conflict ended, the focus shifted to the centuries-old king of battle: artillery. Much has been written on the rediscovered importance of artillery at the tactical and operational levels (Oltei, Potin, & Clarke, 2024). In contrast with the precision-oriented doctrine prevalent in the West, the war in Ukraine is revealing how precision- guided munitions can only complement and not substitute conventional indirect fire. The industrial capacity to produce this military ordinance en masse can indeed still determine victory on the battlefield. This analysis will thus focus on the 155mm NATO-standard artillery shell, the European states’ ability to produce it, and their significant shortcomings and progress.

Comments Off on Back to Basics: Europe’s Struggles and Successes with 155mm Shell Production
30 April 2024
Read more about the article Ukrainian Neptune Cruise Missiles and Sea Drones – How a Country without a Real Naval Fleet is Changing the Balance of Power in the Black Sea and the Future of Naval WarfareFrom Theory to Practice: Understanding Nuclear Deterrence and Sharing Agreements in European Security
Info Flash

Ukrainian Neptune Cruise Missiles and Sea Drones – How a Country without a Real Naval Fleet is Changing the Balance of Power in the Black Sea and the Future of Naval WarfareFrom Theory to Practice: Understanding Nuclear Deterrence and Sharing Agreements in European Security

When Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his open war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, most observers expected the Ukrainians to hold out for a few days in the face of a superior armed force. After two years of war, the situation on the ground remains ambiguous for Ukraine. However, in the Black Sea, Ukraine has been able to notch several successful naval strikes. The Russian Navy having lost several critical vessels, has had to withdraw from the Black Sea Fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol in Crimea and relocate several ships to Russian harbours. Additionally, it is increasingly failing in its efforts to enforce a grain embargo against Ukraine by sea. Newly developed naval drones and anti-ship missiles are likely key factors contributing to Ukraine’s successes. This Infoflash aims to analyse these new weapons systems and their impact on the Russo-Ukrainian War, the balance of power in the Black Sea and their implications for the future of maritime warfare.

Comments Off on Ukrainian Neptune Cruise Missiles and Sea Drones – How a Country without a Real Naval Fleet is Changing the Balance of Power in the Black Sea and the Future of Naval WarfareFrom Theory to Practice: Understanding Nuclear Deterrence and Sharing Agreements in European Security
20 March 2024
Read more about the article Turkish Drone Exports: Implications for NATO Relations
Info Flash

Turkish Drone Exports: Implications for NATO Relations

The proliferation of Turkish drone technology on the global arms market has raised concerns within the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) regarding its potential impact on regional security and alliance cohesion. At the crux of these concerns lies Türkiye’s 'no- questions-asked policy' in drone exports, allowing for the unrestricted sale of advanced military technology without stringent checks (Borsari, 2022; International Crisis Group, 2023). Considering Türkiye’s aspirations to solidify its position as a credible drone exporter, this info flash delves into Turkish drone developments, assesses their role in contemporary conflicts, and examines the implications for Ankara’s relations with NATO countries.

Comments Off on Turkish Drone Exports: Implications for NATO Relations
19 March 2024
Read more about the article Are Laser Weapon Systems the Solution to Drone Dominated Conflicts?
Info Flash

Are Laser Weapon Systems the Solution to Drone Dominated Conflicts?

Currently, there is no effective international legal consensus which defines the use of drones as weapons, despite a steep rise in their use by states, both in the proportion of modern air forces and volume of military operations. This trend is especially concerning due to their employment by non-state actors in hybrid warfare, as it has been reported it happened in the Red Sea. Until an effective legal consensus is agreed upon by states, developing a physical solution to drone attacks seems to be the United Kingdom’s objective. The UK’s new laser-based weapons system, DragonFire, provides a window into how states are preparing for a future of drone-dominated conflicts.

Comments Off on Are Laser Weapon Systems the Solution to Drone Dominated Conflicts?
16 February 2024