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Read more about the article European Sky Shield Initiative: Evolution and Challenges in Multi-Layer Air-Defence Against Drone Saturation and Hypersonic Missiles

European Sky Shield Initiative: Evolution and Challenges in Multi-Layer Air-Defence Against Drone Saturation and Hypersonic Missiles

This InfoFlash assesses how the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) can adapt while advancing EU strategic autonomy and retaining full interoperability with NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). Europe must stay ready to face saturation drone attacks, massed cruise and ballistic missiles, and emergent hypersonic threats that compress decision cycles and invert defender cost calculus. It frames a triad of space-based missile early warning, a common BM/C2 layer, and missile interceptors as the decisive lever to cut decision time and raise deterrence. It maps current layers (Skyranger 30, IRIS-T, Patriot, Arrow 3) and gaps in stockpiles, costs, cross-border command and data-sharing. It argues for anchoring ESSI to NATINAMDS, accelerating ODIN’S EYE II, TWISTER, HYDIS and HYDEF projects, and adopting any-sensor/any-shooter standards. Recommendations include bundled procurement, EU-level financing, passive/multistatic feeds, and a common operating system to close C2 gaps.

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1 September 2025

Info Flash

Lines of Sustainment: Evaluating Ukrainian Military Logistics in the Russo-Ukrainian War

This paper aims to examine the critical role of logistics in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, focusing on the evolving challenges and innovations in Ukraine's military logistics infrastructure. Logistical disruptions, especially from Russian missile strikes and precision bombing, threaten Ukraine's operational momentum and the sustainability of its military operations. This piece explores Ukraine's efforts to modernise its logistics systems, drawing from both doctrinal shifts and technological advancements, such as the integration of drones for last-mile delivery and the launch of the DOT Chain digital logistics platform. Despite these innovations, systemic challenges such as bureaucratic delays and limited air defence coverage persist, undermining the effectiveness of Ukraine's logistics network. The paper offers recommendations for enhancing resilience at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

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17 July 2025

Episodes

Episode 9: Innovation Meets Operations: AI, Unmanned Systems, and European Defence Readiness

In this episode of StrategicALLY, hosts Livia Perrulli and Simon Perrin de Brichambaut are joined by Yves Augustus, former Belgian Army officer and Director of Business Development at STARK. With a background spanning engineering, defence, and business development, Mr. Augustus brings a unique perspective on how Europe can bridge capability gaps through innovation. We explore how the private sector can better respond to the operational needs of armed forces, the potential of AI-powered unmanned systems, and what capabilities are still lacking across European defence. Mr. Augustus also shares his views on transatlantic innovation gaps, lessons from U.S. initiatives like the Replicator program, and how EU defence investments could reshape industrial readiness. Tune in as we discuss how responsible innovation and military insight can drive strategic resilience and strengthen Europe’s position in a competitive global landscape. Podcast edited by Livia Perrulli. For more information about STARK and its work, visit their website and follow Yves Augustus on LinkedIn.

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15 July 2025

Info Flash

TCG Anadolu: The Dawn of Drone-Centric Naval Power Projection

This paper examines the strategic transformation embodied by Türkiye’s drone-centric naval platform TCG Anadolu, reconfigured from an amphibious assault ship—in response to geopolitical shifts and drone warfare lessons from the war against Ukraine. Following the transitioning from manned aviation to advanced unmanned systems Bayraktar TB3 and Kizilelma, the paper compares global responses to these platforms and evaluates vulnerabilities in conventional aircraft carriers that may encourage navies to adopt drone-centric platforms. The analysis shows that while drone carriers enhance operational flexibility and cost-efficiency for low-intensity missions, their effectiveness depends on future technological advancements. These findings underscore the evolving impact of unmanned systems on naval power projection and modern maritime warfare.

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24 March 2025

Info Flash

Long-Range Capabilities Development in Ukraine: Current Projects and Implications for Europe

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrated how crucial long-range capabilities are in modern warfare. After a brief overview of Ukraine and Russia’s situation in this area at the beginning of the hostilities as well as the Western policy over missile supplies to Ukraine, this paper analyses how Ukraine has focused on the development of domestic long-range munitions to pursue a more autonomous strategic interdiction campaign against Russia, increasing its future deterrence potential. The study also discusses what implications these projects could have on future European missile capabilities in the context of an uncertain security environment and increased disengagement from the United States vis a vis European security.

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17 March 2025

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