On-Orbit Satellite Servicing Technologies – Towards European Space Defence Autonomy

This research paper explores the role of on-orbit satellite servicing (OOS) technologies for the acceleration of European space autonomy. By assessing the global historical evolution of OOS, with a particular focus on the United States, China, and Russia, the paper establishes an overview of current OOS technologies and their growing strategic relevance. It finds that while in comparison to other global space actors, European OOS capacities have historically been underdeveloped, investments in OOS offer a cost-efficient opportunity to significantly bolster European autonomy. With recent changes in European defence policy and an increased focus on space as a strategic domain, new opportunities have emerged to close the resulting capability gap. Examining European projects such as ClearSpace-1, RISE, and EROSS+, the analysis concludes that expanding investments in private-public partnerships between governments and commercial providers are the most efficient path towards expanding European OOS capabilities.

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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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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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Trump’s Influence Marks NATO’s 34th Summit

At the 34th NATO summit held in The Hague on the 24th and 25th of June, heads of state and government reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence and Article 5 of the Washington Treaty (NATO, 2025). Before the summit there was uncertainty surrounding the United States, due to President Trump’s previous threats of withdrawal from NATO and his refusal to give a clear pledge to back Article 5. Trump said he left the summit with more of an understanding about the importance of the alliance and was impressed by the passion from other world leaders for their countries (Ataman & Sebastian, 2025). Secretary General Mark Rutte made it clear that the United States is totally committed to NATO and Article 5 and criticised the press for continuously questioning the organisation's stability (Krupa et al., 2025).

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