Read more about the article A bold new frontier: the EU’s venture in space security
Food For Thought

A bold new frontier: the EU’s venture in space security

The security of outer space has proven to be quite a complex and rapidly evolving policy field, requiring a similarly prompt response from nations around the globe. In the European Union, the problem is compounded by the vertical separation of power between the EU and its Member States, including the principle of conferral, which hinders the creation of a unified policy.

Comments Off on A bold new frontier: the EU’s venture in space security
27 January 2022
Read more about the article Innovation in Europe: Prospects for an EDA Defence Innovation Hub
Info Flash

Innovation in Europe: Prospects for an EDA Defence Innovation Hub

“Let us recognise that we, the European Union and the Member States, need to do much more together, and we need to do much more together right now. We cannot wait, because the choice for us is simple: either we invest a lot on defence innovation, or we will become defence irrelevant” (European Defence Agency, 2021) This year’s European Defence Agency’s (EDA) Annual Conference focus revolved around discussing the EU innovation in European Defence and what more must be done. Upon speaking to a room filled with EU and national decision-makers, military organisations, think tanks, and other relevant stakeholders within the defence industry, our High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the EU and Vice-President, Josep Borrell, recognised that much more needs to be done. Whether the EU manages to take the appropriate steps towards advancing defensive innovation or not shall decide on the relevance or obsoleteness of its armies in the future.

Comments Off on Innovation in Europe: Prospects for an EDA Defence Innovation Hub
20 January 2022
Read more about the article OP²EX.ia, an Artificial Intelligence Project to Accelerate Mission Preparation
Chinook CH-47, Military_Material, July 26, 2017 (Source: https://pixabay.com/fr/photos/chinook-ch-47-l-aviation-de-l-arm%C3%A9e-2540215/)
Info Flash

OP²EX.ia, an Artificial Intelligence Project to Accelerate Mission Preparation

The OP²EX.ia project is a “Tool for Mission Preparation and Preview of the Indoor Environment with Artificial Intelligence” (Outil de Préparation de mission et de Prévisualisation de l’Environnement eXtérieur grâce à l’Intelligence Artificielle). This tool aims to support the mission preparation process. When preparing for a land-based military operation, it may be necessary to analyse high-resolution satellite images and terrain topology. Extracting the relevant information may require the intervention of a lot of people. It is a time-consuming and tedious task, particularly because of the multiplication of actors, the density of the information, the means of obtaining this information, and the complexity of the mission. Time is also crucial as some missions may request flexibility and reactivity from special forces and commando groups.

Comments Off on OP²EX.ia, an Artificial Intelligence Project to Accelerate Mission Preparation
17 June 2021
Read more about the article IDEX 2021: Between COVID-19 Restrictions and New Technologies
Victor Besa - The National
Info Flash

IDEX 2021: Between COVID-19 Restrictions and New Technologies

Last February, the 15th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) opened in Abu Dhabi, representing one of the most important military exhibitions in the region and one of the first relevant events in the post-pandemic recovery period. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was characterised by strict safety measures to ensure both exhibitors and attendees' well-being.

Comments Off on IDEX 2021: Between COVID-19 Restrictions and New Technologies
16 March 2021
Read more about the article European Defence Fund: Time to Shine
Info Flash

European Defence Fund: Time to Shine

In the wake of the European Council's discussion on the 26th of February regarding the future of EU security and defence, a decisive juncture to assess the stature of EU defence cooperation lies ahead. The EU pledges to deliver a collective answer to a fast-changing strategic environment and maintain momentum on its defence initiatives. Among its initiatives, the European Defence Fund (EDF) aims to boost joint research and innovation in defence and stimulate Member States industrial bases to develop common military capabilities. The EDF has officially come into effect with the new Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, empowered with a total budget of € 8 billion; thus, it is time to demonstrate its potential.

Comments Off on European Defence Fund: Time to Shine
9 March 2021