A regulatory roadmap to EU’s Security of Supply in Defence: Assessing the current legal framework effort and the next steps toward an effective Security of Supply Strategy

Security of Supply in Defence has progressively shifted from being the sole interest of Member States to an area where the EU plays an increasingly important role. From the Directive on Defence Procurement and Intra-EU transfers to ASAP and EDIRPA, this paper examines the potential and limitations of the EU legal framework in supporting the Union’s Security of Supply. This analysis will lead us to consider the EU’s ability to ensure robust Security of Supply further through its EDIP proposal, marking a new step toward strategic autonomy.

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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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Framework for the Future: Lessons Learned from the UK’s Approach to Integrated Battle Networks

This paper examines the evolution of the United Kingdom’s (UK) approach to integrated military network systems, analysing its strategies, technological advancements, and partnerships, particularly within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and with European Union (EU) allies. The study underscores the UK’s commitment to Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) and multi-domain operations, outlining the development of foundational communication systems like Bowman and Network Enabled Capability (NEC), as well as newer projects, including Morpheus, TRINITY, and the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) program. The UK’s integration strategy prioritises secure, real-time data exchange across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains, aiming to enhance interoperability and strengthen resilience against hybrid threats. A key focus of this paper is on the UK’s collaboration with NATO and the EU in advancing secure communication frameworks, cyber resilience, and satellite capabilities through projects like Federated Mission Networking (FMN) and the SKYNET satellite system. As cyber and space domains become more critical, the UK’s evolving strategies demonstrate an adaptable, modular approach to maintaining technological superiority and coalition interoperability. To conclude, the paper highlights future directions for integrated networks, emphasising the importance of flexible, cyber-resilient, and quantum-encrypted systems to address emerging security challenges in a complex, multi-domain operational environment.

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Rapid Response in a Changing World: The New Force Model (NFM) as a Game Changer for NATO’s Readiness?

The New Force Model (NFM) represents a fundamental shift in NATO’s defence posture. This strategy is designed to enhance rapid deployment, deterrence, and interoperability in response to the current volatile geopolitical context characterised by evolving security threats. This study examines the NFM’s origins, structural evolution, and operational implications, particularly considering Russia’s aggression and the new dimensions of hybrid warfare. A key element of this transformation is the Allied Reaction Force (ARF), whose multi-domain capabilities are currently being assessed through Steadfast Dart 2025 (STDT25), NATO’s largest military exercise of the year. The findings highlight progress in force readiness while underscoring persistent challenges, including logistical coordination and multinational integration. As NATO adapts to modern warfare, refining the NFM will be essential to maintaining credible deterrence and collective defence.

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The Light Advantage: Exploring Li-Fi as the Next Frontier in Military Data Transmission

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) is an emerging technology that revolutionises wireless communication by leveraging the visible light spectrum for data transmission. Addressing the limitations of tradi- tional radio frequency (RF)-based systems, Li-Fi offers unparalleled advantages in bandwidth, security, and energy efficiency. This paper examines Li-Fi’s transformative potential, partic- ularly in military contexts where secure and resilient communication is paramount. From enhancing command and control operations to facilitating naval coordination and disaster re- sponse, Li-Fi’s unique attributes, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference and high- speed transmission, make it a compelling alternative to RF technologies. However, issues like line-of-sight reliance and environmental sensitivity must be addressed be- fore widespread use occurs. The integration of Li-Fi with existing RF systems via hybrid tech- niques, as well as the new IEEE 802.11bb standardisation, point to a route towards practical feasibility. The paper also explores prospects, including Li-Fi’s role in multi-domain operations and its potential synergy with quantum encryption technologies. The study’s extensive research highlights Li-Fi’s importance in tackling current communica- tion difficulties, as well as its ability to reinvent connection in military and civilian applica- tions. The adoption of Li-Fi might signal a watershed moment in the transition to more secure, efficient, and adaptive wireless communication networks for an increasingly linked world by encouraging collaboration among governments, academics, and businesses.

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