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.

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

From Paper to Precision: Streamlining Weapon Issuance and Maintenance Through Automation

This paper treats the topic of Weapon Management Systems and the benefits their automation would have on Innovation and Interoperability in the defence sector. It argues, specifically, that automation provides a way of improving the military landscape in its entirety with a bottom-up approach. Methodically, the research draws from the contemporary relevance of the concepts of Innovation and Interoperability to highlight how digitalising and streamlining military administration can have positive and lasting effects on the defence sector. In that, this paper finds that automation can benefit Innovation by furthering broad sections of the world of defence and the entanglement between these sections. Particularly here, the bottom-up perspective becomes an important aspect of how automation can improve the military land- scape. In the discussion about Interoperability, the bottom-up perspective offers insights into the flaws of current European frameworks in enhancing the military by making it more in- teroperable. The automation of Weapon Management Systems therefore serves as an overview of how seemingly smaller initiatives can positively impact relevant features of current defence needs. This research thus makes a bold attempt in trying to present new ways of implementing important steps in European defence.

Comments Off on From Paper to Precision: Streamlining Weapon Issuance and Maintenance Through Automation

Poland’s Military Surge: Strategic Investments and Recent Developments in Polish Armed Forces

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Poland has been among the most active countries in supporting its eastern neighbour to halt the advance of Russian forces and to conduct its counteroffensive. This decision was consistent with Polish strategic objectives, allowing Poland to launch its modernisation project and expand its military capabilities. Although Poland’s strategic rationales vary depending on the political stance of its elites (Pawłuszko, 2022), there are three common denominators: the intent to deter Russia, the need to secure US support, and the ambition to become the Central-Eastern European region’s leading power.  Poland considers strengthening its armed forces as essential for achieving these goals. In fact, Warsaw aspires to build the most potent European land force by the beginning of 2026 (Tilles, 2023). While this objective is ambitious, the Russian invasion has catalysed the modernisation of the Polish military and its arms industry (Cucino & Scarazzato, 2023).This paper will address Poland’s recent strategic investments, aimed at developing multiple components of its armed forces, including land, air, sea, drone, and anti-missile forces, and analyse the potential challenges that such a rapid upgrade and amplification of its military capabilities entail.

Comments Off on Poland’s Military Surge: Strategic Investments and Recent Developments in Polish Armed Forces

Thermite-Equipped ‘Dragon’ Drones: Ukrainian Special Forces’ New Battlefield Arsenal

Ukrainian Special Forces have recently made use of a new generation of sophisticated drones, increasing their capacity to launch accurate strikes against Russian soldiers. These drones, referred to as ‘dragon drones,’ employ thermite, a highly incendiary chemical that burns at around 2,448 degrees Celsius (4,440 degrees Fahrenheit) (Lendon, 2024). This new strategy represents Ukraine’s shifting tactics in reaction to the ongoing conflict. It demonstrates Ukraine’s adjustement to the changing reality of the war, using cutting-edge drone technology and accurate attacks to outmanoeuvre its enemies.

Comments Off on Thermite-Equipped ‘Dragon’ Drones: Ukrainian Special Forces’ New Battlefield Arsenal

The Role of Women in European Armed Forces: Progress and Challenges

Historically, women have been systematically excluded from roles within the military, and while progress has been made regarding integration, significant challenges persist in achieving full equality and addressing persistent gender biases. Throughout most of history, specifically up until the late 20th century, the military was perceived as a male-dominated field due to societal norms that placed importance on traditional gender roles (Segal, 1995, p. 758). Consequently, women were mostly confined to non-combat positions such as nursing, telephone operators and clerks (National Army Museum, 2018). However, as society has progressed, the roles of women in the military have expanded and evolved accordingly. With the 20th century enduring two world wars, there was a significant change in expectations and perspectives as women played more active and key roles during these conflicts, laying the groundwork to expand women’s participation in the military. As time progressed, policy and legal changes across Europe have created new opportunities for women to serve not only in a supporting role but also in combat and leadership roles as well. The participation of women in the military is an important step towards the larger mission of achieving gender equality and social progress. Although there has been significant progress made in the integration of women into the European armed forces, pervasive challenges such as discrimination, gender bias and physical barriers remain (Parliamentary Assembly, 2016). These obstacles impede the equal and complete participation of women within the military. This paper will provide a historical overview of the role of women in the military armed forces. It will do so by giving insights into the advancement of the role of women in European armed forces, focusing on countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Norway, Germany and Sweden, while addressing the chronic obstacles that must be overcome to achieve equality. It will ultimately demonstrate notable progress within these European countries, challenges such as gender biases, unequal access to leadership roles and how insufficient support for women in combat continues to hinder full integration and equal participation within European armed forces.

Comments Off on The Role of Women in European Armed Forces: Progress and Challenges