The session explored the challenge of defence digitalization in the allied countries, as compared to rapid developments in Russia, China, and other rivals and adversaries. The session discussed military AI tools, cloud computing, data mobility, battlefield management systems, and unmanned and autonomous systems.
Key takeaways:
Lag in European Defence Digitalization
- Europe trails the U.S. in adopting defence digitalization, largely due to institutional fragmentation and a focus on national, siloed solutions.
- Concerns over sovereignty and the evolving transatlantic relationship have made some countries hesitant to adopt American technologies.
- Poland is a notable exception, embracing Microsoft Azure for cloud services and setting a precedent for deeper digital integration.
Benefits of Cloud-Enabled Warfare
- The shift from centralized legacy battlefield management to cloud-based systems enhances speed, flexibility, and precision.
- Cloud infrastructure enables greater tactical autonomy and faster execution across the kill chain.
- Digitalized systems help reduce the “fog of war,” supporting real-time situational awareness and more agile operations.
Ukraine as a Digital Warfare Pioneer
- Ukraine has leveraged a highly innovative industrial base and an iterative approach to rapidly deploy digital solutions in combat.
- Its successful use of digital tools in warfare demonstrates the operational value of continuous innovation and public-private collaboration.
- Ukraine’s experience serves as a blueprint for how mid-sized powers can adapt to modern conflict through digital agility.
Rising Threats and Technological Competition
- Russia’s military has adapted quickly, incorporating drones and long-range precision weapons through active learning.
- Maintaining a technological edge is essential for Europe to counter these evolving capabilities.
- Failure to match digital advances risks ceding operational superiority to adversaries with more agile or better-funded programs.
Proliferation Beyond State Actors
- Innovations in defence digitalization are unlikely to remain exclusive to major powers.
- Over time, these technologies will likely be adopted by non-state actors, including terrorist and insurgent groups.
- This diffusion poses new security challenges, as access to digital warfare tools becomes more widespread and asymmetric threats increase.