Below is an abridged version of the Forward Defense initiative’s Defense Technology Monitor, a bimonthly series tracking select developments in global defense technology and analyzing technology trends and their implications for defense, international security, and geopolitics.
Defense technology is rapidly evolving around the world—and as countries look to shape it, they are drawing closer to like-minded partners.
The past few months show evidence of that effort. For example, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada collaborated on artificial intelligence (AI) for national security. Meanwhile, Chinese directed-energy “dazzling” technology was reported to have been pictured at the speech of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This month’s newsletter also highlights developments in Europe, such as the European Commission’s latest proposed solutions for fostering joint defense procurement across members of the EU and for revitalizing European competitiveness.
AI and data
The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and Canadian Department of National Defence have formalized an agreement with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to collaborate on AI and cybersecurity systems. The partnership strengthens ties among the three nations while promoting efficiency by reducing redundant research through shared information and technology. Key areas of focus include advancing defense-related AI, ensuring trustworthy AI, and addressing ethical and safety concerns in defense applications.
Autonomous systems
The government of Ukraine is leaning towards removing a wartime ban on the export of drones. Drones have become a central feature of the conflict in Ukraine, and the country’s defense industry has responded to the need for several types of drones by building a strong drone production capacity. However, the government of Ukraine cannot afford to buy the number of domestically built drones this industry is producing. But enabling exports could help stimulate investment in this industry and offer an opportunity for drone companies to sell what has become excess capacity.
Platforms and weapons systems
Anduril Industries has unveiled three variants of the Barracuda air-breathing cruise missile. According to Anduril Chief Strategy Officer Chris Brose, the missile’s components can be taken “apart like Lego blocks,” allowing for swift customization and upgrades. Anduril Industries has said that the missile has autonomous behaviors and other software-defined capabilities that make it capable of various missions and scalable.
In addition, Iran has reportedly been seen with a Chinese laser directed-energy weapon designed to “dazzle” or destroy drones. Images said to show the system in Iran first surfaced on October 4. Analysts speculated that the system could have been deployed to enhance security during a prominent public sermon by Khamenei. The speculation about the system arose as tensions across the region increased, particularly between Israel and Iran.
Space
In France, the Defense Innovation Agency and Directorate General of Armament unveiled plans for a space surveillance program involving the deployment of two maneuverable CubeSats in low-Earth orbit. These satellites will be responsible for spacecraft detection, characterization, and targeting. The program, known as Toutatis, expects to launch the satellites in the next two years in an effort to restore deterrence by increasing awareness of threats to French space assets and providing a maneuverable capability to discourage disruptive activities from adversaries.
Manufacturing, industry, and supply chain
In September, the European Commission released an in-depth report on the future of European competitiveness. To reinvigorate Europe’s defense-industrial base, the report calls for the establishment of a centralized EU Defence Industry Authority that performs defense procurement on behalf of EU countries (as part of the effort to aggregate demand) and recommends a “buy European” approach to defense procurement, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers—including the United States.
Forward Defense, housed within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, its allies, and partners. Our work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources the United States needs to deter and, if necessary, prevail in future conflict.
Further reading
Mon, Oct 28, 2024
The US needs a stronger defense industrial base. Option contracts can help.
New Atlanticist By Michael Hogan
The US government would pay a premium on current orders, but it would then have the option to purchase a larger amount within a fixed timeframe.
Mon, Oct 28, 2024
How the US can counter Russian and Chinese nuclear threats in space
New Atlanticist By
As China and Russia bolster their counterspace capabilities, the United States must modernize its space-based nuclear command.
Tue, Sep 17, 2024
This is not the time for the United States to go soft on Hezbollah
New Atlanticist By
If Israel decides on a major campaign in Lebanon to remove the threat from Hezbollah, the US should have its ally's back.
Image: A rocket exits the atmosphere for a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station over Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 29, 2018. Photo via REUTERS/Joey Roulette.