Self-reliance in defense technology

In the context of increasingly complex global security, the European Commission (EC) decided to increase investment in the defense sector with an amount of 7.3 billion EUR (7.89 billion USD) in the period 2021-2027 to fund 34 military research projects.

European soldiers participate in a joint Polish-Lithuanian military exercise in Alytus (Lithuania) on April 26, 2024. Photo: AFP/VNA

These projects range from developing new UAVs, sensors that enhance radar capabilities, to hypersonic missile defense systems and satellite imagery analysis technologies. This investment plan shows the importance of military technology and the need to prepare for future security challenges.

Part of the funding will also be used to improve military communications and data exchange, such as preventing drone hijacking. The European Defence Fund (EDF) has allocated €25 million ($27 million) for military 5G networks, a similar amount for satellite communications prototypes, and €24 million ($25.9 million) for developing underwater drones. Another grant will be used to develop artificial intelligence (AI) software that will enable autonomous vehicles to interact more effectively.

According to Professor Anthony King of the University of Exeter in the UK, AI in the military is mainly used to analyze big data and improve battlefield awareness by tracking the digital footprint of opponents. EDF is also investing in new models for commanding autonomous vehicles and projects to integrate information from sensors, satellites and other digital sources. In addition to EDF, there are many other programs implemented by the European Union's Defence Innovation Programme (Eudis) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) to support the acceleration of startups and SMEs in the defence sector. The EU is also working with the NATO Innovation Fund to promote frontier technologies such as AI, space, robotics and biotechnology.

By 2023, up to 75% of this equipment will be purchased from abroad, with only 25% coming from Europe. These large and continuous investments show that Europe is moving towards self-reliance in developing advanced defense technologies, aiming to restore the balance in defense equipment purchases and sales, which have been dependent on outside the region for many years.

THANH HANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tu-chu-cong-nghe-quoc-phong-post752735.html