Insight SIP are exhibiting at TECHDEF06, an event bringing together innovative companies, representatives from the military, universities and researchers to connect and discuss new ways of collaborating on defense solutions.
Whilst we would prefer not to think about technology for weapons, it is becoming clear that Europe needs to be far more self-sufficient in creating an ability to protect itself.
Furthermore, the Ukraine war has demonstrated that future defense requirements are likely to require a radically different approach to design and manufacturing than the traditional one.
Historically, military requirements have focused on large, complex projects, with long timescales and demanding specifications. In electronics, this has meant high spec military grade components and processes, and generally large specialised defense contractors
In Ukraine, by contrast, the conflict has required rapid innovation and prototyping – particularly in the domain of drones – with a model closer to startup culture than the traditional military procurrement approach.
The CEO of Rheinmetall – a large traditional defense contractor – recently made dismissive remarks about Ukraine’s drone industry, comparing it to “lego” and talked about drones being “made by housewives”. These crass, sexist and frankly stupid remarks, which were widely condemned, showed that Europe needs to make major changes in order to be ready to meet the threats of the 21st century. Whilst a place will remain for large contractors, it would be foolish indeed to not learn the lessons from a major war on the edge of Europe where a very different approach has proved spectacularly successful.
And of course, whilst Ukraine is a strong ally of Europe, Russia – which is decidedly not – is also learning fast from the conflict. Throw in the fact that the support of the United States for Europe has become decidedly more ambiguous, and it is clear that the European defense industry needs to make major changes in the way it operates, innovates and manufacturers.
For more information about TECHDEV06, see #TechDef06_DossierPresse