DefenseScoop’s Post

A few comments from me for the South China Morning Post SCMP. I reflect on US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan's recent remarks about wanting to see 2-3 signature AUKUS Pillar II projects launched and underway by the time the Biden Administration finishes on January 20. This is a welcome message for start-ups, small-to-medium enterprises, research communities and private capital who have invested significant financial and human resources in Pillar II workstreams. Sullivan's comments are a reminder of just how difficult it is to align the culturally divergent worlds of commercial technology innovation and government procurement. I have recently published a report with the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, "Expanding the National Security Innovation Base" (second link below), which addresses how Australia and the United States can cooperate to address this issue and take AUKUS Pillar II further, faster. https://lnkd.in/gH2HPafR https://lnkd.in/g7BV8r_X

#China🇨🇳 has been increasingly focusing on the #evolution of #warfare, particularly in the realms of informatization and intelligentization. This involves integrating advanced technologies such as AI, cyber capabilities, and unmanned systems into their military strategies. By emphasizing these aspects, China aims to enhance its military’s operational efficiency, decision-making speed, and overall combat effectiveness. This approach reflects China’s broader strategy to modernize its military and gain a strategic advantage in potential future conflicts. Communist China's Emphasis On the #EvolutionofWarfare 共產中國對戰爭演變的重視🇨🇳 https://lnkd.in/erY5RPR6 #warfare #informatization #China 🇨🇳#Chinese #military #evolution #Strategy #ChinaMilitaryDoctrine🇨🇳

I’ve been having an ongoing conversation about doctrine and innovation. Some, what I call doctrine hardliners, believe doctrine is proven and technology should be adapted to current doctrine. I believe doctrine is a foundation from which to start and needs to change and adapt to new technologies and capabilities. The hardliners don’t want to budge. What do you all think? Technology drives doctrine change? or Doctrine dictates how technology is employed? As stated in this article, “in the decade since…external threats emerged, the DoD’s doctrine, organization, culture, process and tolerance for risk mostly operated as though nothing substantial needed to change.” "....innovation in doctrine and concepts is driven by four major external upheavals….: 1.     China delivering multiple asymmetric offset strategies. 2.     China fielding naval, space and air assets in unprecedented numbers. 3.     The proven value of a massive number of attritable uncrewed systems on the Ukrainian battlefield. 4.     Rapid technological change in artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, space, biotechnology, semiconductors, hypersonics, etc., with many driven by commercial companies in the U.S. and China. We must move quickly....but how?

Today, is the last day of my esteemed colleague, Federico Mantellassi, at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Over the last three years, we brainstormed and exchanged a lot about the impact of #emerging #technologies on international #security and #warfare. Some of these exchanges found ways into publications (see below). Others, not yet, but I’m sure they will at some point. I wish him all the very best in his new position where he’ll do great. I have no doubt. Emerging tech continue to grow at an exponential rate and with them, their security implications. I already look forward to our future fruitful exchanges on these developments. (2024). The War in Ukraine: Reality Check for Emerging Technologies and the Future of Warfare, https://lnkd.in/eMUBeRgc (2024). What, Why and When? A Review of the Key Issues in the Development and Deployement of Military Human-Machine Teams, https://lnkd.in/eWdsiVad (2023). Peace of Mind: Cognitive Warfare and the Governance of Subversion in the 21st Century, https://lnkd.in/eHfdJ9dW (2023). “Artificial Intelligence in Warfare: Military Uses of AI and their International Security Implications,” in Raska, Michael and Bitzinger, Richard (eds). The AI Wave in Defence Innovation: Assessing Military Artificial Intelligence Strategies, Capabilities, and Trajectories, London, UK: Routledge, pp. 12-36, https://lnkd.in/eBp7uqAK (2023) . “Neurotechnologies: The New Frontier for International Governance,” https://lnkd.in/ettd49xb (2022) "Human-Machine Teaming in Artificial Intelligence Driven Air Power", The Air Power Journal, Fall, https://lnkd.in/eFsjVDqu (2022), “Implications for the Future of Warfare”https://lnkd.in/euS6DbVM.. (2022), Our Digital Future: The Security Implications of Metaverses,  https://lnkd.in/eeCTCkXw https://lnkd.in/epJ_ZHjP

Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Very Large-Scale Intelligent Multi-Agent Networks and Systems in Cybernetics and Real-Time Multi-Domain Intelligent Battlefield Management Systems.

“As well as being the worst thing our species does, war is a creative spur […] it is possible to theorise how war might serve as a stimulant. First, the trauma forces the imagination into new and strange places. Second, the resulting ideas are easier to sell because the ruling ideas are so tainted with blood. Third, the violence itself often gives rise to some kind of technical innovation.” — Janan Ganesh in Financial Times Apart from this quote, this week my newsletter Tech for War and Peace covered the big story on the escalation of Iranian drone production over the past two years in at least five countries. Supported by a network of international partnerships and private companies, Iran bypasses sanctions and expands its global influence. The two other major stories cover how European defense stocks experienced a wobble this week but have increased by 40% year-to-date and Barbara Walter’s case on that unregulated social media is increasing the threat of civil wars. Sign up for the weekly Tech for War and Peace on: https://lnkd.in/gQNMkKuQ

The future of war is a complex mix of public and private, dated hardware and new technology. In this episode Rick speaks with Chris Kirchhoff and Raj Shah, authors of "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War." They dive into the significant technological shifts impacting modern warfare, highlighting the disparity between military and consumer tech development. The conversation explores the bureaucratic challenges and innovative efforts of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to merge these ecosystems. Real-world examples from Ukraine and discussions on the future of autonomous systems and AI in warfare underscore the urgency for the US to adapt quickly and efficiently. Chris and Raj's book, "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War," available now. https://lnkd.in/gubJWwpk

Quantum technologies are integral part of NATO arsenals: what does mean for industries and society?

🌐 NATO'S STRATEGIC EVOLUTION & SPAIN'S GLOBAL TIES   🌍 NATO's groundbreaking quantum strategy, unveiled on January 17, 2024, charts a futuristic path for #defense and #security. Emphasizing quantum's potential in sensing, navigation, and secure communications, it aligns with AI, autonomy, and space priorities.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/deCNvCak https://lnkd.in/ePGZxuYK     🎯 NATO's Military Committee, led by Admiral Rob Bauer, discusses defense plans, warfighting, and collaboration in a dynamic session.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dXPwRzMY https://lnkd.in/dAHU8gcs     🛡️ NATO secures $1.2B contracts for 220,000 artillery shells, fortifying defense amid #geopolitical challenges. Jens Stoltenberg and NSPA's Stacy Cummings lead the charge, highlighting ammunition's urgency in Ukraine. Contracts include Patriot missiles, reinforcing NATO's commitment to collective security.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/d7GK2GnC https://lnkd.in/dDb-ka5i       SPANISH DEFENSE ALLIANCES: SECURITY, COLLABORATION, AND LEADERSHIP   🤝 #Spain and #Cameroon unite for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Defense Ministers Robles and Assomo signed a Technical Agreement, fostering collaboration on maritime protection, security, training, and technical support.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ddQNKKEa https://lnkd.in/dtMZ_vdU     🔒 #Lockheed Martin and #Indra join forces, exploring opportunities in defense, simulation, and sustainment. Signed by Ray Piselli and José Vicente de los Mozos, the agreement propels Spanish engineers into the forefront of defense technology.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ddQNKKEa https://lnkd.in/dBRkQvCi     🌍 Spain takes the lead in NATO's Eastern Europe defense, deploying personnel to #Slovakia for a Multinational Brigade. Approximately 50 men and women, mainly from Galicia VII Brigade, kick off the mission on January 20. Focused on training at Lešť, this deployment strengthens NATO's deterrence with contributions from #Portugal and #theCzechRepublic.   🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dmrS5J-m https://lnkd.in/dDAfNEYR #COAJE #YATA #YATASpain #NATO #WeAreNato