Best of LinkedIn: Defense Tech CW 50 - 01

Autonomy moves into operations, with formation flights, underwater vehicles and legacy aircraft integrations proving scalable architectures

AI enters mission workflows, from real time contingency management and AI supported wargaming to Palantir enabled shipbuilding and advanced C UAS solutions

Strategic moves such as Shield AI’s European expansion and a Germany Canada digital alliance position AI as a core defence capability

Researchers and practitioners focus on trust, ethics and responsible AI in optronics, imaging and human machine teaming at events like I ITSEC

Unmanned systems expand across air, land and sea, from NATO formation concepts to Ukrainian drones, UGV logistics and undersea UUV operations

Counter drone efforts intensify, with MBDA missiles, Sky Warden, Sanctum and Rheinmetall demonstrations shaping layered C UAS architectures

Industrial capacity grows through Quantum Frontline’s German Ukrainian drone venture, ARX Robotics platforms and versatile Hector bridging vehicles and unmanned systems

Debate focuses on fast evolving threats, from drones carrying shoulder fired missiles to assessments of UK unpreparedness for drone dominated warfare

Airpower is reinforced as F 16 Block 70 deliveries, M 346 trainers and C295 transports enhance allied fleets and training

The F 35 program posts a record year while Finland’s first jets strengthen NATO integration and national industry ties

Land and air defence modernise through Lithuania’s CV90 order, Skynex deployments, Skyranger contracts and grants for new interceptor and radar concepts

Precision effects gain priority with BAE’s large laser guidance kit contract and MBDA missile and laser work for advanced air defence

Undersea warfare also advances, with Ukrainian UUV successes and Canadian submarine combat system integration highlighting a contested maritime domain

European space and ISR momentum builds, from Germany’s major space based order to consortia planning sovereign constellations by 2029

CapTech Space and ESA linked initiatives drive research that anchors space as a core pillar of European defence technology

ISR becomes multi layer, with UGV demonstrations complementing new space sensors to strengthen persistent surveillance

Commentary after ESA ministerial meetings stresses the need to accelerate European space efforts for strategic advantage

Industrial scaling is a core theme, with posts highlighting agile manufacturing cultures, Palantir enabled shipbuilding and mass industrialised platforms like Hector

Quantum Systems’ tripled valuation and DroneShield’s top ASX200 performance signal strong investor confidence in European defence tech

Regional capital mobilises through Gungnir’s dedicated defence tech fund and a German Ukrainian drone production joint venture focused on Ukrainian designs

Cross border ventures such as Schaeffler and Helsing collaborations and the Omen VTOL AAV joint venture show increasingly global supply chains

NATO DIANA expands its innovation pipeline with new cohorts, acceleration programmes and Romanian led projects across the alliance

EU tools including EDF naval calls, the SAFE procurement initiative and EUStratAR airlift research shape a more coordinated capability approach

Allied partnerships deepen through F 16 and F 35 deployments, radar selections and collaborations such as Denmark’s TPY 4 decision

Podcasts and public debates on European defence and a defensive society bring policy, strategy and citizens closer together

Dual use framing is explicit, with a major DroneShield contract described as strengthening civilian counter drone readiness

DroneAid Collective’s milestones highlight unmanned platforms as tools for empowerment, humanitarian support and community engagement

The DRONAMITE autonomous fire suppression system shows rocket and drone technology repurposed for rapid wildfire response and civil protection

Conferences on dual use technologies and discussions of a defensive society link innovation, civil resilience and national security planning

Conferences from Baird Defence to containment technology events and C 130J briefings showcase OEM engagement with operators and investors

Hackathons and industry days such as the European Defence Tech Hackathon and REPMUS 26 preparation surface new concepts and strengthen navy industry links

Podcast series by the European Defence Agency, European Defence Declassified and Practical AI explain complex topics like drone swarming to wider audiences

New leadership roles, notably at Shield AI, underline strong demand for talent that can grow European autonomy and AI businesses