EU Defence Declassified

When we think of diplomacy, we often picture civilian politics, embassies, and international relations, yet it is just as essential within the military sphere. In this new episode, we sit down with General Seán Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee, to explore how modern military leadership operates at the intersection of defence and diplomacy. From the very beginning of a military career, leaders are schooled to be a soldier, a scholar and diplomat, says Clancy. The reason is simple: every military decision carries political weight, and awareness of the political environment is essential from the first moment. In this episode, the last of our third season, General Clancy offers insight into how the EU Military Committee works. Representing the collective voice of all 27 Member States chiefs of defence, the EUMC must balance differing views, motivations, and national priorities to come to a position that is both realistic and effective.

Satellite communication, or SatCom for short, is the technology that sends information via satellites orbiting the Earth. It underpins everything from internet access to phone communication – and plays a big role in military operations. Heinrich Krispler, project officer for Govsatcom and support to EU operations, reveals how Europe is using this technology to bolster security and support the military, for example, in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Holger Lueschow, who works closely with Heinrich, highlights how EU governments use SatCom, and explores ambitious new projects such as IRIS², the EU’s forthcoming satellite constellation.

Unlocking you phone with Face ID, searching for information on a search engine, using navigation apps, or tracking your daily 10,000 steps – all these everyday activities rely on AI. But AI is also becoming increasingly embedded in EU defence. For example, AI-powered imaging systems can detect threats during military operations, such as identifying an enemy ship or vehicle at long distances. Judith Dijk, Project Officer for Optronic Technologies at EDA, breaks down how these systems work and the technical challenges they pose. On the ethical side of AI, its responsible and lawful use, Liisa Janssens, researcher at the Technical University Delft, and an expert in AI and law, offers her insights.

Drones are changing modern warfare. Stephen O’Sullivan (EDA) explains how military drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will fit into everyday air traffic, and reveals that an EDA drone training programme is already under discussion. Meanwhhile, Mikk Murumäe , Chief Technology Officer of drone manufacturer Threod Systems, explores how drones are being deployed in Ukraine and the lessons learned from real world operations.

The European Union’s 27 countries are strengthening their defences, with spending hitting a record €343 billion in 2024. Based on a rigorous methodology, EDA Defence Data offers the most accurate and comparable information on spending across the EU. Aleksandra Walczak (EDA), who helped draft EDA’s 2024-2025 defence data report, talks us through the numbers, explaining trends and what they mean for the future. Joining her is Juan Mejino-Lopez (Bruegel), who offers his insights on investment, innovation and the wider impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.