European Digital Defence Priorities in an Uncertain World

The evolving global geopolitical landscape has compelled European states to reassess and modernise their defence capabilities, with a focus on digital transformation. This paper examines the digital defence technology priorities of five key European countries – the UK, France, Germany, Poland and Spain – highlighting their current capabilities and stated priorities and the challenges for achieving their digital ambitions. The analysis is structured around several key themes, including sovereignty, interoperability, legacy system integration, digital literacy and organisational barriers to digitalisation.

Key Findings

1. UK: The UK possesses some advanced digital capabilities but struggles with integration and scalability. The Next Generation Communication Network aims to address connectivity issues. However, delays and unclear requirements have hindered progress. The UK’s hybrid cloud strategy and emphasis on ‘Secure by Design’ principles are steps forward, but challenges in digital skills, procurement processes and legacy system integration remain significant obstacles.
    
2. France: France has had success in scaling its digital capabilities, driven by a strong emphasis on national sovereignty. The DESCARTES, SIA and ARTEMIS.IA programmes are enhancing connectivity and data integration, but challenges in procurement persist. France’s focus on achieving 70–80% capability rather than perfection has allowed for more efficient delivery of digital systems, but the focus on domestic solutions complicates interoperability with allies.
    
3. Germany: Germany has mature enterprise-level digital capabilities but faces challenges in cohering operational and enterprise efforts. The Bundeswehr’s multicloud strategy and focus on AI technologies are promising, but bureaucratic hurdles, risk aversion and a lack of digital skills hinder progress. Emphasis on NATO interoperability is strong, but internal integration across the armed forces remains a challenge.
    
4. Poland: Poland is digitalising its armed forces through platform-centric modernisation, with significant investments in C4ISR and air defence systems, alongside the F-35. However, the lack of an enterprise-level digitalisation strategy and digital skills within the armed forces are major constraints. Poland’s cyber-security capabilities are robust, but the country remains heavily reliant on external technology, particularly from the US.
    
5. Spain: Spain lags other countries in this paper in terms of digital capabilities, with limited financial resources and a lack of strategic vision for digitalisation. The Integrated Defence Information Infrastructure is a step forward, but the armed forces struggle with data integration, cloud adoption and AI deployment. Spain’s low defence spending and fragmented industrial base further complicate efforts for digital transformation.

Cross-National Analysis

• Sovereignty: Each country in this paper defines sovereignty differently, with France setting a high standard that may not be replicable in the other countries. A clear definition of digital sovereignty and a candid feasibility analysis are essential for practical implementation.
   
• Digital skills: Each country in this paper faces a pervasive lack of digital skills, which is a significant barrier to digitalisation. The pay gap between public and private sectors exacerbates recruitment and retention challenges, while military leaders often struggle to grasp the specific functions and limitations of digital technologies.
   
• Interoperability: While each country emphasises NATO inter-operability, the interpretation and implementation of standards vary. Bilateral and multilateral interoperability initiatives are beneficial, but NATO must clarify its role in standard-setting to ensure cohesive integration across the Alliance.

European armed forces face a complex landscape of digital transformation, with varying degrees of success and significant challenges. The path forward requires a clear-eyed assessment of strategic priorities, resources and political will. While ambitious goals for digitalisation are commendable, tempering these to focus on measurable, achievable objectives may offer a more realistic path to success. Defence ministries and leaders in the armed forces must navigate these challenges to ensure that digital technology aligns coherently with broader strategic modernisation frameworks, shaping Europe’s military capabilities for decades to come.