The latest European Defence Matters magazine (N°22) is now available with a special focus on Innovation in Defence & much more. Have a look! Cover Story Game-changer Ever faster technological change is setting the pace of our societies’ and everyone’s life. It’s no different in the defence realm. Driven by global threats, shaped by civil high-tech The European Defence Agency (EDA) defines these emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs) as “significantly changing the rules or conduct of conflict within one or two generations”, thus forcing militaries to adapt their planning and long term goals. EU should become a full stakeholder in defence innovation All major disruptive defence applications stem from the private sector which means that open cooperation with civil tech companies is indispensable for military innovation in the future. Are Europe’s national MoD ready for that? In the spotlight All the threads come together at the defence innovation agency Florence Parly, the French Minister of the Armed Forces (MAF), created the French Defence Innovation Agency (AID) the 1 September 2018 as the spearhead and catalyst of innovation within the ministry. Focus One trophy, two winners ‘Too close to call’ was the jury’s verdict after assessing 29 excellent proposals received from contenders from across Europe for EDA’s Defence Innovation Prize 2021. Innovation Corner Keeping the proven old, embracing the new Like in other countries, the military has long been a central driver of technological innovation in the Netherlands. Today, as elsewhere in Europe and the world, the private sector with its young and vibrant high-tech players has taken over that role, with obvious consequences for the country’s defence R&T and innovation approach. In the field Taking IED threats by the horns, together It is the largest multinational Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) exercise in Europe, and still going from strength to strength: after two successful rounds in the Netherlands (2013) and Sweden (2016), BISON COUNTER 21 set a new benchmark for joint C-IED training with its third exercise recently hosted by the Italian Armed Forces in Southern Sardinia.