Weekly Newsletter: 16 - 20 September
Finabel - The European Land Force Commanders Organisation
Uniting Europe's Land Forces for Enhanced Cooperation and Security.
?? Publications
Poland is rapidly emerging as a military powerhouse in Europe. In response to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country has been significantly enhancing its military capabilities by investing heavily in modernising its land, air, sea, drone, and anti-missile forces. Poland's defence industry is making agreements with global strategic partners to domestically produce hundreds of tanks and artillery pieces by the end of the decade, and its imports of military equipment and technology are on the rise.
The article by Riccardo Castagnoli discusses Poland's ambitious efforts to build Europe's most powerful land force in the next few years and the challenges related to this project, including interoperability, recruitment, and infrastructure concerns. A comprehensive defence and security vision is crucial to solidify the country's role as a security provider for the entire region.
Women have historically faced barriers to full participation in the military, with progress only arising in the recent decades. Traditionally confined to non-combat roles, societal norms majorly restricted their contributions to nursing and administrative tasks. However , the world wars marked a turning point, as women began to take on more active roles, paving the way for future integration. Despite these advancements, women in today’s European armed forces still encounter significant challenges such as gender bias, discrimination and limited access to leadership roles. The article by Nia Henry discusses how to achieve full equality with not only policy reforms, but also cultural shifts within military institutions. ?
In this study, Marek Gallo analyses the critical state of Slovakia's air defence capabilities and the Ministry of Defense's modernization efforts. With the decline of Soviet-era systems and rising regional threats, particularly following Russian aggression against Ukraine, Slovakia faces significant security challenges. The study explores Slovakia’s reliance on NATO's collective defence and assesses options for restoring its air defence capacity. The paper emphasises the ongoing modernization initiatives, including the planned acquisition of Israeli Barak MX systems. It asserts the critical importance of enhancing air defence to safeguard national sovereignty and strengthen NATO deterrence.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is nearing its third year, yet how to support the war-torn country remains one of the most discussed issues in security and defence circles. At the 2024 GLOBSEC Conference in Prague, discussion centred on what Ukraine’s current battlefield needs are, what the role of the EU in meeting them is, and what lessons the Union can learn from Ukraine’s experience. Interestingly enough, Ukraine emphasises the importance of funding to scale the production of homegrown systems and acquire the ability to counter Russia’s invasion more autonomously. The article by Niccolò Grasso discusses that while the EU is at work to find alternative ways to aid the war-torn country, such as using the profits of Russia’s frozen assets in Europe, the invasion has demonstrated how important it is to have a solid defence industry capable of mass producing what the armies require and of exploiting innovative solutions to counter a larger opponent.
领英推荐
In his article, Victoriano Vicente Botella y Berenguer highlights Ukraine’s use of new ‘dragon drones’ equipped with thermite to launch precise strikes against Russian positions. These drones represent a significant shift in Ukrainian tactics, utilising high-tech capabilities to inflict substantial damage, especially on flammable targets. While effective in combat, the use of such incendiary weapons raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding compliance with International Law. As Ukraine ramps up drone strikes, these advanced tactics could transform battlefield strategies, balancing military effectiveness with the risk of escalation and legal repercussions.
In his article, Berk Büyükarslan discusses Croatia's recent purchase of HIMARS and guided missiles from the US, amounting to around $390 million, to bolster its defence capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The acquisition marks a strategic shift in Croatia's defence policy, as it aims to modernise its military and increase deterrence, especially in response to geopolitical developments in the Western Balkans. With tensions between Serbia and Kosovo escalating and Serbia's close ties with Russia, NATO and the EU are also under pressure to enhance security in the region. This move underscores Croatia's role in strengthening NATO's southern border and its commitment to regional stability.
?? Open vacancies
See all our traineeship positions here.
?? Contact Details