On 3 July 2025, six European defence companies gathered near Rome to demonstrate unmanned aerial and ground systems as part of the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) first-ever European Defence Innovation Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign. The live demonstration took place under the umbrella of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) in Montelibretti, Italy.
Crucially, this marks the first operational experimentation coordinated at EU level. While similar initiatives have taken place nationally, OPEX introduces a new model of cross-border collaboration among Member States.
"Security, warfare, and technology are changing at an accelerating pace. The war in Ukraine reshaped our understanding of defence innovation, compressing years of development into weeks through rapid prototyping, adaptability, and tight collaboration among armed forces, engineers, and civilians. So, defence innovation is no longer optional, nor a long-term ambition,” said André Denk, EDA’s Chief Executive, during the Distinguished Visitors’ Day. “Accelerating innovation from the lab to the field is our ticket to operational relevance.”
The OPEX campaign embodies HEDI’s ambition to bridge the gap between promising innovation and real-world military capability. By testing unmanned aerial and ground systems in realistic operational conditions, OPEX offers a way for Member States, industry and end-users to jointly test, evaluate and refine technologies. That helps to overcome the “valley of death” where innovations often fail to reach operational use.
Unlike traditional demonstrations, OPEX reflects a shift toward experimentation as a strategic tool. It generates critical insights into operational concepts, training requirements and interoperability challenges — supporting long-term defence planning. From autonomous systems and drones to electronic interference platforms, the campaign reflects EDA’s commitment to accelerating the uptake of emerging capabilities.
Weeks of field testingThe campaign unfolded in several phases of increasing complexity, from the evaluation of individual systems to fully integrated, cross-domain operations using unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) and unmanned ground systems (UGVs). The six companies — Portugal’s BEYOND VISION, ALTUS LSA of Greece, Austria’s SCHIEBEL, ALYSIS of Spain, PIAP of Poland and Germany’s ARX ROBOTICS — carried out simulations of coordinated tactical missions, focused on autonomous logistics under conditions closely mirroring real-life scenarios.
The final phase of the campaign tested these systems further in demanding, multi-domain environments, providing insight into how advanced technologies can be integrated into future military operations and force structures.
The Distinguished Visitors’ Day event brought together high-level representatives, including EDA's Denk, Director of CEPOLISPE Brigadier General Pierpaolo Dotoli, Italian National Armaments Director (NAD) Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, and Italy's Deputy NAD Luisa Riccardi. EDA’s Director for Research, Technology and Innovation, Nathalie Guichard outlined HEDI’s mission to accelerate defence innovation across the EU.
OPEX campaigns will become a multi-annual effort under HEDI. Future editions, hosted by various Member States, will expand in scope and complexity, covering a wider range of emerging technologies. They will feed directly into EU defence planning, helping ensure that innovation is translated more rapidly and effectively into operational capability.
The OPEX support team is a consortium led by French company EXTENSEE. It helped in the design and execution of the OPEX campaign in collaboration with EDA and the Italian authorities.
EDA awarded contracts across six specialised categories, following a competitive procurement process launched in July 2024:
Founded in 2004, the Agency helps foster defence cooperation across Europe. It serves as the central hub for EU countries aiming to develop their defence capabilities together. EDA’s activities span from harmonising requirements and developing operational capabilities to research, technology, innovation, training, and supporting Common Security and Defence Policy operations. The agency also works closely with the European defence industry to strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base.
« L'ère des réductions du nombre d'armes nucléaires dans le monde, qui a commencé à la fin de la guerre froide, touche à sa fin », diagnostique Hans M. Kristensen, maître de recherche associé au programme de l'Institut international de recherche sur la paix de Stockholm (SIPRI). Il prévoit que cet arsenal va au contraire se renforcer dans les années à venir. Il y a de quoi se faire peur…
- Défense en ligne / Armée, Armement nucléaire, Traité de non-proliférationFace aux évolutions économiques, technologiques et démographiques, les entreprises doivent repenser leur organisation du travail. Le Club Futur du travail, porté par l’Institut Choiseul et LinkedIn, a réuni dirigeants et experts autour de quatre leviers stratégiques : freelancing, lien intergénérationnel, IA & soft skills, et leadership transformationnel.
ESPACE
· L’essor du freelancing, réponse agile à des besoins en compétences spécifiquesEn forte croissance, le recours aux freelances s’impose comme une solution flexible pour répondre à des besoins ciblés, renforcer l’expertise et accompagner l’innovation. Il redéfinit les liens entre entreprises et talents.
· Le lien intergénérationnel, levier stratégique encore sous-exploitéAlors que quatre générations cohabitent en entreprise, la transmission, la coopération et la complémentarité deviennent des enjeux RH majeurs. Valoriser le lien intergénérationnel, c’est transformer une contrainte en levier d’intelligence collective.
· L’impact de l’intelligence artificielle sur la gestion des compétences et la montée en puissance des soft skillsL’intelligence artificielle accélère les mutations des métiers. Si les compétences techniques évoluent, les soft skills (empathie, esprit critique, adaptabilité) deviennent centrales. Une approche plus humaine du pilotage des talents émerge.
· Le rôle du leadership transformationnel, pour accompagner le changement de manière humaine et efficaceFace aux incertitudes, les organisations ont besoin de leaders inspirants, capables de donner du sens, d’embarquer les équipes et de piloter la transformation avec bienveillance. Un nouveau rapport au pouvoir et à la responsabilité s’installe.
5000 fő alatti önkormányzatok pályázhatnak júliustól vissza nem térítendő támogatásra, a közvilágítás korszerűsítésére. A támogatás intenzitása 100 százalékos, összege akár 50 millió forint is lehet.
Sudan’s war has left millions in need of protection, as civilians continue to endure mass displacement, famine, widespread violence, and grave human rights violations. Despite commitments to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have persistently targeted civilians, and international efforts to protect them have so far been insufficient. While ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, the protection of civilians cannot wait, and the international community must act now.
This report examines the policy options available to member states, the UN, and regional actors to support the protection of civilians in Sudan. It highlights feasible measures that can be taken even as ceasefire negotiations remain elusive, including the following:
The post Keeping Sudan in Focus: Policy Options for the Protection of Civilians appeared first on International Peace Institute.
On 30 June 2025, the European Defence Agency (EDA) signed the contract for the LEO2VLEO project to develop and deploy a constellation of military defence satellites capable of manoeuvring between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).
The €10 million contract was signed at the EDA headquarters by Chief Executive André Denk and Jeroen Rotteveel, CEO of ISISPACE, who leads the industrial consortium.
Co-funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Armed Forces, the project will design, develop, build, launch, and operate a constellation of three 16U satellites. The launch is planned within two years, marking a significant leap in European defence space capability.
Chief Executive Denk said: “LEO2VLEO is not just a demonstration of technology but a testament to our ability to work through multinational cooperation. We are proud to support this pioneering effort that will strengthen the EU’s resilience and readiness in space, an increasingly contested domain.”
ISISPACE CEO Rotteveel said: “It is encouraging to see this project gaining momentum, as it is a crucial step towards developing the space systems necessary for ensuring Europe's safety. Together with our consortium partners, we are confident in our ability to quickly deliver the functionalities required by the Dutch and Austrian Ministries of Defence.”
Earth observation, minimal debrisFor EDA and its Capability Technology Area (CapTech) Space, the project represents an achievement in defence research and technology (R&T). It will be the first known European military satellite constellation capable of transitioning between LEO and VLEO – a manoeuvre that enables greater flexibility, higher-resolution imaging, and enhanced responsiveness during crisis operations.
The LEO2VLEO satellites will provide proof of concept and in-orbit demonstration of defence applications, addressing Europe's urgent need for sovereign, rapid-response space assets. Using VLEO offers several strategic advantages, including improved communications, agility, and Earth observation capabilities, while minimising space debris risk.
This novel approach uses off-the-shelf components combined with extensive R&T to accelerate operational readiness. The project also foresees the inclusion of payloads for Earth observation and navigational warfare – both critical in today’s security environment.
EDA’s Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) supported the initiative through a preliminary study based on its 2023 proof-of-concept framework. This early investment by HEDI has helped pave the way for the current demonstrator phase.
In addition to demonstrating in-orbit performance, the project includes pre-operational capability development, laying the foundation for a future fully operational military satellite system. If successful, LEO2VLEO will set the stage for enhanced autonomy and resilience in European defence missions.
The project brings together a consortium of European innovators, comprising:
C'est un fétiche et c'est une jérémiade : « l'union ». Pour quoi faire ? On ne sait pas. L'essentiel est d'être « unis ». Tous ensemble vers le talus — on finira sur le toit mais on sera restés soudés. Le gros bon sens qui tache proteste cependant : « unis, on est plus fort que divisés ; divisés on n'arrivera à rien ». Mais tellement…
- La pompe à phynance / Parti politique, Politique, Syndicalisme1989. november 6-án az amerikai haditengerészet A-6 Intruder géppárja gyakorló bombázásra szállt fel a Whidbey Island tengerészeti légibázisról. Röviddel az indulás után az egyik gépen műszaki meghibásodás lépett fel. A kétfős személyzet ezután újabb problémákkal szembesült, és végül katapultálásra kényszerült.
Ha az amerikai haditengerészet Whidbey Island légibázisa után kutatunk a térképen, az ország északnyugati szegletében, a Washington állambeli Seattle közelében kell keresgélnünk. A légibázis nagyjából 150 kilométerre van a Csendes-óceántól, annak az öblökből, szorosokból és szigetekből álló víziút-rendszernek a partján, amelyet nemcsak a szabadidős hajósok, hanem a kanadai Vancouver kikötőjébe tartó vagy onnan a nyílt óceán felé igyekvő kereskedelmi hajók is használnak. Whidbey Island három évtizeden át a Csendes-óceáni flotta A-6-os századainak otthona volt, de az Intruderek mellett itt települt a haditengerészet összes EA-6B Prowler elektronikai hadviselési gépe és napjainkban innen repülnek a Prowlereket váltó EA-18G Growlerek is. Ha a századok éppen nem egy repülőgép-hordozóval járták a tengereket, vagy az ország más pontjain repültek, a bázis szűkebb és tágabb környéke is bőven kínált lehetőséget a gyakorlásra.
On June 25, the European Commission and the European Defence Agency (EDA) took a step forward in enhancing European defence cooperation by signing a Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA). This new agreement provides a long-term, stable foundation for working together on defence initiatives, especially in relation to the European Defence Fund (EDF).
The FFPA simplifies how the Commission and EDA sign annual Contribution Agreements, helping to speed up the process of supporting joint defence projects under the EDF. This creates the basis for a more enduring partnership between the Commission and EDA, closely linked to the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The agreement aims to simplify and accelerate the administrative and financial procedures related to indirect management of EDF projects, allowing resources to be mobilised more efficiently in support of EU strategic autonomy.
More than 40 projects worth around €300 millionSince the EDF was established, the Commission has entrusted EDA with the indirect management of 24 defence projects. With the addition of new projects made possible through this FFPA, that number will rise to over 40 projects with a total value of around €300 million.
This new partnership builds on the strong cooperation that has already developed between the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) and EDA. This framework stabilises and formalises a cooperation process between DG DEFIS and EDA on defence innovation, which further expands the complementarity between the European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) and EDA’s Hub for Defence Innovation (HEDI), building on their respective strengths.
DG DEFIS already closely collaborated with EDA for the implementation of EDF projects through annual Contribution Agreements since the launch of EDF in 2021. The FFPA ensures continuity and better coordination for European defence capabilities development.
In parallel with the FFPA, the Contribution Agreement for EDF 2024 calls was approved, further solidifying the operational and financial collaboration between the European Commission and EDA. Together, these agreements provide a clear and streamlined mechanism to manage joint defence projects, making it easier to implement and deliver critical defence capabilities.
André Denk, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, said: "Thanks to this new agreement and these new EDF projects, we can help EU Member States develop new defence technologies faster. Working with the European Commission, we can identify the most promising solutions, and, importantly, act as a technology broker – using EDA’s networks and EU funding to support further development."
Timo Pesonen, Director-general of DG DEFIS, said: "This agreement is more than a formality; it is a strategic enabler. By simplifying our cooperation with EDA, we will accelerate the delivery of innovative, EU-funded defence projects. This partnership is a concrete step towards providing our armed forces with the cutting-edge capabilities they need, faster and more efficiently. We are committed to turning our cooperation into tangible results for Europe's security." With an increasing number of projects and a deepening partnership, the Commission and EDA recognised the need to simplify how they work together. The FFPA does just that. It introduces:These changes are especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up a large share of EDF beneficiaries and are key drivers of innovation in the defence sector.
Bár a Roosevelt névről ma többnyire mindenkinek az oldalági rokon, Franklin Delano Roosevelt jut eszébe, de azért Theodore Roosevelt sem véletlenül került fel a Mount Rushmore oldalára. A robusztus, életerős Roosevelt általános habitusa sok szempontból erősen emlékeztet Churchillére, eltekintve attól, hogy sokkal műveltebb és intelligensebb volt, s emberi kvalitásait tekintve is felülmúlta a cinikus, és teljesen gátlástalan Brit Oroszlánt. Egyik életrajzában így jellemzik: „Roosevelt képmutató volt, de nem csaló. Ez a tehetséges, intelligens, olvasott és tiszta beszédű férfiú olyan tekintélyt és befolyást adott az elnöki hivatalnak, mely azt korábban sosem jellemezte.”
A Harvardon végzett Roosevelt már korán kapcsolatba került a haditengerészettel, történészi körökben máig nagyra tartott diplomamunkáját – „The naval war of 1812” – ugyanis az US Navy 1812-es háborúban való részvételéről írta, 1897-ben pedig a tengerészeti államtitkár helyettesének nevezték ki. (Az US Navy szervezeti felépítése más, mint a tradicionális európai haditengerészeteké, nincs például sem Admiralitás, sem Tengerészeti Miniszter. Helyette vannak olyan szervezetek, mint például a Department of the Navy, General Board of the United States Navy, illetve tengerészeti miniszter helyett tengerészeti államtitkár, United States Secretary of the Navy.) A spanyol háború idején Roosevelt lemondott állásáról, és önkéntesként, egy szabadcsapatot vezetve vett részt a kubai harcokban. (Mint Churchill nagyjából ugyanekkor a búr háborúban.) Felterjesztették a Becsületéremre is – Medal of Honor –, amit akkor ugyan nem kapott meg, ám jóval később, 2001-ben, poszthumusz odaítélték neki, így ő az Egyesült Államok egyetlen elnöke, aki birtokosa a legmagasabb katonai kitüntetésnek. (Idősebb fia, a normandiai partraszállásnál szívrohamban elhunyt Theodore, később szintén poszthumusz Becsületérmet kapott.) A propaganda által nemzeti hőssé emelt Roosevelt ezután a választásokat fölényesen megnyerve New York állam kormányzója lett, majd 1901-ben William McKinley elnök helyetteseként, vagyis alelnökként került be a Fehér Házba. McKinley-t néhány hónappal később meggyilkolták, így 1901 szeptemberében alelnöke, az ekkor mindössze 42 éves Theodore Roosevelt került az elnöki székbe, aki az 1904-es választásokat megnyerve 1909-ig töltötte be ezt a tisztséget.
A gazdaságátadási együttműködések ösztönzésére 4 és 20 millió forint közötti vissza nem térítendő támogatás válik majd igényelhetővé. A támogatás célja a családi gazdaságok sikeres generációváltásának elősegítése.