Startups need a clearer path to working with the European Defence Agency – and Europe's security depends on it
Some leading voices say that Europe needs to be able to deter a potential invasion in less than 18 months to stay safe.
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Dr Robert Brüll, CEO of FibreCoat, argues in Space News that dual-use and defence startups need a clearer path to working with the European Defence Agency – and Europe’s security depends on it:
‘Europe’s defense challenges today are not theoretical. They’re real, immediate and developing fast: some leading voices say that Europe needs to be able to deter a potential invasion in less than 18 months to stay safe. The war in Ukraine has shown the literally vital importance of improvisation, speed and response. Student-built drones are destroying tanks worth millions: decentralised, low-cost innovation by startups has changed the game. The rest of Europe must approach defense in the same way. …
So what exactly do we need? For one thing, a shift in posture. The EDA must take conscious steps to widen its circle and lower its barriers. It should publish more open calls, simplify access to CapTechs, create fast-track channels for startups with relevant dual-use technologies and host regular open days while proactively approaching companies within the startup ecosystem; it shouldn’t wait for the startups to come knocking. Most importantly, it should put speed at the heart of its procurement and funding models.
What should frustrate Europeans concerned with the continent’s defense is that we have a long and rich tradition of intellectual curiosity, free inquiry, creative thinking and world-leading engineering. Our talent is nurtured and shaped in world-class research environments that include some of the best universities globally. And yet, we are failing to make the most of these enviable advantages. A simple, well-lit path to defense is all that’s needed for entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators and others with dual-use or defense products to make their work serve the common good of the people across the continent. The landscape must also adapt by getting rid of the civil clause for universities and making dual-use a prerequisite for research grants. These are actionable approaches that policymakers could take immediately. If this can be addressed, the potential for transformation in European defense is enormous.’
British space manufacturing company Space Forge, which aims to develop ultra-efficient semiconductors, raised £22.6 million in its Series A funding round. Tech Funding News reports:
‘Founded in 2018 by Joshua Western and Andrew Bacon, Space Forge is pioneering a new industrial revolution, one that leverages the unique environment of space to manufacture materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to produce on Earth. By tapping into microgravity, vacuum, and extreme temperature differentials, the company aims to unlock a new category of super materials with far-reaching implications for the climate, defence, and digital economies.
The new funds will accelerate development of the company’s next-generation, returnable satellite, ForgeStar®-2, a reusable platform designed for industrial-scale manufacturing in space. The round will also support ForgeStar®-1, Space Forge’s first in-orbit demonstration mission, expected to launch in 2025.
These missions are critical for proving the company’s vision: a scalable and economically viable system for manufacturing high-performance materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with safe re-entry and recovery back on Earth. The implications are enormous, from bolstering the semiconductor supply chain to advancing quantum computing and energy storage.’
SAR powerhouse ICEYE has signed a deal with the Polish Ministry of National Defence worth €200 million, Defence Industry Europe reports:
‘ICEYE, a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology, has signed an agreement with the Ministry of National Defense of Poland to supply three SAR satellites to the Polish Armed Forces. The agreement, valued at approximately €200 million, also includes the option to purchase an additional three satellites and enhanced ground segment capabilities within the next 12 months under the Polish Armed Forces’ MikroSAR program.
The deal marks a significant step for Poland in enhancing its radar reconnaissance capabilities. ICEYE will also collaborate with local industry to develop a mobile Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, which will enable near real-time satellite tasking, data download, and analysis.
Rafał Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, expressed pride in supporting Poland’s defence efforts, stating: “ICEYE is proud to strengthen defense capabilities in Poland with cutting-edge SAR satellites. Our advanced, operationally proven satellite system provides actionable intelligence for resilience, readiness, and response, and enables informed and rapid decision-making in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.”’
The European Space Agency announced a partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation after proposed cuts to NASA put joint projects at risk:
‘ESA and ISRO declared their intent to work together on the interoperability of rendezvous and docking systems to allow their respective spacecraft to work together in low Earth orbit. They will also examine further activities related to astronaut training, analogue space missions – where teams test aspects of space missions in ground-based simulations – and parabolic flight activities.
The joint statement will open the door for joint research and utilisation activities for the future in low Earth orbit through the use of common standards. This could include joint research through existing projects or European space research being carried out on the Indian POEM platforms, which use the spent upper stage of a polar satellite launch vehicle as a temporary orbital platform.’
And lastly, United States Space Force has released a short documentary on the role that it, and space, is playing in modern warfare: