Uncrewed systems for the Military

For many years, military and defense policy were not particularly prominent in public debate. However, this has changed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Modern technologies and short development cycles pose a challenge for armed forces and the traditional armaments industry, while simultaneously offering economic opportunities that will be the focus of the conference „Armaments as an economic factor" on March 26, 2026, in Vienna.

Where large arms companies once operated largely in isolation for decades, small and medium-sized enterprises are now increasingly emerging with innovative ideas and technologies that contribute to the new realities on the battlefields and in military conflicts. In this context, uncrewed systems play a central role. The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine significantly contributes to an extremely high pace of innovation. The defense industry is therefore not only a guarantor of security policy capability but increasingly also a driver of research, digitalization, and high technology. What was once considered a closed market is now evolving into an open innovation space, where traditional industry, startups, and technology companies are jointly exploring new pathways.

While war predominantly showcases contrasts and confrontation, the conference „Armaments as an economic factor“, organized by the imh Institute, aims to build bridges: between the economy and defense, between politics and technology, between innovation and responsibility. It invites decision-makers to discuss how Europe can strengthen its industrial base, ensure technological sovereignty, and simultaneously open up new economic perspectives in the field of armaments and security.

Image: Studio NEXT / imh