What’s New in New Defence?

Episode 6 examines how technological sovereignty, cybersecurity and drone warfare are reshaping Europe’s defence capability and strategic autonomy. Mikko Hyppönen discusses Europe’s position in the global technology landscape, the cybersecurity investment gap between Europe, the United States and China, and the growing importance of digital sovereignty. Drawing on operational experience from Ukraine, he explains how drone systems, RF detection and sensor fusion are transforming the battlefield and redefining situational awareness in connected environments. The discussion also explores artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and its role in strengthening defensive capability. Mikael Wigell brings an economic security perspective to the conversation, analysing how technological interdependence, supply chains and capital flows have become central elements of national security strategy. The episode situates these themes within a broader requirement to integrate cyber resilience, defence innovation and economic statecraft to sustain credible sovereignty in an increasingly contested technological environment.

EPISODE 05: Interdependence, Drones and Technological Sovereignty Episode 5 examines how open source intelligence, synthetic content and space based monitoring are reshaping Europe’s security landscape. Intelligence Analyst Veli-Pekka Kivimäki discusses how information validation, analytical integrity and modern tradecraft evolve in an increasingly saturated and manipulated information environment. Kuva Space CEO Jarkko Antila brings a capability perspective, explaining how hyperspectral imaging and continuous satellite coverage enable early warning and monitoring across civilian and defence domains. The discussion also addresses the structural investment logic of space and defence capability development. The episode explores how intelligence practice and space technology are becoming integrated pillars of Europe’s sovereign security architecture.

In the fourth episode of What's New in New Defence, we examine how climate change and energy security are reshaping Europe's defence and resilience planning. Research Professor Paula Kivimaa from the Finnish Environment Institute explains how renewable energy transition strengthens strategic autonomy and highlights lessons from Ukraine on the resilience of decentralized electricity systems. Director General Petteri Taalas from the Finnish Meteorological Institute introduces impact-based forecasting and explains how dual-use meteorological services support both civilian and defence operations. The discussions reveal why climate adaptation, energy independence and technological sovereignty must integrate with defence strategy to navigate the compound challenges ahead.

In this episode of What’s New in New Defence, we examine how space has become a core component of European security and modern multi-domain defence. Commander of the Finnish Air Force, General Timo Herranen, discusses the expanding role of sovereign space capability, the integration of space data into operations and the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic and Nordic region. Ville Meskus from ReOrbit broadens the discussion to Europe’s industrial and technological sovereignty, highlighting how adaptable, software-defined satellites and flexible supply chains are transforming resilience and mission continuity. Together, the conversation shows why Europe must accelerate space capability development, strengthen cooperation and leverage commercial innovation to remain competitive in an era where space directly shapes deterrence, situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

In the second episode of What’s New in New Defence, we explore how cyber defence and emerging technologies are reshaping Europe’s security environment. Dr Catharina Candolin, Board Member of SSH Communications Security, explains how cyber has become a fully recognised domain of warfare – one that requires an integrated posture, clear leadership and stronger cooperation across governments, industry and allied partners. Mikael Westerlund, Chief Business Officer at Agate Sensors, introduces breakthrough advances in software-defined hyperspectral sensing and shows how next-generation on-chip capabilities can transform situational awareness, counter-drone protection and the broader defence technology landscape. Together, the discussion highlights Europe’s need to accelerate technological sovereignty, invest in deep-tech capability and remove barriers that slow innovation. The episode offers a timely perspective on how Finnish expertise contributes to more resilient, adaptive and future-ready defence solutions across Europe.

EPISODE 01: Technology Capability & Security in Europe’s New Defence Episode 1 explores how shifting geopolitics, emerging technologies and industrial capability are redefining European defence. Finnish MEP Mika Aaltola outlines the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, the escalation risks posed by Russian activity, and the rising role of drones in shaping the security landscape. Saab Finland CEO Kristian Tornivaara expands the discussion to Finland’s technology ecosystem, highlighting the nation’s deep-tech strengths, the TRL 6–7 development gap, and the importance of strengthening Europe’s industrial resilience from electronic warfare to semiconductor sovereignty. Together, the discussion provides a timely perspective on how Finland and Europe must integrate technology, capability development and strategic foresight to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving defence environment.