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Written by Or Shalom
Eurosatory is a world-leading security and defense exhibition held in Paris every two years, providing a platform for cutting-edge technologies in the field of weapons, military vehicles, defense systems, personal equipment for soldiers, and more. The exhibition, which took place between the 17th and the 21st of June, hosted 2,000 presenters from 41 countries, 62,000 invited guests from 150 countries, and 250 official delegations from 96 countries. As such, the exhibition is an opportunity for industrial, military, and law enforcement agencies to communicate and cooperate both during and after the event. The exhibition included military solutions for battle in all domains- the sea, air, land, and cyber. The major trends were advanced weapon systems, drones and robotic systems, tactical air defense systems, means to get rid of mines, electronic warfare, armored combat vehicles, and military and operational transport vehicles.
Both the Russia-Ukraine War and the current state in the Middle East dictate the trends and technological improvements, as well as the future trends following the demand. It seems that there is a significant increase in the conversion of commercial drones to combat needs, which is done by combining them with weapons using specialized payloads. Another major trend is the integration of AI to improve systems performance on the battlefield.
It is interesting to see how technological trends in the military and HLS market create on the one hand possible threats, and on the other hand- a market for sub-specific solutions for the battlefield. Thus, for example, the use of drones and UAVs provide crucial capabilities on the battlefield, but since the opponent uses the same capabilities, counter-drone capabilities and technologies must be developed. Furthermore, since the system itself is exposed to threats aerial threats, blocking, and disruptions, these systems must be resistant to such blocking weapons.
Another example is the implementation of AI that also requires consideration as to how it will be used and its need to connect to the cloud, and other different systems and units. Therefore, if the situation snapshots the commanders received in the past were local and temporary, today there needs to be the ability to process them on the cloud, share, connect, and transfer them between different systems. Therefore, the AI trend is pushing the market towards faster processing solutions, and data condensation to create a richer platform that will enable ultimate computation in various situations, as well as the need for cyber security throughout the entire process until the data reaches the cloud.
Impressive Trends in UAVs and Unmanned Systems:
The trends, especially in the past two years, have shown that unmanned systems have tremendous potential to perform tasks autonomously and independently of humans (most of the time) on the battlefield. These missions are carried out through a combination of drones and UAVs that are equipped with systems and payloads for various uses and in different weights, which enable a variety of tasks that can range from intelligence missions, and mine and bomb detection to “suicide” systems[1]. Integrating AI capabilities as well as ML systems improves the accuracy and efficiency of mission identification and planning, causing a trend of improved performance. Hence, the ability to equip either a tactical unit or an infantry unit with a drone enables, among other things, the ability to collect information about important targets in real-time while reducing risks to the security of the operating force in a hostile environment. For example, integrating AI capabilities into a drone that lets the user discover hidden forces in the field based on the realization of AI-based algorithms (identifying unusual movements in a hidden area, etc.) and the ability to pass this information back to the forces or weapons systems for intercepting said target[2].
The exhibition featured improved systems with precision capabilities for autonomous operations, tactical and quick-activation, takeoff and landing at different angles, dealing with obstacles, agility, evasion, prolonged stay and saving resources (fuel or battery).
Another interesting trend is understanding the potential of using small drones for military purposes. So far, small drones have been used mainly for civilian purposes and have been less affected by the military sector[3]. Now that small drones have been proven effective for mission-critical combat, there are requirements that affect the light-drone market including accuracy, speed, cyber-immunity, and EW. These trends affect the development of autonomous systems and drones (whether individuals or part of a swarm) that are advancing at a rapid pace and affecting national and military security around the world[4]. Alongside these trends, there need to be additional improvements to ensure and support the mission – the strength of the system itself against threats of jamming, denial of MITM attacks, manipulations like spoofing, and many more, both by built-in capabilities and by integrating a dedicated component[5].
Improved mine detection capabilities:
The main trigger for the market and the development of mine detection systems is naturally driven by the need to protect the forces and teams in the field. Therefore, the leading idea is the ability to distance the person as much as possible from the area itself and to use advanced systems and technology. These technologies are based on aerial and satellite imagery, geographic and field differences analysis, and a smart algorithm for data analysis. Features of AI and ML also have additional contributions to improving algorithmic capabilities. Researchers at Columbia University in collaboration with Safe Pro Group are promoting “proof of ability” to implement machine learning through drones for mine detection[6]. According to the research concept, the drone flies over a test area after being trained on the visual characteristics of 70 types of mines, ammunition, and explosive charges, and can perform the appropriate image analysis and classification processing. This is proof of ability that combines a significant leap due to the already existing challenges in detecting mines using drones both due to the detection-avoiding design and reduced metal content (EMI) and due to the location and possible dispersion in the examined area.
Military Mobility and Capability to Pass Though Challenging Areas:
Mobility on the battlefield and combat areas requires the ability to reach targets quickly, with maximum flexibility, quiet, and the ability to respond quickly and unclumsily in the event of actual combat– whether it is carried out by UGVs, heavy tools, vehicles, tractors, motorcycles or electric bicycles (used for quick and quiet arrival at relatively close destinations)[7]. The terrain dictates the requirements for the ability to carry heavy weight, weapons systems, built-in and secure communications, intelligence systems and vehicle protection (which adds weight to military mobility), as well as the need to conserve energy (whether it is fuel, batteries, or electricity). The flexibility in mobility, and the ability to pass through challenging areas while keeping quiet are essential features of operational ability and the ability to sneak in and surprise the enemy, hence a whole market of accessories and capabilities. Alongside the very diverse AFVs that were presented at the exhibition, which included advanced weapons systems combined with AI-based technologies, the exhibition also included vehicles and tactical tools for raids and rapid arrival at the destination (from buggies to ATVs, motorcycles, and field-adapted scooters)[8].
Military-purpose field motorcycles are critical tools that can be used for a wide range of missions and terrain conditions. Using motorcycles for these tasks also involves quite a few risks, including the risk of injury, overcoming obstacles, possible bilateral warfare, exposure risks, and more. However, there are quite a few advantages to using them (as long as one defines these risks and factors in improved riding skills, protection, and appropriate equipment). The motorcycles displayed at the exhibition are equipped with advanced systems, powerful motors, durable racks, and special tires that will ensure their ability to cope with terrains like mud, rocks, sand, and snow. They enable the special forces to reach places that are difficult or impossible to reach by means of larger vehicles (sometimes they will be transported by an AFV to the location where they will be sent out for missions). These field motorcycles are also equipped with navigation systems and essential equipment that make them essential tools.
Among the popular tools presented at the exhibition were the STRIX and MMX, which are characterized by an efficient battery and fast charging, light weight, and capabilities to equip, operate, and drive (relatively) quietly, which allows for a stealthy and quick arrival at their destination. Another important feature is automatic driving, which allows the driver to concentrate on navigation, shooting, etc.[9] Another impressive (non-electric and semi-automatic) motorcycle is ETENDRAD’s FOUDRE, which is based on the Yamaha WR 250.[10] The Yamaha model has undergone adjustments and reinforcement of certain parts, replacement of backplate, field-adjusted lanterns with visible light/infrared vision, increased tank volume, adding different connections, and full defenses with a latent addition – all with the goal of not changing the design and visibility.
The 2024 Eurosatory exhibition was a high-quality exhibition that professionally presented innovative technologies and capabilities in the fields of defense and security. One of the other significant trends in the exhibition was the advanced solutions to the challenges of tomorrow, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, the ability to predict problems and maintenance, and of course, cyber threats. The use of artificial intelligence has been prominent across a host of systems, whether it be in vehicles, robots, drones, or smart missiles. This exhibition, along with other security exhibitions (such as Milipol) highlights the growing importance of technology and integration in modern systems[11]. As such, it sets the foundation for a smarter, more resilient future for global security and defense systems.
The author is a security, cyber and HLS technology expert and consultant to government ministries and defense industries. He holds a master’s degree, as well as civil and national qualifications in the realm of HLS and Cyber Security. He has experience in consultation and business development for security companies and groups in matters of planning and building defense, innovation and security technology, exercises, and training in security and cyber.
[1] https://en.defence-ua.com/industries/germany_develops_fpv_drone_for_various_munitions_now_striking_russian_forces_in_ukraine-10849.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgcQ3VDZtQ
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeFh7Gjglo
[3] https://breakingdefense.com/2024/06/france-makes-new-pact-with-industry-to-speed-small-drone-production-acquisition/
[4] https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.abm5954
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQXVUze8oEs
[6] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/5/859
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WxaOgYxicc , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9FvYoNjRgQ
[8] https://www.edrmagazine.eu/ermine-a-new-mobility-for-airmobile-and-light-troops-from-rheinmetall , https://etendard.tech/furie/
[9] https://www.strix-evolution.com/explore-strix-electric-hard-enduro-bike , https://zeromotorcycles.com/model/zero-fx
