NATO launches new technological initiatives
NATO’s secretary general and defence ministers from 17 Allied countries agreed to take the lead on the development of NATO’s first Innovation Fund. (Photo: NATO)
NATO secretary general announced the launch of two NATO initiatives on 22 October, the Innovation Fund and DIANA.
NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, announced the launch of the NATO Innovation Fund on Friday at the 'Meetings of NATO Ministers of Defence'.
The fund is expected to invest $1 billion, with innovators working on emerging and disruptive technologies.
Not only will it help to bring in other sources of public and private investment and promote investment opportunities and market access across the whole Alliance, but it will also protect the most innovative technologies from competitors.
It is one part of a broader strategy and is being developed in tandem with the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, or DIANA.
Through DIANA, NATO allies will provide a network of technology test centres and accelerator sites to better harness civilian innovation in the defence industry.
This will strengthen the technological bond between Europe and North America, ensuring allies are able to operate the different technologies seamlessly.
Both initiatives are expected to be fully in effect by NATO’s Madrid Summit in 2022.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
