Synergies: Security, Defense and Space

In view of current trends such as increasing interconnectedness, uncertainties, interdependencies and challenges such as climate change, global systems competition, hybrid warfare and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the need for a holistic, integrated approach to the security of Germany and Europe¹ is becoming apparent. The “Security, Defense and Space Synergy Area” identifies common overlapping needs and topics where closer exchange between civil and military research is necessary or where added value can be created through a holistic security approach. In this area, TIP is proactively working with other Fraunhofer INT groups to exploit these synergies.

Global system rivalry and the efforts of some leading actors to reshape the global order are leading to the increasing use of covert means below the threshold of conventional war or a state of defense or alliance. These unconventional, irregular or non-restrictive warfare are not completely new, but are reaching a higher level of vulnerability due to increasing interconnectedness. Hybrid threats include cyber attacks, sabotage, information campaigns, espionage, malicious activities in outer space, and the use of economic and political measures, such as blockades in the UN Security Council². These hybrid attacks often target civilian actors, which requires increased civilian resilience and cooperation with the military. Since the military has practically no means of action in the civilian sector, it would have to rely on effective civilian defense and critical contributions from civil society, such as the provision of the rail network and the supply of fuel, for overall defense³.

On the other hand, the support of the military forces is also needed in crises such as pandemics and natural disasters such as floods. The Bundeswehr has the personnel and heavy equipment needed in such cases and can deploy them relatively quickly. These points illustrate the dependencies between civil security and defense actors and the need for increased civil-military cooperation to address modern challenges and strengthen overall national resilience.

Common tasks in defense and civil security include sustainable transformation and effective protection against drones and cyber attacks. The application of artificial intelligence and the associated ethical issues must also be intensively addressed by actors in both areas. In addition, dual-use and commercial-off-the-shelf technologies are becoming increasingly important, as are the contributions of private and volunteer actors to operational capability and procurement in defense and civil security, such as communication support from Star Link or cyber defense from large technology companies like Microsoft or cyber militias. Collaboration with private actors creates synergies and increases effectiveness in both areas.

Space technologies are an integral part of critical infrastructure. They enable worldwide communication and provide precise information on reconnaissance, position, navigation and time (PNZ). They are indispensable for transport, logistics, finance, modern agriculture, industry, emergency services, energy supply and waste disposal. Threats in space, such as solar storms, anti-satellite weapons or the dangers of space debris, must be included in security planning.

A systemic approach requires the involvement of all relevant actors from the private sector, public authorities, military, politics, civil society and research. This makes it possible to clearly identify interdependencies, develop holistic security concepts for society and the state, and simulate different threat scenarios more comprehensively, and subsequently implement appropriate security concepts and measures more effectively.

Fraunhofer INT is characterized by comprehensive research in the fields of civil security, defense and New Space. This interdisciplinary orientation enables us to pursue a holistic approach to security, supported by specific expertise and extensive networks. The business unit “Public Technology and Innovation Planning” (TIP) works proactively with other business units in the “Security, Defense and Space Synergy Area” to make targeted use of synergy potential. A wide range of methods are used, with a focus on intensive exchange and close collaboration.

The “synergy area: security, defense, space” is closely linked to “civil security”. In addition, it also includes the overarching topics of “resilience” and the active involvement of the population or “citizen science” in research and development processes.

¹ BMVg (2023): National Security Strategy: Defensible, Resilient. Sustainable. Integrated Security for Germany

² Hybrid CoE (2023): Hybrid Threats A Comprehensive Resilience Ecosystem

³ BMVg (2024): Bundesregierung stärkt militärische und zivile Verteidigung Deutschlands