Military Technologies: Challenges for Small States

The main theme of the conference will be the challenges of military technology in a small country context.

January 24, 2024 - January 25, 2024

Tallinn, Estonia

Emerging technologies are rapidly changing the character of future warfare. The main goal for small countries should not be to describe and shape global strategic threats, but rather to be able to adapt quickly and respond effectively when facing possible threats. The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and the vast variety of combinations of manned and unmanned systems and their completely new level of integration are the essential elements of warfare. In view of this, newly structured force capable of carrying out mosaic warfare is expected to appear on the battlefield in the future. Effects will become important features on the battlefield and this in turn will change significantly the tasks and roles of soldiers. As a result, there are increasing cognitive demands associated with the employment and use of new capabilities and deluge of information that appears in multi-sensor, virtual and augmented reality environments.

The main theme of the conference will be the challenges of military technology in a small country context. Sub-themes will include the role of military AI in future conflicts and the challenges of joint operations and electronic warfare.

The conference is open to security experts, representatives of the defence forces and defence industry, and researchers involved in the development of emerging and dual-use technologies.

The conference expects to cover:

• New players on the future battlefield

• The role of military AI in future conflicts

• Challenges and lessons learnt in military AI technology developments

• Measures to increase survivability through electronic warfare technologies

• Models for cooperation with small defence industries