Smart Defence
Smart defence is a concept that encourages Allies to cooperate in developing, acquiring and maintaining military capabilities to meet current security problems in accordance with the new NATO strategic concept. Therefore, NATO smart defence means pooling and sharing capabilities, setting priorities and coordinating efforts better.
Some of the factors driving the need for a smart defence NATO capability include the state of the global economy and recent events in the Middle East. From 2008 the world economy has been facing its worst period since the end of the Second World War. Governments are applying budgetary restrictions to tackle this serious recession, which is having a considerable effect on defence spending.
Smart defence NATO
Furthermore, the crisis in Libya underlined the unforeseeable nature of conflicts, and also showed the need for modern systems and facilities and for less reliance on the United States for costly advanced capabilities.
In these crisis times, rebalancing defence spending between the European nations and the United States is more than ever a necessity. The other Allies must reduce the gap with the United States by equipping themselves with capabilities that are deemed to be critical, deployable and sustainable, and must demonstrate political determination to achieve that goal. There must be equitable sharing of the defence burden. Smart defence is NATO's response to this.
NATO smart defence
The Chicago Summit will be a first but essential step in implementing this smart defence concept, with possible agreement between the Allies on a series of concrete multinational projects to develop the smart defence NATO capability. This will require a joint commitment to a new approach and a new mindset as regards the acquisition and maintenance of NATO smart defence capabilities in the long term.
NATO and Industry: same goals, different languages?
10 December 2013 Imagine being a shop owner and a group of 28 people walks in. How do you clarify one single order for everyone? This can be the challenge for both NATO and industry when dealing together. We ask industry leaders how they see the relationship, what can be done to improve it and how Smart Defence may make a difference.
US and the EU: more protection than defence?
10 December 2013 Defence companies from the EU and US have clear barriers between them. Though companies from either side of the Atlantic work together, this often despite their countries being Allies, not because of it. But new trade initiatives should bring the two major markets closer together. Could this improve defence collaboration - and benefit western countries and NATO?
Football and changing defences
10 December 2013 Football and the defence sector have a lot in common. For example, they both need a strong defence, potent attacks and a capable captain organising everything. NATO Review tries to show how recent changes in the defence industry would look if they were played out on the football pitch.
Helicopters - and why they’re important
15 October 2013 Despite often being expensive, high maintenance and tricky to operate, armed forces know they need helicopters. Whether it’s getting troops in, or the wounded out, helicopters are often the ‘go to’ choice. NATO Review looks at nations’ ongoing need for helicopters – and how they’re making it easier to use them together.
Modern defence: better smart than sexy?
15 October 2013 A huge array of equipment that has flowed into Afghanistan over more than a decade must now leave in more or less 12 months. This means calling in some specialist kit to get the job done, including massive air transport planes. NATO Review looks at how several countries have worked together to share this kit, saving money and time.
Smart Defence: the economic angle
1 April 2012 Smart Defence is not all about the economy. But the economic crisis has certainly played its part. How does the economic landscape look now. And what effect could this have on the development of Smart Defence. NATO Review asks NATO's Senior Defence Economist for his insights.
