NATO must radically accelerate the pace of developing and implementing new weapons systems, or the alliance risks losing the next decisive conflict in Europe. This was stated by Swedish Air Force Commander Jonas Wikman during the Defence IQ International Fighter conference, Breaking Defense reports.
Source: Gazeta.UA
“If we cannot develop faster, innovate, and learn under pressure like Ukraine does, we may lose the next war with Russia. What’s happening in Ukraine is a master class in accelerated adaptation. The one who learns fastest wins,” Wikman emphasized.
The Swedish Air Force is already applying this model while integrating the S 106 GlobalEye early air warning system, produced by Saab. According to Wikman, modern warfare shows that tactics change weekly, and most of the weaponry provided to Ukraine by its allies is now used in entirely different ways than initially planned.
To keep up with technological challenges, Wikman called for strengthening cooperation between the military, industry, and academic institutions. A key role in this process, he said, should be played by the “development group” within the GlobalEye unit, which includes representatives from various sectors.
“Industry and academia must be integrated into our military structure even under wartime conditions — working side by side and having the authority to make decisions. Only then can we stay one step ahead,” the commander concluded.
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