EU Defence Declassified

European Defence Agency

EU Defence Declassified, brought to you by the European Defence Agency, seeks to demystify trends in European Union military cooperation. In chats with our experts and invitees, EDA’s media team helps to analyse today’s most pressing defence issues, whether they be niche industrial topics or the historical sweep of EU defence integration. If you are curious about EU defence and EDA, then the EU Defence Declassified podcast is for you. 

  1. The art of military diplomacy

    22 JAN

    The art of military diplomacy

    When we think of diplomacy, we often picture civilian politics, embassies, and international relations, yet it is just as essential within the military sphere. In this new episode, we sit down with General Seán Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee, to explore how modern military leadership operates at the intersection of defence and diplomacy. From the very beginning of a military career, leaders are schooled to be a soldier, a scholar and diplomat, says Clancy. The reason is simple: every military decision carries political weight, and awareness of the political environment is essential from the first moment. In this episode, the last of our third season, General Clancy offers insight into how the EU Military Committee works. Representing the collective voice of all 27 Member States chiefs of defence, the EUMC must balance differing views, motivations, and national priorities to come to a position that is both realistic and effective.

    23 min
  2. SatCom for operations

    15 JAN

    SatCom for operations

    Satellite communication, or SatCom for short, is the technology that sends information via satellites orbiting the Earth. It underpins everything from internet access to phone communication – and plays a big role in military operations. Heinrich Krispler, project officer for Govsatcom and support to EU operations, reveals how Europe is using this technology to bolster security and support the military, for example, in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Holger Lueschow, who works closely with Heinrich, highlights how EU governments use SatCom, and explores ambitious new projects such as IRIS², the EU’s forthcoming satellite constellation.

    23 min
  3. 3D printing on the battlefield

    11/12/2025

    3D printing on the battlefield

    Additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – is becoming more accessible to all, thanks to lower costs and better software. It is also transforming how armed forces produce and deliver parts. With the right material and a machine, components can be reprinted in a matter of hours. In this new episode, Martin Huber, Project Officer for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics at EDA, explains how 3D printing is reshaping military logistics – and how troops could soon be deployed with their own mobile printing units. Joining him is Frederic Creusen, Innovation Manager at the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Together they dive into the materials and technologies behind on-demand production in the field.

    17 min
  4. AI for military decision-making

    04/12/2025

    AI for military decision-making

    Unlocking you phone with Face ID, searching for information on a search engine, using navigation apps, or tracking your daily 10,000 steps – all these everyday activities rely on AI. But AI is also becoming increasingly embedded in EU defence. For example, AI-powered imaging systems can detect threats during military operations, such as identifying an enemy ship or vehicle at long distances. Judith Dijk, Project Officer for Optronic Technologies at EDA, breaks down how these systems work and the technical challenges they pose. On the ethical side of AI, its responsible and lawful use, Liisa Janssens, researcher at the Technical University Delft, and an expert in AI and law, offers her insights.

    19 min
  5. Military drones in busy European skies

    27/11/2025

    Military drones in busy European skies

    Drones are changing modern warfare. Stephen O’Sullivan (EDA) explains how military drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will fit into everyday air traffic, and reveals that an EDA drone training programme is already under discussion. Meanwhhile, Mikk Murumäe , Chief Technology Officer of drone manufacturer Threod Systems, explores how drones are being deployed in Ukraine and the lessons learned from real world operations.

    15 min
  6. Investing more than ever: EU defence spending and EDA data 2024-2025

    20/11/2025

    Investing more than ever: EU defence spending and EDA data 2024-2025

    The European Union’s 27 countries are strengthening their defences, with spending hitting a record €343 billion in 2024. Based on a rigorous methodology, EDA Defence Data offers the most accurate and comparable information on spending across the EU.  Aleksandra Walczak (EDA), who helped draft EDA’s 2024-2025 defence data report, talks us through the numbers, explaining trends and what they mean for the future. Joining her is Juan Mejino-Lopez (Bruegel), who offers his insights on investment, innovation and the wider impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.

    23 min

  7. 28/06/2024

    Women in EU Armed Forces

    Women have served in diverse and impactful roles throughout European military history. Despite their contributions, women remain a minority within the armed forces. Today, as the EU prioritises the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and NATO adapts its 2018 WPS policy to address current security challenges, a significant transformation is underway. In this episode, we investigate the barriers that hinder women from joining and advancing within the military. We also assess EU and Member States’s strategies to enhance women's participation, and review the progress made to date.

    24 min

  8. 07/06/2024

    Defence beyond 2040 - Innovation and Financing

    In a time of rapid innovation, many EU countries lag in research and development investment, while investors grapple with ethical concerns and the defence sector's public image. As technology evolves, questions arise about innovation dynamics, financing sustainability, and industry strength. Federica Valente (EDA) and Jan Pie (Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Association of Europe) provide insights into innovation shifts, EDA's Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), and financing strategies. We also explore nurturing innovation culture, political support, and improving industry-government partnerships.

    34 min
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About

EU Defence Declassified, brought to you by the European Defence Agency, seeks to demystify trends in European Union military cooperation. In chats with our experts and invitees, EDA’s media team helps to analyse today’s most pressing defence issues, whether they be niche industrial topics or the historical sweep of EU defence integration. If you are curious about EU defence and EDA, then the EU Defence Declassified podcast is for you. 

Information

  • Creator
    European Defence Agency
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © European Defence Agency
  • Show Website
    EU Defence Declassified

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