Episode 6 examines how technological sovereignty, cybersecurity and drone warfare are reshaping Europe’s defence capability and strategic autonomy.

Mikko Hyppönen discusses Europe’s position in the global technology landscape, the cybersecurity investment gap between Europe, the United States and China, and the growing importance of digital sovereignty.

Drawing on operational experience from Ukraine, he explains how drone systems, RF detection and sensor fusion are transforming the battlefield and redefining situational awareness in connected environments. The discussion also explores artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and its role in strengthening defensive capability.

Mikael Wigell brings an economic security perspective to the conversation, analysing how technological interdependence, supply chains and capital flows have become central elements of national security strategy.

The episode situates these themes within a broader requirement to integrate cyber resilience, defence innovation and economic statecraft to sustain credible sovereignty in an increasingly contested technological environment.

Episode 5 examines how open source intelligence, synthetic content and space based monitoring are reshaping Europe’s security landscape.

Intelligence Analyst Veli-Pekka Kivimäki discusses how information validation, analytical integrity and modern tradecraft evolve in an increasingly saturated and manipulated information environment.

Kuva Space CEO Jarkko Antila brings a capability perspective, explaining how hyperspectral imaging and continuous satellite coverage enable early warning and monitoring across civilian and defence domains. The discussion also addresses the structural investment logic of space and defence capability development.

The episode explores how intelligence practice and space technology are becoming integrated pillars of Europe’s sovereign security architecture.

In the fourth episode of What's New in New Defence, we examine how climate change and energy security are reshaping Europe's defence and resilience planning. Research Professor Paula Kivimaa from the Finnish Environment Institute explains how renewable energy transition strengthens strategic autonomy and highlights lessons from Ukraine on the resilience of decentralized electricity systems.

Director General Petteri Taalas from the Finnish Meteorological Institute introduces impact-based forecasting and explains how dual-use meteorological services support both civilian and defence operations. The discussions reveal why climate adaptation, energy independence and technological sovereignty must integrate with defence strategy to navigate the compound challenges ahead.