Advancing Strategic Thought Through Independent Defence Scholarship

The Defence Horizon Journal is an independent international platform bringing together researchers, practitioners and military professionals to advance informed debate on security and defence.

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  • Article

    Beyond The Horizon: Training Minds And Systems For Tomorrow’s Conflicts

    Abstract: Technological advancements and evolving security policies increasingly shape military conflicts through AI, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities. Future developments can be analysed from both military-technological and tactical perspectives, highlighting challenges in command structures, information processing, and execution. The vignettes address the aspects of capability, understanding, and will, i.e., the parts of combat power. Countermeasures… Read more →

    Johannes Ginthör, Markus Schmid

  • Article

    Social Cohesion, Collective Defence, And The Latent Power Of Democracy

    Abstract: Collective security in democracies is unviable without public trust and a publicly cogent threat assessment. Thus, it follows that democratic security architects should promote an internally-focused threat perception and engage in realistic perception management. There needs to be a greater focus on what we have that is worth protecting, and why; moreover, threat perceptions… Read more →

    Dermot Nolan

  • Article

    The WarTech Nexus – Are Military Structures Fit Enough?

    Abstract: Military effectiveness hinges on technological innovation and organisational fitness—the ability to adapt, integrate, and exploit new capabilities. While AI, cyber warfare, and autonomous systems are reshaping conflict, rigid hierarchies and cultural resistance hinder their adoption. Bridging the gap between technological potential and institutional readiness requires decentralised decision-making, strategic alignment, and adaptive structures. Public-private partnerships,… Read more →

    Bernhard Schulyok, Lukas Grangl, Markus Gruber

  • Article

    Enhancing Battlefield Observation With Imitation Learning And Digital Twin-Based Model Training

    Abstract: The evolution of battlefield surveillance, from traditional elevated vantage points to advanced satellite remote sensing, has transformed geospatial data into actionable insights. The research focuses on creating a Digital Twin of a battlefield using a range of data sources. A methodology for assessing terrain features, such as visibility, slope, and soil moisture, is developed,… Read more →

    Michail Kefalakis, Nikolaos V Karadimas

  • Article

    The Integration Of AI-Empowered Autonomous Weapon Systems In European Defence

    Abstract: As AI technologies advance, they alter military strategies and raise critical issues, including legal adherence to international humanitarian law and ethical concerns such as accountability and the potential for dehumanised warfare. The integration of AI-enhanced Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) presents both strategic opportunities and profound legal and ethical challenges for European defence. Problem statement:… Read more →

    Nicola Bonsegna

  • Article

    1+1 ≠ 2: Digital Friction, Uncertainty, And The Limits Of Technological Determinism

    Abstract: Emerging and Disruptive Technologies are fundamentally reshaping modern warfare, creating a paradox where military forces are empowered and constrained by digital advancements. Western militaries, particularly NATO, face growing friction as their force structures struggle to adapt to the constantly evolving Russian way of warfare witnessed in Ukraine. This paper introduces the concept of digital… Read more →

    Alexander Schäbler

  • Article

    Space And Electronic Warfare Reimagined

    Abstract: The militarisation of space and the rise of AI-driven electronic warfare have created dual frontiers in modern conflict, demanding innovative strategies to ensure operational resilience and sustainability. This caused substantial challenges of orbital congestion, anti-satellite (ASAT) operations, and the evolution of electronic warfare. By integrating concepts such as orbital suppression, stealth technology, and adaptive… Read more →

    Isabella T Grant

  • Article

    Is Manoeuvre Warfare The First Casualty Of The War In Ukraine?

    Abstract: The Russo-Ukrainian War has revealed major technological and doctrinal implications. Among these, the big question that arises is whether the manoeuvrist approach, which is one of the cornerstones of current NATO doctrine, is still relevant and practicable in current and future conflicts. The most evident trend is how, for the most part, the ground… Read more →

    Gianluca Bonci, Fabio Riggi

  • Article

    Military Confrontation Between The People’s Republic Of China And The United States In A Scenario Of A Chinese Invasion Of Taiwan

    Abstract: This article examines the growing potential for confrontation between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan, fueled by Beijing’s strategy to isolate its neighbour through an intricate array of military, economic, and diplomatic coercion. It considers this part of Beijing’s larger goal to erode the regional superiority enjoyed by Washington in East Asia… Read more →

    Clément Stratmann

  • Article

    Manoeuvre And Attrition – Core Elements Of Naval Warfare

    Abstract: In contrast to recent engagements at sea defined nearly exclusively by the logic of attrition, this paper argues that manoeuvre warfare is an essential component of naval warfare. The article shows that, depending on mission objectives, naval operations are characterised by manoeuvre warfare and thus contribute to minimising an adversary’s attempt to attrite one’s… Read more →

    Tobias Kollakowski, Rainer Preuß, Stefan Glufke

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