The rise of defense-tech innovation is a critical development for Europe, as it follows in the footsteps of the U.S. and China. Three European start-ups recently achieved unicorn status, each valued at over €1 billion. These companies are working on a range of cutting-edge technologies, such as autonomous drones, robotic systems, and even bio-engineered cockroaches with micro-backpacks. As the technological arms race accelerates, the race is no longer just military—it’s about shaping how societies function.
At the heart of this transformation is a new doctrine of technological dominance, where civil and military infrastructures are merging. What was once confined to distant battlefields is now integrated into our cities, homes, and daily lives. This shift is driven by the increasing importance of personal data, which has become a fundamental resource for the tech industry. As countries focus on national security, the protection of personal data is being redefined, signaling a shift from universal protection to safeguarding “our people’s” data.
Technology’s influence extends far beyond the battlefield and into global geopolitics. Countries like China use technology to export surveillance systems and governance models to nations such as Myanmar. Russia extends its reach in Africa through military groups like the Wagner Group, while Israel’s surveillance technologies are tested in Palestine before being deployed elsewhere. These technologies are not neutral; they are strategic tools used by nations to exert influence.
Defense budgets are growing exponentially. The U.S. defense budget for 2025 is approaching $850 billion, while other nations like the UK and the Netherlands are significantly increasing their defense spending. These increases come at the expense of foreign aid and public services, highlighting a shift in priorities from social investments to military readiness. Meanwhile, governments are integrating artificial intelligence into military operations to create more efficient and cost-effective systems.
Big tech companies, once committed to avoiding military applications of AI, are now pursuing national security contracts. Companies like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic have received lucrative partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop AI technologies. At the same time, defense contractors are entering civilian markets, blurring the lines between military and commercial technologies.
Civilian technologies are also being militarized. Police forces in places like London and the U.S. are increasingly equipped with military-grade tools. Meanwhile, even everyday technologies are becoming targets for military use. In Israel, citizens were warned to disconnect home security cameras due to potential cyber threats. Similarly, Russian authorities have cautioned people in regions near the Ukrainian border about the potential misuse of civilian technologies.
This fusion of civil and military technology raises important concerns about privacy and freedom. These systems often rely on constant surveillance, turning populations into targets of suspicion. In a world where data is constantly collected, governments and companies are gaining access to our most intimate details. This leads to a dangerous overlap of military logic and commercial interests that shapes the technologies that govern our lives.
As military tech becomes more integrated into public infrastructure, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate defense interests from civilian needs. Technology is no longer just about improving lives; it’s being used as a tool of power. In this new world, security is prioritized over public well-being, signaling a dangerous shift in societal values.
The militarization of technology threatens democratic principles. It enables unchecked government power and facilitates the erosion of civil liberties. Authoritarian regimes have long used these technologies to control populations, and now democratic governments are beginning to adopt similar tactics. This transformation risks creating a world where dissent is silenced, and the line between civilian and combatant is blurred.
The future we face is one where surveillance is constant, freedom is restricted, and public life is governed by military logic. However, this future is not inevitable. Through awareness, debate, and action, we can ensure that technology serves the values of democracy, not fear.
Governments must enact clear laws and oversight to protect citizens’ rights while using surveillance and military technologies. Public contracts must be transparent, and civilian uses of military technologies should be rigorously scrutinized. It’s also essential that civil society pushes for greater involvement in the development and governance of these technologies to ensure they align with democratic principles.
The technologies we create today will define the societies of tomorrow. It’s crucial that we design them with care, keeping in mind our values, not just our fears.
