Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

This study proposes a time-synchronised airborne–ground semiconductor radiation measurement architecture for in-situ validation of space weather models in military aviation environments. The work defines a measurement research proposal using a JAS-39 Gripen platform equipped with a semiconductor detector and a ground-based reference system, rather than reporting results. The framework enables correlation of radiation measurements with space weather datasets, operational forecasts, and the AVIDOS dosimetric model for aviation radiation exposure. It supports model validation and improves characterisation of the aviation radiation environment. Overall, the research proposal enhances Space Domain Awareness by increasing availability of in-situ radiation data in flight conditions.

The rapid spread of unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions has created a new class of threats for critical infrastructure, especially for facilities that depend on uninterrupted operation and contain exposed roof and wall assemblies. In such an environment, the design of protective systems can no longer focus only on conventional lateral threats or on isolated single-impact scenarios. Instead, it must address repeated fragmentation exposure, localized cumulative damage, and the need to preserve functionality after attack. This paper develops a standalone conference contribution based primarily on the ballistic material evaluation presented in Chapter 5 of the source study. The text focuses on the structural characteristics, test response, and engineering applicability of rigid glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels and flexible Twaron T730 aramid systems for infrastructure protection. Two GFRP panels with nominal thicknesses of 12.2 mm and 14 mm were evaluated under ballistic loading, while rear-face deformation was measured by laser profilometry and internal damage was assessed using digital radiography. In parallel, a multilayer Twaron T730 aramid configuration was used as a comparative flexible barrier system. The results confirm that rigid GFRP panels provide stable mechanical resistance, controlled rear-face deformation, and a low probability of catastrophic penetration under the tested conditions. The radiographic evaluation further shows that internal damage zones can significantly exceed visibly damaged areas, highlighting the importance of non-destructive inspection for reliable post-impact assessment. The aramid system demonstrates favorable energy absorption under moderate impact loading, but it also reaches its limits under repeated higher-energy events. Based on the combined results, the paper argues that rigid composite panels are the most suitable primary protective element for large-area infrastructure applications, while aramid systems are best employed as supplementary internal layers or as part of a hybrid configuration. The findings are discussed in relation to roof protection, multi-hit resistance, modular retrofitting, and the practical design of protective envelopes for critical infrastructure exposed to fragmentation hazards.

This article deals with the design of a system for monitoring gearbox vibrations, which is one of the initial phases of research within a dissertation. This study examines the possibility of diagnosing and predicting failures in military vehicles using machine learning to increase the operational reliability of military equipment and enable the early detection of impending failures. For the purposes of machine learning, it is necessary to obtain a large amount of input data so that it can subsequently be compared with a state in which a potential defect can be observed. Essentially, there are two options for obtaining the input dataset: using a ready-made dataset or acquiring data from a perfect state. A report on this method of data acquisition is the subject of this article. This article presents a real-time vibration monitoring solution that is beneficial for the aforementioned purposes. During the development of this report, efforts were made to utilize commercially available devices to create a cost-effective solution that could be used to acquire input data and subsequently compare it.

The aim of this article is to propose a functional categorisation of counter-drone measures based on an analysis of selected technical and operational aspects of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) protection for critical infrastructure and soft targets in hybrid conflicts. Traditional UAV protection approaches based primarily on legislative regulation and UAV cooperation are necessary but insufficient. Problematic are non-cooperative drones, especially autonomous systems. Emphasis is given to active protection and hard-kill solutions.

Personal body armor has evolved to address threats typical of contemporary warfare. Artillery effects, particularly fragmentation, have become a significant threat to military personnel, increasing the demand for effective protective solutions. This paper proposes a combined analytical–experimental framework for evaluating the effectiveness of personal body armor against artillery fragmentation. Fragmentation characteristics are examined using mathematical modeling and analytical methods. Additionally, existing body armor evaluation standards and testing methods are reviewed. The results indicate that fragmentation represents the dominant lethal mechanism of artillery fire. Although the V50 ballistic test is commonly used to assess fragment resistance, it does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of real-world protection effectiveness. These findings highlight the need for more advanced and realistic assessment methods.

The paper addresses the introduction of predictive maintenance for military ground equipment under field conditions through assisted diagnostics and remote expert collaboration. It proposes a “field-level PdM” process–data framework linking on-site evidence capture, standardized recording of maintenance events, and subsequent analytics, including remaining useful life (RUL) prognostics. The approach is examined via scenario-based pilot testing that evaluates time to fault identification, record quality, and robustness under degraded connectivity. Expected outcomes include reduced downtime, improved asset availability, and enhanced data readiness for PdM analyses. The discussion situates the approach within current initiatives of the Czech Armed Forces and highlights ergonomic and safety considerations associated with long-term use of hands-free devices. The study provides a basis for further operational and economic assessment.

Contemporary operational environments, particularly those characterized by the widespread use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), expose artillery units to persistent surveillance and rapid targeting, significantly increasing the risk to crews operating at or near the weapon [1,2]. Despite growing automation, a systematic approach to assessing the capability to conduct fire without physical crew presence is lacking. This paper proposes a reproducible evaluation framework for the technical capability of artillery systems to conduct remote-controlled fire from a protected position. The approach combines necessary conditions - unmanned firing cycle, automatic gun aiming, and absence of crew at the weapon - with a multi-criteria assessment and explicit consideration of data uncertainty. The method is applied to selected self-propelled howitzers and multiple launch rocket systems. The evaluation indicates that modern howitzers generally meet the required conditions, while rocket systems exhibit emerging capability, often supported by expert assessment rather than documented evidence.

This paper explores strategic communication as a key instrument for countering hybrid threats in contemporary democratic states. The author, drawing on conceptual analysis, policy documents and practical case studies, examines the role of strategic communication in strengthening societal resilience, shaping public narratives, and responding to information-based aggression. He defines hybrid threats as multidimensional and adaptive phenomena operating below the threshold of armed conflict, exploiting institutional, psychological and informational vulnerabilities. Simultaneously, he argues that strategic communication, when coordinated, credible and value-based, constitutes an essential component of national security policy. The analysis identifies four core functions – informational, preventive, coordinative and normative – and highlights challenges related to institutional fragmentation, analytical capacity, and ethical dilemmas. Based on the findings, the author formulates normative and practical recommendations for policymakers. He concludes that strategic communication is not only a reactive tool but also a proactive mechanism for narrative resilience and democratic integrity in the age of non-linear conflict.

This paper analyzes cybersecurity risks in mobile contactless fingerprint acquisition and proposes a two-phase processing and evaluation pipeline. The method estimates fingerprint resolution (DPI) using reference objects and applies preprocessing and normalization for reliable matching. Security threats, including presentation attacks using fingerprint presentation attack instruments, are analyzed according to ISO/IEC standards. Experimental results show that DPI normalization improves matching performance, achieving zero FAR and FRR in the evaluated dataset. The approach provides a basis for secure processing and future integration of presentation attack detection mechanisms in mobile biometric systems.

In this paper we present a structured framework for introducing quantum programming into defence-oriented education and we argue that early literacy in quantum technologies is essential for future military officers. Motivated by the rapid progress of quantum processors and the growing impact of quantum algorithms on cryptanalysis, optimisation, and data processing, we outline both the opportunities and security risks that quantum computing brings to national defence systems. The first part of paper provides a concise introduction to quantum computing fundamentals, including the nature of qubits, superposition and measurement, the action of key quantum gates, and the construction of multi-qubit states through tensor products. The second part demonstrates these principles through simple quantum circuits implemented in Python using Qiskit, illustrating phenomena such as the creation of a maximally entangled two-qubit state and an analogue of the Monty Hall paradox. By combining mathematical concepts with hands-on experimentation in a controlled simulation environment, the proposed teaching approach highlights the operational relevance of quantum thinking for cadets preparing for roles in cyber defence, signals and communications, electronic warfare, and intelligence analysis. The article concludes that integrating quantum programming into military education enhances technological preparedness and strengthens the ability of defence institutions to anticipate quantum-era challenges, including the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography and the incorporation of quantum technologies into multidomain operations.