Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

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.

The purpose of this investigation was to empirically assess the association between military expenditure and income inequality in the 19 European member states of NATO between 2011 and 2022. To achieve this, the authors carried out multivariate statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier life tables and survival estimation techniques. The results highlighted a trend in the countries analysed that income inequality tended to decrease when investment in the military increased during the period under consideration. The association manifested itself in the shortest time in the group of countries with the lowest military spending per capita, while emerging in the longer term in the countries with the highest. Furthermore, under high threat of war, the association tends to be shortest in relative terms in countries with the lowest military expenditure per capita. The results also revealed that the association between military spending and income inequality is more pronounced in the smallest countries by population and those with the lowest military expenditure per capita. The authors believe that this investigation will enrich scientific knowledge with new insights.

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas atkurtos Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsaugos sistemos ginklų ir karo technikos įsigijimo 1990–2004 m. procesas, išskirti jo etapai, juos apibrėžiantys politiniai ir ekonominiai veiksniai, kilusios problemos, iššūkiai ir ypatumai. Tyrinėjama, kiek ir kokių ginklų būta Lietuvoje atkūrus nepriklausomybę ir kokią galimybę jais disponuoti turėjo atsikurianti Lietuvos Respublikos krašto apsauga, iš kokių šaltinių ir kokiu būdu jų buvo įsigyjama.

The article examins the concept of the defense-industrial complex as the basis of the national security of the state, peculiarities of its structure and functioning in different countries of the world, as well as issues related the current state and reforms in Ukraine. In particular, the essence of the concept of defense-industrial complex is determined by researching the scientific points of view of both foreign and Ukrainian scientists. Peculiarities of the structure and functioning of the defense-industrial complex in countries like the USA, France, Italy, Great Britain, Sweden, China, India and Germany were studied. It was shown which state organs in Ukraine are responsible for production and supply (sales) of weapons and military equipment. The legal status of the State Concern “Ukroboronprom” as an important component of the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine has been determined. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of the strategy of development of the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine for the period till 2028, its main purpose and priority directions are highlighted. Key strategic goals and key strategic initiatives in the State Concern “Ukroboronprom” reform strategy are highlighted, with the aim of achieving close international cooperation in the framework of innovative tendencies and improvement of the legal framework by bringing the legislation norms to the world standards. Problematic issues in the defense industry of Ukraine that need to be addressed in order to improve the efficiency and consistency of this sector of economy were identified.

Romania’s membership of NATO and the European Union has many advantages, but also risks for each of them. Romania continues to strengthen its position and role within NATO and the EU. Romania has shown that it is a loyal and credible partner in its relationship with all international organizations. Romania’s strategic documents with NATO and the EU are well structured and clear. These include mission, vision, strategic objectives and ways of cooperating with each other, as well as the financial, material, human and informational resources needed to implement them. The objective of our research was to identify the main threats, risks and vulnerabilities of Romania as a NATO member state. The analysis has led to the discovery of new ways of reducing risks and threats, as well as solving the major vulnerabilities of Romania. The research is based on the National Defense Strategy, the Romanian Armed Forces Endowment Plan for the period 2019-2028 and other strategic documents underpinning the development of the cooperation between Romania and NATO. Within the analysis process the main threats, risks and vulnerabilities of Romania in relation to NATO were identified. Based on the analysis carried out, several ways of action are proposed through which Romania can strengthen its defense and security capabilities. The results of the research are relevant both theoretically and practically because they show the major changes that Romania has made after entering NATO and the exceptional performances achieved both in the development of the defense and security capability and in fulfilling the commitments assumed by Romania with NATO and other organizations it belongs to.