Defence electro-optics: European perspective

Jari Hartikainen

doi:10.1117/12.898190

28 September 2011 Defence electro-optics: European perspective

Jari Hartikainen

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Proceedings Volume 8185, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications VIII; 818502 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.898190
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

In 2009 the United States invested in defence R&T 3,6 times and in defence research and development 6,8 times as much as all member states of the European Defence Agency (EDA) combined while the ratio in the total defence expenditure was 2,6 in the US' favour. The European lack of investments in defence research and development has a negative impact on the competitiveness of European defence industry and on the European non-dependence. In addition, the efficiency of investment is reduced due to duplication of work in different member states. The Lisbon Treaty tasks EDA to support defence technology research, and coordinate and plan joint research activities and the study of technical solutions meeting future operational needs. This paper gives an overview how EDA meets the challenge of improving the efficiency of European defence R&T investment with an emphasis on electro-optics and describes shortly the ways that governmental and industrial partners can participate in the EDA cooperation. Examples of joint R&T projects addressing electro-optics are presented.

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Jari Hartikainen "Defence electro-optics: European perspective", Proc. SPIE 8185, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications VIII, 818502 (28 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.898190

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