The Politics and DV Engineering working group analyses current political developments in the defence sector. It provides independent facts and interpretation from engineers' technological knowledge and experience.
The Politics and DV Engineering working group has identified areas of focus for the Defence Budget 2021 ((Parliamentary Paper 35570X2). The comments have been prepared based on publicly available information and defence technology knowledge and experience.
The working group noted with interest the Defence Budget 2021. Like the Defence Vision 2035, it reflects several of our previous opinions. KIVI therefore has few comments on this budget.
Page 20. International cooperation
All forms of European cooperation mentioned in the budget are intergovernmental (bilateral, coalitions-of-the-willing or multilateral). When developing and introducing entirely new defence technologies, the working group notes that several EU countries often take them up at home with national industry. Synergy between these parallel pathways is mostly absent and, at best, occurs through (public) scientific channels. In many other sectors of the economy, synergy in Europe is many times stronger, while healthy competition is maintained through good regulation.
To strengthen synergy in the defence sector, the working group recommends pursuing community projects when developing and producing capabilities with entirely new technologies.
In the specific case of entirely new technologies, it is not only in R&T but also in development and production. In this way, joint technoscientific knowledge in Europe can be mobilised better and faster than at present.
Examples could include: defence against hypersonic missiles, rapid detection of and protection against biological threats (bacteria, viruses), unmanned and autonomous systems (the latter under strict restrictions), advanced cyber, space engineering, etc.
Page 22. Energy transition
It is indicated that based on the DEOS, Defence is focusing on a number of domains where energy transition is important. The duration of the DEOS is until 2022.
The working group points out that when procuring large equipment, a much longer horizon is necessary. After all, new systems tendered now often last 30-40 years after delivery. Until 2060 or 2070. Even then, propulsion should still be possible.
The working group recommends taking energy transition aspects into account in large projects in particular, in view of the long planned operational life beyond 2030 and usually even beyond 2050.
Any (interim) sale is also more feasible if the systems can be adapted to new forms of energy supply.
Pag.24 KPI investment ratio (IQ)
Defence is becoming more and more dependent on expensive equipment while the number of personnel needed for it is decreasing. Mathematically alone, this means that the investment ratio is rising. To realise the aim of an innovative and labour-extensive armed forces, further growth of the investment ratio is necessary. Fewer personnel, more automation, more outsourcing of tasks will change the balance between materiel and other costs.
The working group recommends setting the KPI IQ structurally at 30% on the grounds of striving for an innovative and labour-extensive armed forces.
Page 75 Space
The working group welcomes the release of the Defence Space Strategy, as well as the creation of a Space Security Centre. However, the question is what national efforts the Netherlands should make for this, whether or not in bi- or multilateral cooperation with other NATO and EU countries.
It is precisely in this new area that the concept of community cooperation in the EU indicated under International Cooperation (pg. 20) would probably be more effective.
Page 75. Chromium-6
KIVI conducted a brief survey in 2019 on possible alternatives to chromium-6. Some of these are promising and - stimulated by the Ministry of Defence, among others - could be applicable in the reasonable term. Also outside the Ministry of Defence These include not only substitutes, but also, for example, autonomous systems to carry out Chromium-6-based surface treatments without human intervention.
The working group welcomes the fact that the Ministry of Defence is looking further into the possibilities of abolishing Chromium-6 and replacing it with less risky products.
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The Hague, 17 November 2020
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Disclaimer: The facts and opinions given are based on open sources and on the knowledge and experience of working group members.
As part of the professional association KIVI, the working group is independent of political parties, governments and companies.
This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything put forward by the working group or its members.
Photo: KVBK
