
FORUM DE DEFENSE ET DE STRATEGIE

Revue de Presse Défense & Diplomatie
Presseschau Außen- und Verteidigungspolitik
Press Review (Defence and Diplomacy)

The Defence Industrial Alliance Washington Is Undermining
The authors examine the evolution of defence-industrial relations between the United States and its allies. They argue that recent choices in Washington are putting pressure on industrial cooperation mechanisms that have traditionally strengthened Western military capabilities. Restrictions, political uncertainty and supply-chain requirements are complicating joint defence projects. Canada and European countries are particularly affected by these developments. This situation could encourage US partners to develop greater industrial and technological autonomy. The issue therefore concerns how allies can strengthen their own capabilities while maintaining military interoperability. The article highlights the potential long-term consequences for the organisation of the Western defence industrial base.
Electricity Networks and Conflicts: The Development and Evolution of Resilience Strategies
The author examines the growing strategic importance of electricity networks in international security. Power grids are simultaneously critical infrastructure, military targets and matters of national sovereignty. The war in Ukraine illustrates this evolution, with repeated attacks on the electricity system and continuous efforts to maintain supply. Ukraine has relied on decentralised generation, redundant infrastructure and connections with the European grid. Cyberattacks represent another growing threat, alongside the effects of climate change. The United States, China and the European Union are developing different approaches to protecting their electricity networks and supply chains. Energy resilience has therefore become an increasingly important component of national and strategic security.
From Consensus to Implementation: European Defence in Space after the Paris Summit
The author examines how Europe can turn its growing ambitions in the space domain into operational capabilities. The Paris summit reinforced the consensus around the strategic importance of space for European security. Satellites are essential for communications, intelligence, navigation and military operations. Their growing importance also creates vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, jamming and anti-satellite activities. Europe therefore needs to strengthen the protection of its space infrastructure and its technological autonomy. The article stresses the need for closer coordination between national and European initiatives. The main challenge is now to translate political ambitions into concrete programmes, funding and capabilities.
Mobility Governance: The Djibouti Hub between Influence Strategies and Sovereignty
This study examines Djibouti's strategic role in managing mobility across the Horn of Africa. Conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia, combined with climate-related pressures, have increased population movements across the region. Djibouti has become a major transit point between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The European Union and the International Organization for Migration are developing policies aimed at externalising aspects of migration management. Mobility has consequently become both a diplomatic and security issue. The authors also highlight tensions between national authorities, international organisations and regional actors. Djibouti therefore emerges as a strategic actor in the governance of regional migration flows.
Ultima Ratio Regum: What Firepower for the French Armed Forces?
The study examines the firepower requirements of the French armed forces in a context of renewed high-intensity warfare. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the growing importance of missiles, drones and long-range strike capabilities. The authors call for a reassessment of the balance between highly sophisticated systems and less expensive capabilities that can be fielded in greater numbers. Drones and long-range strike systems are becoming increasingly important in this framework. France must also align its military capabilities with its strategic ambitions and role within coalitions. Strengthening artillery, airborne strike capabilities and naval firepower therefore emerges as a key area for consideration.
Why Canada Is Pivoting to Europe for Defence
The authors examine Canada's growing defence engagement with European partners. This shift takes place amid uncertainty surrounding Canada's security relationship with Washington and a deteriorating European strategic environment. Ottawa is seeking to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its ties with Europe. Participation in European defence initiatives could also create new opportunities for Canada's defence industry. The authors discuss potential cooperation in areas including the Arctic, maritime security and air-defence capabilities. The debate over Canada's future fighter aircraft also illustrates the strategic choices facing Ottawa. More broadly, this approach aims to strengthen Canada's defence-industrial and technological base.
Community Resilience as a Strategic Asset: Strengthening Arctic Sovereignty and Defence Readiness in a Climate-Changed North
The authors examine the role of community resilience in strengthening security and sovereignty in Canada's Arctic. Warming temperatures are increasing risks linked to erosion, wildfires, flooding and permafrost degradation. The Canadian Armed Forces are increasingly called upon to respond to these emergencies, potentially placing additional pressure on military resources. The study therefore argues for stronger local capabilities and community resilience. Indigenous communities have a particularly important role because of their knowledge of the territory. The authors also draw on the concept of “total defence” developed in Nordic countries. Maintaining permanent communities and strengthening local infrastructure are presented as important components of Canadian Arctic sovereignty.
From Vision to Execution: How Canada Can Win the Defence Innovation Race
The author examines how Canada can turn its defence-innovation ambitions into concrete results. Canada is seeking to build an economy combining defence, security and resilience, but needs to better connect the different actors involved in financing innovation. Innovative companies require venture capital, loans, guarantees and institutional investment to scale successfully. The public sector also has an important role to play by creating predictable demand and encouraging industrial investment. The author stresses that market forces alone cannot guarantee the development of essential defence capabilities. Canada has significant innovation ecosystems, but these need stronger links with the country's industrial base. The central challenge is therefore moving from strategic vision to effective implementation.
Le Collimateur — 15 September 2026
This episode of Le Collimateur examines several contemporary strategic issues and their implications for French and European armed forces. The discussion focuses on changes in the security environment and the consequences of the return of high-intensity warfare. The speakers place recent developments in military doctrines and capabilities into a broader strategic context. Particular attention is given to firepower, intelligence and the adaptation of armed forces. New technologies are also transforming the way military operations are conducted. The episode places these developments within the broader context of strategic competition between major powers. It therefore provides insight into the capability and doctrinal choices facing European armed forces.
Le Collimateur — 18 September 2026
The authors examine the transformation of warfare and its implications for contemporary military strategy. The episode discusses lessons emerging from recent conflicts and the adaptations required by European armed forces. Particular attention is given to changes in military doctrines, technologies and capabilities. The speakers highlight the importance of effectively combining intelligence, command, technology and firepower. New forms of warfare also require changes in military organisation and preparation. These transformations are considered within the broader context of strategic competition between powers. The episode therefore offers a reflection on how European military models are adapting to the characteristics of contemporary conflicts.