Key Technologies Redefining Warfare by 2040 in NATO/EU
19 pages · PDF · 13 May 2025 · Licensed single-user copy, watermarked to the buyer
Strategic Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & Analytics Autonomous Systems, Robotics & Swarms Quantum Computing, Sensing & Communications Space, Satellites, Launchers & PNT Directed Energy Weapons
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About this report
Foresight studies by NATO, the European Defence Agency (EDA), and RAND Corporation concur that several emerging technologies will redefine warfare by the year 2040. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) , autonomous systems , quantum technologies , space-based capabilities , and novel weapons like directed-energy systems are expected to be game-changers.
These technologies, often termed Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), are seen as critical for maintaining military superiority in the coming decades, especially for NATO allies and EU member states.
Key questions this report answers
- Which emerging and disruptive technologies - AI, autonomous systems, quantum, space-based capabilities and directed-energy weapons - do NATO, EDA and RAND foresight studies identify as redefining warfare by 2040?
- How will each of these EDT families change military capability and interact across domains?
- Why are these technologies seen as critical for maintaining military superiority for NATO allies and EU member states?
- What policy and roadmap outlook governs the adoption of these game-changing technologies by 2040?
Inside this report
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Autonomous Systems
- Quantum Technologies
- Space-Based Capabilities
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)
- Conclusion
Who it's for
Strategy, corporate-development and investment teams that need an ecosystem-level view — budgets, industrial capacity and technology landscapes — before committing capital or capacity.
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Methodology, format & delivery
DFM reports are built from primary and official sources — TED procurement notices, CORDIS and the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, EIB operations, the NATO Innovation Fund portfolio, SIPRI data, official budget documents and company disclosures — read together with the underlying legal texts. Sources are cited in the document; it reflects them as of its publication date (13 May 2025). You receive a 19-page PDF, watermarked to you on every page, delivered on the confirmation page and by e-mail immediately after checkout (personal link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). Guest checkout, single-user licence — Terms of Sale.
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