PESCO’s new projects: Q&A with Germany, Finland, France and Italy

https://www.pesco.europa.eu/pressmedia/pescos-new-projects-qa-with-germany-finland-france-and-italy/

Summary of PESCO Projects

The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) aims to enhance defense collaboration among EU Member States by promoting joint development of defense capabilities. This initiative fosters interoperability, resource sharing, and innovation within the European defense sector while complementing NATO efforts. The following are the key projects currently under the PESCO framework, highlighting their objectives and participating countries.

PESCO Projects

• Joint European Electromagnetic Warfare Convergence Initiative (JEEWCI)

  • Description: Establishes a common training program for Electronic Warfare and develops a European EW doctrine.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Substitute for Lead in Infantry Ammunition (SLIA)

  • Description: Investigates alternative materials to lead in ammunition to ensure performance and production capacity.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Common Handheld Optronic Interface (CHOI)

  • Description: Develops a standardized interface for infantry optronic devices to enhance interoperability.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Infantry Navigation without GNSS (InfNav w/o GNSS)

  • Description: Creates a navigation method for dismounted forces that does not rely on GNSS.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Future (unmanned) Air-to-Air Refuelling Capability

  • Description: Explores improvements in Air-to-Air Refuelling capabilities, including unmanned systems.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Unmanned Air Transport of Injured Soldiers (UNATIS)

  • Description: Develops an unmanned aerial system for transporting injured personnel.
  • Countries Involved: Germany, France, Finland, Italy.

• Quantum Enablers for Strategic Advantage (QUEST)

  • Description: Focuses on developing Quantum Technologies for secure navigation and defense applications.
  • Countries Involved: Finland.

• Modular Seabed Vessel (MSV)

  • Description: Develops a vessel for seabed operations, capable of deploying underwater vehicles.
  • Countries Involved: France.

• Medical Treatment Facility Role 2 Forward-Capability Development (MTF R2F-CD)

  • Description: Enhances surgical support in military operations with standardized medical facilities.
  • Countries Involved: France.

• Directed Energy Systems (DES)

  • Description: Develops modular Directed Energy Weapons for air and missile defense.
  • Countries Involved: Italy.

• Next Generation Dismounted Soldier System (NGDSS)

  • Description: Innovates solutions to improve soldiers' combat capabilities in high-intensity scenarios.
  • Countries Involved: Italy.

These projects reflect a commitment to enhancing defense capabilities through collaboration, addressing current and future security challenges faced by EU Member States.