Photonics: a Strategic Enabler for the European Defence industry

From intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to target acquisition and navigation, photonics serves as the backbone for many advanced military systems. Focusing on contributions from companies at the recent EPIC Meeting on Defence, held on 24 June 2025 at the Laser World of Photonics in Munich, this article explores how leading defence and technology firms across Europe are harnessing photonics to bolster defence capabilities.

European rearmament

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, together with fear of a weakened NATO under future US administrations, Europe has embarked on a major rearmament effort. At the June 2025 NATO meeting, most members agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, from €326 billion in 2024 to around €900 billion by 2035.

The changing face of warfare

Recent military conflicts have seen a shift from traditional hardware-heavy platforms to smart, C4ISR interconnected systems (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance).

In the same way, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and edge computing platforms have become strategic assets in modern warfare. For example, in Ukraine, commercial drones modified with thermal cameras and grenades have devastated armoured columns, while edge-AI tablets in trenches process drone feeds to call in artillery strikes within seconds, not minutes.

Another development has been the adoption of Space as a tactical theatre for surveillance, early warning, secure communication, and tactical advantage.

Geopolitical uncertainty is also driving a move to sovereign capability, especially in the EU, and a preference for domestically sourced, ITAR-free technologies, i.e., technologies not subject to the restrictions of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Finally, there is the need for interoperability and modularity. Militaries want systems that scale, integrate, and upgrade easily, so modularity and size, weight, and power matter more than ever.

Photonics is enhancing every facet of defence capability.

• Tecnobit-Grupo OESIA (Spain) is advancing its photonics division with a strong focus on the development of signal intelligence systems, free-space optical communications, and quantum key distribution (QKD) subsystems. These technologies are being designed for integration across multiple platforms, enhancing operational flexibility and adaptability in dynamic battlefield environments.
• Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) provides satellite-based laser communication terminals for secure data links and is developing directed energy weapons for precise, low-collateral counter-drone and missile defence.
• Paras Defence & Space Technologies (India) supplies indigenous photonic systems like night vision devices and thermal imagers for a range of military platforms.
• Emberion (Finland) focuses on lightweight, energy-efficient infrared sensors based on advanced nanomaterials, ideal for drone surveillance and perimeter defence.
• Norsk Elektro Optikk (NEO) (Norway) specializes in hyperspectral imaging for applications such as camouflage detection, terrain classification, and chemical threat identification.
• Safran Electronics & Defence (Spain) offers electro-optical systems for armoured vehicles and aircraft, including targeting and navigation pods with integrated IR and laser systems.
• Fraunhofer IOSB (Germany) engages in research on active laser imaging, missile tracking, and counter-drone optics, contributing to real-time situational awareness.
• Thales Group (France) demonstrates comprehensive photonic integration through products like the TALIOS targeting pod, combining high-resolution sensors and laser designation for real-time strike capabilities.

Remaining challenges

Developing a coherent photonics-based defence industry in Europe presents a range of challenges.

Firstly, the European Defence Market is fragmented with defence largely under national control. As a result, countries pursue similar photonics capabilities independently. This duplication wastes resources and is compounded by a lack of standardization, which creates interoperability issues and limits joint development and deployment. Furthermore, the absence of a European-wide geopolitical and strategic vision creates disparate threat perceptions in relation to Russia, China, terrorism, cyber etc.

Secondly, Europe suffers from insufficient and inconsistent funding: EU funding mechanisms like the European Defence Fund are improving but still limited compared to the US or China.

Thirdly, there is no overarching EU strategy on defence photonics akin to what’s seen in AI or space sectors.

Conclusion:

The companies featured in this article demonstrate a convergence in using photonics to improve communications, targeting accuracy, and electronic protection. Whether through laser-based weaponry, hyperspectral imaging, or integrated soldier systems, photonics enhances every facet of defence capability. However, without the political will for a coherent and collective European strategy, these individual innovations risk being less effective if not developed and deployed in a coordinated approach.

Carlos Lee, Director General, EPIC – European Photonics Industry Consortium