Innovation and digital technologies have taken centre stage in redefining the contours of defence and security. Since its inception in 1949, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has evolved continuously to adapt to emerging threats and changing geopolitical landscapes.
In an era delineated by rapid technological advancement, ‘Digital Capability’ has emerged as the new force reshaping defence and security strategies worldwide. This evolving arsenal is not characterised by bullets and missiles, but by lines of code, predictive analytics, and a mesh of Artificial Intelligence algorithms. Digital pervasiveness signifies a seismic-shift from traditional military planning and doctrine to that of a sophisticated and rapidly changing battlefield, where data and cyber capabilities are the cornerstone [1,2]. Through the IKE Institute’s work with NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT), we shall shed some light on the pivotal role of innovation and digital technologies play in realising NATO's strategic priorities and its future positioning.