How Innovation is Redefining the Battlefield - and Why NATO Must Adapt

In this episode of Eastern Frontline, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Rasa Juknevičienė are joined by Nikos Loutas, NATO’s Director of Innovation, to explore how new technologies — from drones to artificial intelligence — are reshaping the battlefield.
The Eastern Frontline Group

By The Eastern Frontline Group

The Eastern Frontline Group is an informal alliance of 43 Members of the European Parliament from 13 EU countries, representing nearly all political groups. Founded in October 2024 by Latvian MEP Reinis Poznaks, EFG works to ensure that the unique challenges of EU states bordering Russia remain a priority on the Union’s political agenda.

10 Apr 2026

Innovation is changing warfare faster than ever before.

In this episode of Eastern Frontline, MEP Reinis Pozņaks and MEP Rasa Juknevičienė are joined by Nikos Loutas, NATO’s Director of Innovation, to explore how new technologies — from drones to artificial intelligence — are reshaping the battlefield.

Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, they discuss how rapid innovation cycles, commercial technologies and new defence startups are transforming modern conflict. What once took years to develop can now evolve in weeks.

But while technology is accelerating, procurement systems and defence structures are struggling to keep up.

We find out: 

  • how NATO is working to integrate new technologies into defence planning
  • why small and medium-sized companies are now central to military innovation
  • the challenge of turning innovation into deployable capability
  • the growing role of artificial intelligence in future warfare
  • and why speed — not just spending — is now the decisive factor in defence

It is a timely discussion on the race to adapt, and what it will take for Europe and NATO to stay ahead.

Listen below or via Apple Podcasts or Spotify

 

 

 

 

 

 

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