Enabling Defense: Transitioning from Platforms to Value Chain Resilience

A strategic analysis of the European transition from platform-centric models to “Enabling Defense,” focusing on industrial, technological, and logistical prerequisites for high-intensity warfare.

The current evolution of European strategic thinking marks a decisive shift from a “Platform-centric” model to what is increasingly defined as “Enabling Defense.” For decades, the primary metric of military power was the individual platform—the main battle tank, the stealth fighter, or the sophisticated frigate. However, the return of high-intensity, symmetric conflict has revealed that these advanced platforms are insufficient if not supported by a robust underlying infrastructure. This analysis examines the industrial and technological prerequisites that allow modern systems to operate effectively in contested environments. The core of this transition lies in the resilience of the strategic value chain, which serves as the invisible engine of operational readiness. Without sovereign microelectronics, secure digital clouds, and mass-produced munitions, even the most expensive platforms remain vulnerable or operationally paralyzed. This shift reflects a move away from the “peace dividend” logic toward a comprehensive defense ecosystem designed for endurance. The goal is to ensure that the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) can sustain a prolonged effort through systemic reliability. Enabling defense is not about replacing platforms but about securing the pillars that make them relevant. This conceptual framework is essential for interpreting the new generation of European Union and NATO capability roadmaps. By focusing on enablement, Europe seeks to achieve a level of strategic autonomy that is grounded in industrial reality rather than political rhetoric.