Navigating the new security landscape: insights from DefSecIntel CEO Jaanus Tamm

DefSecIntel CEO Jaanus Tamm shares insights from the front lines of defence innovation. He explains how the modern security landscape demands constant innovation, and highlights the importance of collaboration across Europe, and the impact of the European Defence Fund.

Could you give us a brief overview of DefSecIntel and its main areas of expertise within the defence and security industry?

The DefSecIntel name comes from “Defence-Security-Intelligence” and that’s what we do. DefSecIntel Solutions, one of the leading Estonian defence and security technology companies, develops and manufactures mobile autonomous turn-key surveillance and control, and C-UAS solutions with AI-assisted technology. Our mission is to create a more secure world, therefore we are developing and manufacturing mobile autonomous combat-proven surveillance systems with AI-assisted technology for different end-user missios (for example, border guards and defence forces). Our combat-proven innovative solutions are equipped with AI-powered C2 software that enables fully autonomous operations with automated video surveillance for area scanning, threat detection, classification, and verification with a visual operator situational awareness. 

The equipment, already operational in military and border security applications, includes mobile surveillance systems equipped with a variety of sensors and integrated UAVs, providing wide-range, all-weather, day and night surveillance with AI-based edge-computed analysis for detection and classification with sensor fusion. Our main products are SURVEILSPIRE –  a mobile autonomous situational awareness system, vehicle-based system CAIMAN, cutting-edge AI-powered C2ISR software that enables fully autonomous operations with automated area scanning, threat detection, classification, and verification by the operator, and the EIRSHIELD C-UAS system, providing air defence with multiple detectors and effectors. And several more cutting-edge designs are in development.

We were established in 2018 and grown from early stage start-up to one of the leading Estonian companies, with several combat-proven products and a team of more than 120 people. Our HQ, R&D and production is in Tallinn, Estonia, but we also have an office in Germany and a  maintenance and R&D hub in Kyiv, Ukraine. We have just been nominated as part of the Estonian Enterprise of the Year 2024 competition “Top1 Innovator” and selected to TOP3 in the Exporter category, as well as the most competitive technology company.

How has the changing security landscape in Europe, particularly in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

War in Ukraine has changed a lot, however, the security environment was already changing because of, for example, the migrant crisis, hybrid threats, and illegal border activities. But the war in Ukraine has shown what the warfare of the future will be like. On one side, drones-autonomous systems and AI are here to stay, because these have changed the decision-making on the battlefield and the speed of action. Warfare and battlefield automation and digitalisation continues, and AI will play a more important role because different sensors are creating so much data, a single person cannot process and make decisions using it, and that’s the reason why decision-making is becoming more and more software-based and why smart autonomous or automated solutions are needed. Therefore, our solutions are focussed on addressing the challenge of information gathering, filtering, and distribution across military, border security, and internal security missions and to help end-users.

All the systems DefSecIntel has developed, based on different end-user needs and lessons learnt from Ukraine, have competitive advantages because of rapid new tech integration with changes from the battlefield. Smaller companies may have innovative solutions for technological challenges which can be developed and integrated rapidly. Our CAIMAN system – a vehicle-based system with different sensors – was developed in cooperation with the Ukrainians.

The development cycle in defence technologies has become extremely fast. A new solution can be developed with days or weeks. What we have learned is that you have to be fast, take end-users feedback quickly, but also provide quality products. Ukraine is a real-life testbed and a good partner for new technological development. We are very proud that DefSecIntel’s innovative solutions are being used on the battlefield and helping to create a more secure world.

What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing companies in the defence and security sector, particularly in Europe?

Europe and the EU Member States have made significant changes in the last 10 years, especially within the past few years. The EU-wide defence R&D programme, supporting defence innovation, production capacity-building, the ammunition initiative, and raising European defence industry competitiveness, the European Defence Industry Strategy and programme – all of this is remarkable. However, there is still room for improvement, as more support is needed for innovation and innovative solutions, opening up supply chains, and creating a competitive market inside the EU, with the potential to cooperate. Technological competition is real, and there is an interest in investing from third countries, which is not necessarily bad, but there is also a need for some core technological advantages to be developed and produced in Europe.

There are different support schemes and programmes, but we might be missing one which is supporting rapid product development, for example what we see happening in Ukraine.

The lessons from Ukraine are showing that smaller companies might have more rapid development cycles, therefore involving more SMEs or cooperating, building some mechanism to support Ukrainian start-ups, might be necessary – looking closely the set up of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv. We also need proper actions and a budget for security and defence and innovation under the next MFF. In addition, it’s very interesting to see how the attitude towards the defence industry is changing: we are finally seeing how the European Investment Bank and other commercial banks may be willing to open up for defence industry financing. We see more discussion on how important a booster the defence industry is to economic growth; we see young talents who want to be part of technological developments and contribute to defence companies, and all this is very interesting, and helps to bolster defence industry competitiveness and strengthen defence capabilities.

Could you share some insights into how DefSecIntel approaches international collaboration, especially when dealing with transnational security threats or complex regulatory environments across different regions?

DefSecIntel recognises that addressing transnational security challenges and navigating complex regulatory environments requires a collaborative, multinational approach. We are proud members of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Association, the Estonian Defence Cluster, and other organisations.

DefSecIntel collaborates with different start-ups – mainly Estonian ones – to give opportunities to them to test their novel ideas and find new solutions for possible integration or capabilities.

And, DefSecIntel actively participates in international exhibitions and events (for example, the Defence Tech hackathons in Europe and in Ukraine which we have supported), which serve as crucial platforms for networking, knowledge-sharing, and identifying potential partners. These gatherings enable us to showcase our offerings, gain insights into the latest industry trends and technological advancements, and engage in discussions that can lead to productive collaborations.

Through these collaborative efforts, DefSecIntel aims to develop innovative solutions that can effectively address the evolving security landscape. By leveraging the expertise and resources of our international partners and end-users, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of cross-border operations and regulatory environments, ultimately enhancing our ability to contribute to more secure world.

How important are programmes like the EDF in innovation and supporting development and growth for companies such as yours in the defence sector?

To be successful in defence, cooperation is essential. We are very proud of our active participation in the European Defence Fund and its precursor programmes, as it gives a unique opportunity to develop something new and meaningful with other cross-border partners – to test, to find the best possible solutions, to innovate and also to share best knowledge. We have benefitted and also shared our capabilities. SMEs are a crucial part of the European defence technological and industrial base, and technological development and innovation.

The EDF has been crucial in fostering greater collaboration and innovation across the European defence ecosystem. By providing funding and facilitating joint projects, the programme has enabled companies like ours to work alongside counterparts from different Member States, pooling expertise and resources to develop cutting-edge defence technologies. This cross-pollination of ideas is invaluable in ensuring that Europe maintains a strong, competitive and self-sufficient defence industry capable of meeting evolving security challenges. Beyond the tangible outputs of the collaborative projects, the EDF has also proven instrumental in breaking down barriers and building trust between defence players who may not have traditionally worked together. The opportunity to partner with entities from different national backgrounds has helped to erode cultural and institutional biases, promoting a more integrated European defence market. This is a critical enabler for the long-term competitiveness and resilience of the sector.