I was on the ground for Days 4 and 5, catching up with industry leaders and defence innovators, and the message was clear: modern military operations rely on digital resilience just as much as physical defence.

The Reality of Cyber Warfare

The battlefield isn’t just on land, in the air, or at sea anymore—it’s in cyberspace. The biggest threats to national security today aren’t just hypersonic missiles or autonomous drones—they’re cyberattacks that can disable entire defence networks, compromise classified intelligence, and even take control of military assets remotely.

Some key takeaways from IDEX 2025:

1. Cyber Resilience is No Longer Optional

Defence forces are investing heavily in next-gen military hardware, but all that cutting-edge tech is only as good as the cybersecurity protecting it. A single vulnerability in a communications network, weapons system, or satellite uplink can be exploited in seconds—potentially bringing entire operations to a halt. Cyber resilience is now a core part of military strategy.

2. AI and Automation are Playing a Bigger Role

Artificial intelligence is changing how cyber defence is approached. Military and security agencies are moving toward AI-driven threat detection, autonomous defence systems, and real-time response strategies. But while AI helps, it also presents new risks—automated attacks, AI-powered hacking tools, and deepfake disinformation campaigns are all on the rise.

3. Innovations in Surveillance and Cyber Defence

While at IDEX, I caught up with Dr. Ali AlHammadi whose latest work focuses on advanced surveillance technology that integrates with digital cameras to track precise coordinates. This kind of innovation highlights how cybersecurity, surveillance, and intelligence gathering are becoming more interconnected than ever.

It’s a great example of how emerging technologies are reshaping defence strategies—but also how these same advancements must be secured against cyber threats. If cybercriminals or hostile actors gain control over surveillance systems, the consequences could be devastating.

4. Counter-Drone Technology is a Growing Priority

With the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern warfare, counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities are now essential. I had a great discussion with Zac Bloodworth from DroneShield Shield at the Australian Defence Stand, where they showcased how AI-powered counter-drone solutions are making a real impact in detecting, jamming, and neutralising hostile drones.

It’s great to see Australian companies like DroneShield leading innovation on a global scale, delivering critical protection for military and security operations worldwide. The intersection of cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and kinetic defence is only going to grow, and counter-drone tech will be a key part of future defence strategies.

5. Defence Cybersecurity Requires Public-Private Partnerships

Governments and militaries can’t tackle cybersecurity alone. Collaboration with tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and private sector experts is critical for staying ahead of fast-moving threats. Whether it’s threat intelligence sharing, joint cyber training, or securing supply chains, cyber defence is now a global, multi-sector effort.

Looking Ahead

Last week at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, one thing stood out—cybersecurity is no longer a side conversation in defence; it’s front and centre.

IDEX 2025 reinforced a simple truth: the modern battlefield is digital, and cybersecurity is now mission-critical. It’s not just about protecting networks anymore—it’s about securing entire defence ecosystems, ensuring operational continuity, and maintaining strategic superiority in a world where cyber warfare is just as real as traditional combat.

This space is evolving fast, and those who don’t prioritise cyber resilience, threat intelligence, and digital security will find themselves at a serious disadvantage.