«Պաշտպանական արդյունաբերություն 4.0». ՀՀ պաշտպանական արդյունաբերության թվային փոխակերպման անհրաժեշտությունը / “Defense industry 4.0”: The RA defense industry digital transformation to be urgent

Abstract

The global military machine has recently witnessed revolutionary transformations, perpetuated by “Industry 4.0”, in particular connected with high rates of digital transformation, which have led to multifaceted changes on the battlefield, hence making room for new challenges to the national defense industries, and, correspondingly, to the armed forces. In this sense, the article highlights the urgency of digital transforma­tion of the defense industry enterprises of the Republic of Armenia, and steps, targeted at the acceleration of the achievement of the given aim. It concludes that the effectiveness of measures targeted at the increase of the RA’s defense capability and military power will largely be determined by the acceleration of the defense industry digital transformation via induction of the “Industry 4.0” technologies, and satisfaction of the army digitalization needs. Based upon the experience of a number of leading foreign companies, including those manufacturing dual-purpose products, the article suggests a certain sequence of first priority steps on the development of digital capabilities of the defense industry companies, and the increase in their digital transformation level. The most progressive and effective technologies are considered those relating to artificial intelligence, innovative defense equipment based on the battlefield electrification technology, developments in the spheres of biotechnology and nanotechnology, as well as technologies of the Internet of Military Things (IoMT), with the help of which it becomes possible to reduce the physical and mental load on a warrior, as well as means of cyber warfare, radar electronic support and robotics.