Surveillance Drones for Upholding Democratic Values?
In the aftermath of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the arms industry in Europe has witnessed a significant rise in reputation and public justification[1][2]. This shift is primarily due to the emphasis on defense and military preparedness amid Russian aggression, with countries such as France, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden increasing their focus on arms production, procurement, or logistical support to Ukraine.
The urgent need to strengthen European defenses, support Ukraine militarily, and reduce dependency on external suppliers, particularly in light of Russia’s actions, forms the core of this reputational rise[1][2]. European nations are prioritizing domestic arms production for national security and strategic autonomy, as exemplified by France, which produces more than 95% of its military needs domestically[1][2].
In contrast, European journalism has faced increasing challenges and reputation struggles since 2022, owing to factors such as misinformation related to the Ukraine conflict, political polarization, and pressures in delivering accurate war coverage[3]. Public trust in journalism often fluctuates under wartime conditions, especially when media are scrutinized for perceived bias or failures in reporting complex foreign affairs.
Despite this, the broader context suggests a relative elevation in the perceived necessity and legitimacy of the arms industry due to security imperatives, contrasting with a more critical or contested view of journalism amid complex and politically charged information environments[3].
One of the most notable changes in the arms industry is the role of companies like Rheinmetall and Helsing. Rheinmetall, a European arms company, has faced criticism for circumventing German export control laws via foreign subsidiaries and doing business with shady regimes like Saudi Arabia[4]. However, its sponsorship of BVB football club has led to protests and the term "sportswashing" being used[5]. In contrast, Helsing, a German startup worth 12 billion euros, develops AI software for battlefield data analysis and builds combat drones[6].
Recently, Helsing bought aircraft manufacturer Grob Aircraft to build AI-equipped combat aircraft in the future[6]. The appointment of Johannes Boie, a well-known journalist, as marketing chief and spokesperson at Helsing in August 2022 has raised questions about the coziness between society and the arms industry[7]. Boie's job change at Helsing raises concerns about his commitment to truth as a journalist conflicting with the potential for profit-generation in the arms industry[7].
If Helsing starts selling drones to authoritarian regimes, Boie might report on it as a journalist[8]. This potential conflict of interest is a concern for many, especially given Boie's previous roles as editor-in-chief of Bild and Welt am Sonntag, and most recently writing columns for the NZZ.
The mood has changed since 2022, with many now accepting the simple necessity of rearmament[9]. The reputation of the arms industry has risen, and companies like Helsing present themselves as protectors of democracies[10]. However, there is a concern about Helsing's potential to break its pledge to work exclusively for democracy when expanding into new markets[11].
As the EU grapples with uncertainty about whether they can count on the protection of the USA if an EU country is attacked[12], the arms industry in Europe continues to grow and evolve. The question remains whether this growth will be accompanied by increased scrutiny and accountability, or if the arms industry will continue to rise in reputation and influence.
References:
- The Guardian
- Euractiv
- Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
- The Intercept
- Deutsche Welle
- Reuters
- The Local
- Spiegel Online
- Bloomberg
- Helsing
- The Economist
- Politico
- Amid the rising reputation of the arms industry in Europe, questions about coziness between society and the arms sector have been raised, as seen in the appointment of journalist Johannes Boie to marketing chief at Helsing.
- The European arms industry's perception of necessity and legitimacy has considerably increased due to security concerns, seemingly contrasting with the challenges faced by European journalism amid politically charged and complex information environments.
