Activate protection mode – Ready for defense with technology and technologies
Combat aircraft in Lithuanian and Estonian airspace. Drone sightings over military installations in Denmark and Germany. Repeated acts of sabotage, espionage incidents, disinformation campaigns, and, last but not least, cyberattacks. News of disturbing incidents for which Putin's Russia is held responsible—more or less proven—is now almost a daily occurrence. According to the unanimous assessment of all German intelligence services, Europe is already in a gray area between war and peace.
In view of the heightened threat situation, so-called critical infrastructures (KRITIS), i.e., facilities and systems that are indispensable for the functioning of the community – such as the supply of energy, water, food, or medical care – are particularly vulnerable. Their failure or impairment would have serious consequences, such as supply bottlenecks or disruptions to public safety for many people.
However, the threat of cyberattacks is not only increasing on Earth; space is also affected. But Europe is arming itself, as a visit to ESA's new Cyber Security Operations Center shows.
Another danger comes in waves: Targeted attacks with high-energy radiation can disrupt or destroy power grids, data centers, and communication systems within seconds. Europe still lacks clear protection standards and binding norms.
The VDE is also responding to the threat situation and has set up “VDE Defense”, a division that addresses the growing importance of technological systems in security and defense policy.
In addition to the articles on our focus topic, this issue also includes:
Sector coupling: In order to supply as many areas as possible with renewable energies in line with the All Electric Society concept, the sectors must be considered together and restructured accordingly. This is particularly effective in the interaction between energy generation and mobility.
Politics: Before Victoria Broßart (Alliance 90/The Greens) and Alexander Jordan (CDU) entered the German Bundestag, both worked as engineers in different industries. A conversation about the electric future and political friction.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue.
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