Introduction
The CapTech Land is a European Union collaborative forum dedicated to advancing research and technology for future land defence capabilities. It takes a system-level approach — considering the whole system and how its components interact — to ensure the integration of multiple subsystems and technologies and the development of modular, interoperable, and scalable land platforms.
By bringing together governmental experts, major defence primes, medium-sized specialised companies (mid-caps), SMEs, startups, research organisations and academia, CapTech Land advances cooperative research and technology projects from concept to Technology Readiness Level - 6 demonstrators, bridging innovation with operational capability needs.
Its activities cover both the architecture of core land platforms but also the integration of cross-cutting ‘enabling technologies’ such as energy systems, protection, autonomy, sensors, connectivity, and human-machine interfaces.
Through strong networking, synergies, and information exchange across its members, other EDA CapTechs, and EU initiatives, CapTech Land strengthens Europe’s ability to develop integrated, interoperable, and capability-driven systems, reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and the EU’s strategic autonomy.
Technology Building Blocks
CapTech Land’s activities are structured around ten Technology Building Blocks (TBBs) that guide its strategic priorities and project development.
- Land systems architecture and integration: holistic design and system-of-systems integration of platforms, subsystems, and mission payloads.
- Power generation, storage and management for land systems: advanced energy solutions for mobility, direct-energy weapon systems, sustainability, and silent operation.
- Passive and active protection for land systems: integrated protection systems, including advanced camouflage solutions, against kinetic, CBRN, and emerging threats.
- Logistics for land operations: innovative, automated, and resilient logistic chains for future land operations.
- Development of unmanned systems and manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T): intelligent, autonomous, and cooperative ground systems.
- Target and threat recognition, identification and targeting: AI-enhanced perception, decision making/support, and collaborative precision engagement.
- Health and usage monitoring for equipment (HUMS): predictive maintenance, self-monitoring, and self-repairing capabilities.
- Novel user interfaces for soldier–asset integration and control: augmented and virtual interfaces, wearable technologies, and cognitive aids.
- Mobility and counter-mobility: enhanced manoeuvrability, terrain adaptability, and counter-mobility systems.
- Weapon systems integration: integration of lethal and non-lethal effectors into manned and unmanned platforms.
Together, these Technology Building Blocks ensure innovation in land systems and coherence with the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA), the Capability Development Plan (CDP), and the European Defence Fund (EDF).
Link to EDA's capability domains
CapTech Land contributes directly to several of EDA’s Capability Domains, particularly those related to Land Combat, Command and Control, Force Protection and Survivability, Situational Awareness and Sensors, Mobility and Counter-Mobility, Energy and Propulsion, Autonomy and Robotics, as well as Training and Simulation.
By maintaining a strong and coherent alignment with these domains, CapTech Land ensures its research and innovation activities address concrete operational requirements and capability shortfalls. This integrated approach enhances interoperability, strengthens cross-domain coherence and improves the overall effectiveness and resilience of Europe’s ground forces.
Join the CapTech
CapTech Land convenes three meetings per year, typically one hosted at the European Defence Agency in Brussels and two organised across Member States’ premises. These meetings are opportunities for experts to exchange knowledge, coordinate research efforts, and develop collaborative projects addressing Europe’s land systems priorities.
Most sessions take place in hybrid format, combining physical and remote participation to facilitate broad and inclusive engagement among the CapTech community.
Requests for membership can be submitted to the CapTech Moderator and must be approved by the relevant CapTech National Coordinator (CNC). To become a member or to participate in CapTech Land activities, contact:
[email protected]