Objectives The article proposes a comparative public law theory of defence procurement based on the concept of capability sovereignty. The main objective is to show that defence contracts are no longer merely instruments of acquisition, but legal architectures through which the state governs dependence, technological maturity, operational availability, and future options. It aims to demonstrate how formal state ownership can easily mask material operational captivity in an era where sovereignty is lost through proprietary lock-in, software dependence, or inaccessible source code. Methods This study employs a comparative public law methodology and doctrinal legal analysis to evaluate defence procurement frameworks, including Article 346 TFEU, Directive 2009/81/EC, and the 2025 SAFE/EDIP initiatives. Results Analysis of Article 346 TFEU, Directive 2009/81/EC, and the 2025 SAFE/EDIP frameworks reveals that public law has transitioned from enforcing security exceptions to proactively enabling industrial readiness. Comparing French, EU, US, and NATO frameworks demonstrates that modern defence sovereignty is increasingly compromised by contractual, proprietary lock-ins and supply chain obfuscation rather than treaties or war. To mitigate these long-term risks across software, data, and modification rights, this article introduces a Sovereign Contract Audit Matrix. Conclusions The findings argue that the relevant question is no longer whether sovereignty is national, European, transatlantic, or contractual, but at which level legal arrangements maximize the state’s effective freedom of action. By defining capability sovereignty as the legally, industrially, and technologically organized capacity to act without excessive dependence or delay, the article concludes that managing these contractual frameworks is essential to maintaining true strategic control during a crisis.
Objectives The article examines how emerging technologies - particularly cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, autonomous systems and digitally mediated work - alter women's access to, performance in and experience of military service. It asks which service rules must change if technological modernisation is to strengthen operational effectiveness without reproducing gendered organisational inequalities. Methods A structured qualitative review and document analysis were conducted. The evidence base combines peer-reviewed literature published mainly between 2016 and July 2026, NATO and national policy documents, cybersecurity and military-AI governance reports, and three Polish military-academic studies supplied for the analysis. Sources were coded against recruitment, training, occupational standards, deployment, career progression, work-life balance, data governance and protection from technology-enabled harm. Results Technology widens the range of militarily decisive roles in which cognitive, analytical and socio-technical competence is more important than body-size proxies. Cybersecurity also turns every service member into a security actor. These opportunities are conditional: biased data, masculine professional stereotypes, unequal access to technical training, poorly fitted equipment, intrusive monitoring and online gender-based abuse can transfer older inequalities into digital systems. The article develops a gender-responsive cyber-service model based on task-related standards, skills-based career architecture, universal cyber competence, auditable AI, privacy-by-design, flexible but secure service arrangements, inclusive equipment and accountable command. Conclusions New technology does not automatically equalise military service. Its positive effect depends on institutional design. Gender-responsive cybersecurity is therefore not a welfare supplement but a readiness requirement: it expands the talent pool, improves risk recognition and helps maintain trust in data-driven command.
Objectives The aim of the article is to present the modernization of the process of issuing uniforms and equipment for officer cadets. The research problem was defined: What factors have the greatest impact on the effectiveness of the process of issuing uniforms to cadets? The research hypothesis was also defined: The modernization of the uniform process through implementation of new technical solutions significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of distribution within military educational institutions. Methods The article was developed using theoretical research methods, including the analysis of military regulations, logistics documentation, and specialist literature. Empirical methods were also applied, such as a diagnostic survey and interviews with officer cadets, logistics personnel, and administrative staff. Direct observations of the uniform issuance process were used to identify key challenges and implemented improvements. Results The analysis of the collected data made it possible to identify the main directions of modernization in the process of issuing uniforms for officer cadets. The study highlights the introduction of digital tools, improved inventory management systems, standardized procedures, and enhanced coordination between logistics units and training institutions. These changes contributed to reduced processing time. Conclusions The modernization of the uniform process significantly improves the functioning of the military logistics subsystem within officer training institutions. Efficient and well-organized logistic support ensures timely and adequate equipping of officer cadets, which directly affects the quality of training and readiness for service. Continuous improvement of procedures and the use of modern logistics solutions are essential to meet the evolving needs of the armed forces.
Objectives The article aims to analyse changes in women’s participation in the Polish Armed Forces and to identify the principal benefits and barriers associated with their service in the wider context of national security. Methods The study applies desk research, including a literature review; analysis of legal acts (including the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the Act of 11 September 2003) and strategic documents; and a secondary analysis of selected statistical data on women’s military service and participation in international missions. The comparative framework refers to selected NATO standards and the Women, Peace and Security agenda (UNSCR 1325). As no primary research (surveys or interviews) is used, the inference is analytical rather than causal. Results The analysis shows a clear increase in the number of women serving and their growing presence across different corps and service branches. As of 1 March 2024, official data record 17,334 women in professional military service (approximately 13% of personnel). At the same time, organisational, cultural, and logistical barriers remain significant. The available literature also suggests that women’s participation may facilitate selected operational tasks, particularly those requiring contact with civilian populations; in missions, this includes, inter alia, support for medical tasks and direct engagement with local communities. Conclusions Growing participation by women may strengthen the armed forces’ personnel capacity and diversify the competence profile of military personnel; however, a full assessment of its impact on the state security system still requires further empirical research.
Objectives The current European security landscape is characterized by the growing intersection of historical security challenges (i.e., "traditional" security issues) and new forms of hybrid threats. These changes call for a significant re-evaluation of the role of deterrence in today's world. Traditional deterrence approaches have focused on the use of military capability as well as credible retaliatory threats. However, the recent development of hybrid warfare, including cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, and clandestine sabotage has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between times of war and times of peace. This research argues that existing frameworks for deterring adversaries will increasingly fail to meet the challenges presented by these evolving hybrid threats because most of these frameworks were developed to prevent or mitigate the consequences of traditional conventional and nuclear conflict. Methods Based on qualitative analysis of official documentation and reports from governments, international organizations and other sources, this research explores how European governments and organizations perceive and respond to hybrid threats. Results Findings suggest that hybrid warfare increases the level of uncertainty, misperceptions and risk of escalation associated with the security dilemma. Moreover, findings show that hybrid warfare undermines the credibility of deterrence. As such, the research presents the concept of "multi-domain deterrence," which proposes an integrated approach to preventing hybrid threats through the use of all available tools, including military, economic, technological and information-based mechanisms. Conclusions Overall, the research suggests the need for flexible, resilient and collaborative security approaches that move beyond traditional deterrence models.
