Europe’s Strategic Shift – Why Defense Must Be Redefined

Turning Point in Motion – Why Defense Must Be Rebuilt from the System Up

The term “Zeitenwende” – a turning point – is on everyone’s lips. But while political strategy papers are drafted, the real transformation is happening elsewhere: in the architecture of modern systems. In the spaces where control units, signal pathways, and software platforms determine whether defense can function rapidly, securely, and autonomously.

Europe’s defense capabilities are no longer measured by the number of tanks, but by the ability to digitally control critical mobility in real-world deployment conditions.
Whether on the battlefield, in urban terrain, or under cyberthreats, mechanical dominance alone is no longer sufficient. What’s needed is technology that is redundant, controllable, and certified — technology that can operate independently, minimizing risk to personnel.

“Autonomous systems reduce the risk to personnel, increase the speed and precision of military decision-making, and are essential for resilient armed forces operating in complex environments.”
– European Defence Agency, Action Plan on Autonomous Systems, 2024

This is where a new concept of defense begins – not with mass, but with system.

Drive-by-Wire lies at the heart of this paradigm shift. Originally developed for the automotive industry, it has evolved into a strategic base technology for autonomous platforms, remote control operations, and tactical flexibility. In an environment where seconds decide lives and every signal counts, digital steering becomes critical infrastructure.

“Technological sovereignty means that Europe is capable of developing, producing, and certifying security-relevant technologies independently.”
– German Federal Ministry of Defence, Strategy Paper on Digital Defense, 2023

With systems like NX NextMotion, Arnold NextG is making this new form of defense tangible: modular, TÜV-certified, field-tested – and ready to actively shape Europe’s digital resilience.

Why Drive-by-Wire Is Redefining Military Mobility

Drive-by-Wire replaces traditional mechanical vehicle controls with digital signal transmission. Acceleration, braking, and steering are all managed by electronic control units, redundantly secured and coordinated via software.
This technology is not just a milestone for civilian mobility — it is a strategic asset for modern defense systems.

Because it enables:

• Remote control of vehicles in danger zones, without risking personnel
• Semi- and fully autonomous platforms for logistics, reconnaissance, or recovery
• Modular integration into existing fleets, regardless of vehicle type
• Cyber-secured signal transmission, certified to international standards (e.g., ISO 26262, SIL3, ISO 21434)

In other words: Drive-by-Wire is the digital backbone of the autonomous defense domain.

NX NextMotion: Made in Germany, Built for Europe

With its NX NextMotion system, Arnold NextG has developed a Drive-by-Wire platform not only suited for civilian applications, but specifically designed for security-critical environments.
Redundant signal paths, TÜV-certified special vehicle construction, full in-house production capabilities, and flexible interfaces make the system a direct answer to one of the central questions in modern military logistics: How do we secure operational mobility — without putting soldiers at risk?

The NX NextMotion approach is more than technology — it is a promis:

From Defense to Resilience

What does all of this mean in a broader context?

Europe doesn’t just need new tanks and aircraft — it needs a networked defense infrastructure based on digital standards.
Systems like Drive-by-Wire are fundamental building blocks: They create the “digital” bridge between today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s autonomy.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) is clear on this point:

“Autonomous systems reduce the risk to personnel, increase the speed and precision of military decision-making, and are essential for resilient armed forces operating in complex environments.”
– European Defence Agency, Action Plan on Autonomous Systems, 2024

Conclusion: Defense Has Become a Question of Innovation

Europe’s defense readiness will not be secured by numbers alone — but through technological excellence. Drive-by-Wire is not merely a control system — it is strategic infrastructure. And systems like NX NextMotion are not just a product “Made in Germany” — they are a technological promise: For security. For digital sovereignty. And for a Europe that takes its defense into its own hands.