European cloud adoption for national security
Think tank: RUSI
Author(s): Joseph Jarnecki
November 13, 2025
This report from UK think tank RUSI explores the role of cloud computing in enhancing European national security and defence capabilities.
Cloud computing has become a fundamental capability for European national security and defence. Governments increasingly depend on cloud services to strengthen national resilience, modernise legacy systems and provide advanced technological capabilities such as AI.
This research paper explores the role of cloud computing in enhancing European national security and defence capabilities. It highlights how cloud technologies enable governments to achieve operational resilience, modernise legacy systems, access advanced capabilities such as AI, and ensure the continuity of critical national functions during crises. Drawing on case studies from the UK, Ukraine, Estonia, and Finland, the paper assesses the strategic and operational impacts of cloud adoption while addressing challenges such as connectivity, legal barriers, market concentration and geopolitical risks.
The paper emphasises that cloud adoption is a strategic asset for European governments as they expand national security and defence spending to ensure readiness in an increasingly contested security environment.
