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Biomimicry & Defense
Thinking about the defense of the future: biomimicry,
a major strategic and industrial asset
A demanding defense industry constantly seeking innovation
The defense and armaments sector is a crucial pillar guaranteeing state sovereignty and international stability. With global military spending projected to reach $3.1 trillion by 2030 , this rapidly growing industry is fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and increased demand for advanced technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
France, the world's third-largest arms exporter, plays a central role in this dynamic thanks to particularly strong exports to European markets. Major players like Thales and Dassault Aviation are benefiting from this growth, strengthening their international position while contributing to the excellence of the French defense industry.
In parallel, the French government is investing heavily to strengthen its national defense capabilities. With a budget of €413 billion allocated for the period 2024-2030 , the country is modernizing its armed forces, developing its nuclear deterrent capabilities, and investing in strategic technologies.
In an environment of proliferating theaters of operation and rapidly evolving threats, land, naval, and air equipment must constantly adapt. Flexibility, robustness, and precision are imperatives to meet the new demands of the armed forces. Technological innovation, supported by bold R&D approaches, is essential to maintaining the industrial and operational competitiveness of this strategic sector.
Biomimicry presents a major technological opportunity for defense:
For 3.8 billion years, nature has been subjected to extreme environments where survival depends on continuous adaptation. Extreme temperatures, formidable predators, dwindling resources, the need for camouflage and communication, and more—these conditions have led living organisms to develop highly effective strategies for concealment, protection, resilience, and communication. Today, these mechanisms are inspiring groundbreaking innovations in defense and weaponry, providing high-performance solutions to the technological and operational challenges faced by military forces.
In an increasingly connected and cyber-vulnerable world, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity have become strategic pillars of defense. Inspired by ant networks, adaptive optimization algorithms enable advanced coordination of autonomous drones, optimizing their collective missions and resilience in hostile conditions. In cybersecurity, the chemical signals emitted by certain plants to detect threats and alert their environment are inspiring systems capable of identifying cyberattacks early and activating autonomous countermeasures. By leveraging these natural principles, militaries can strengthen their resilience against digital threats and optimize the management of networked defense systems.
Adaptive camouflage , developed by certain animal species, is another key source of innovation for defense. Chameleons and cephalopods , such as octopuses, instantly change their color and texture to conceal themselves. This ability inspires the creation of adaptive materials capable of dynamically adjusting to their environment to reduce visual detection . In the infrared spectrum, the hollow fur of polar bears , which traps air to limit heat loss, has inspired thermal insulation materials capable of deceiving infrared cameras and improving the stealth of military equipment.
Nature also offers exceptional solutions for ballistic protection and puncture resistance . The overlapping scales of the Arapaima , an Amazonian fish resistant to the powerful bites of piranhas, have inspired the development of multi-layered materials that combine lightness and robustness. These materials are ideal for designing puncture-resistant vests and personal protective equipment . Meanwhile, mollusk shells, with their layered structures, inspire multifunctional coatings capable of absorbing vibrations while resisting impacts and explosions, thus enhancing the protection of armored vehicles.
Bionnov, a French expert in biomimicry, supports defense and armament companies in transforming natural mechanisms into concrete technological innovations. By integrating bio-inspired solutions, the sector can strengthen its equipment, improve the resilience of its forces, and adapt to emerging threats with a sustainable and effective approach.
