11-DIGITAL SHIELD: INTEGRATING HEALTH INTELLIGENCE INTO NATO’S DEFENSE STRATEGY

DIGITAL SHIELD: INTEGRATING HEALTH
INTELLIGENCE INTO NATO’S DEFENSE STRATEGY

Dimitra BALASKA*, Dimitris KARAFERIS*,
Ioannis REMATISIOS*, Yannis POLLALIS*

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*Department of Economic Science-iLEADS Lab,
University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece

DOI: 10.64404/JoDRM.2025.2.11

Issue: Vol. 16, Issue 2 (31) / 2025

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine have reshaped
how security is perceived, exposing the interdependence of health, defence and
digital infrastructures. National security must therefore broaden to include health
resilience as a core operational priority. As NATO and the EU move forward
with digital transformation, embedding health intelligence becomes essential for
readiness, force protection and civil–military cooperation. This paper argues that
real-time health data, wearable devices and AI-enabled surveillance can support not
only responses to biological threats but also anticipation of vulnerabilities before
they escalate. By shifting from reactive to proactive postures, NATO and the EU
can build more resilient and human-centred security frameworks adapted to hybrid
warfare. Recognising health systems as critical infrastructure, alongside energy and
transport, makes integration a strategic necessity. Doing so will shape the credibility,
adaptability and resilience of NATO and the EU in decades ahead, strengthening
security in an increasingly complex environment.

Key words:

health intelligence integration, hybrid security threats, biosecurity,
health & safety, quality in health care.

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