Nato has recently revealed its inaugural strategy on biotechnology and human enhancement (BHE), which comes after designating this field as a priority disruptive technology back in 2019. The primary objective of this new strategy is to embrace emerging BHE capabilities in a lawful and responsible manner, while also protecting the alliance against potential misuse of these technologies by strategic competitors and adversaries.
In more straightforward terms, BHE technologies aim to enhance the human form and function, maintain and restore health, and enable humans to operate beyond their normal limits. These technologies utilize biological processes, cells, or cellular compounds to develop new products and innovations.
According to Nato, the defence industry can significantly benefit from these technologies. Some of the opportunities it presents include advancements in military medicine and the rehabilitation of military personnel through cutting-edge prosthetics, devices, and treatments. Additionally, BHE can improve the mobility of operators, particularly through the use of ‘exoskeletons’ that assist individuals in physically demanding or hazardous tasks. Furthermore, BHE can enhance cognitive awareness, particularly in complex operational environments through human-machine interfaces and fatigue countermeasures, thereby improving decision-making capabilities.
Nato’s strategy is driven by its dedication to international law and common values. The alliance aims to establish a framework for the application of standards in this emerging sector. It is intended to support the safe and timely development, adoption, and integration of BHE technologies into allied forces, while also enhancing monitoring and protection of the alliance’s BHE technologies and ability to innovate. Furthermore, it aims to identify and safeguard against threats from adversarial use of BHE.
One specific area of focus in Nato’s strategy is the strategic competition in the BHE sector, with a particular reference to Russia’s substantial investments in BHE capabilities. The alliance expresses concerns about Russia’s dissemination of disinformation regarding biological and chemical weapons, especially during the war against Ukraine. Nato has grave concerns that Russia may be considering the future use of chemical or biological weapons. These false allegations about biological weapons use and development not only sow distrust at the global level but also weaken existing biological disarmament norms by indirectly encouraging other countries to breach them.
In conclusion, Nato’s proactive stance on harnessing BHE technologies while safeguarding against potential misuse by adversaries represents a significant step in addressing the evolving landscape of technological warfare. The alliance’s strategy reflects its dedication to ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies while remaining vigilant against strategic competitors and adversaries.