How mobile surveillance strengthens defense infrastructure and border security

In June 2025, NATO members agreed to a significant change in defense planning strategy, committing to increase national defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This increase reflects heightened defense budgets and shifting strategic priorities, signaling evolving geopolitical concerns and the need to strengthen the physical security infrastructure of member states. Of the budget, 3.5% is earmarked for core defense components, such as personnel, weapons, and training. The remaining 1.5% is dedicated to adjacent domains, including defense infrastructure resilience, logistics, and military mobility. Within this expanded framework, mobile surveillance solutions have emerged as essential tools for safeguarding critical sites and maintaining operational readiness.

These solutions monitor strategic locations and dual-use civil infrastructure

As part of broader military preparedness strategies, countries are reclassifying civil infrastructure, such as ports, bridges, and railway hubs, as dual-use assets. These structures, originally intended for civilian use, are being integrated into defense planning due to their strategic location or logistical importance. Italy is taking a leading role in this approach by aligning its infrastructure projects with dual-purpose outcomes. Surveillance systems are pivotal to this transition. Given the increased risk of disruption or sabotage, constant oversight is essential to preserving the functionality and security of these multipurpose sites.

Mobile surveillance is crucial for military sites and border control

In military settings, surveillance goes beyond monitoring traditional bases. Mobile systems that can be rapidly deployed and adjusted as needed are essential for monitoring isolated compounds, controlling national borders, and supporting logistics along sensitive corridors. These systems’ value lies in their adaptability. These systems can be transported to remote or undeveloped areas, set up without the need for permanent infrastructure, and redeployed as missions evolve. With the ability to operate in variable environmental conditions, these systems provide reliable situational awareness, which is essential for threat detection, protecting troops, and coordinating responses.

This creates new business opportunities for the security industry

This redefined strategic landscape creates considerable opportunities for companies in the security sector. The surge in investment in military infrastructure and border control projects leads to increased demand for physical surveillance hardware, mobile units, field services, and installation expertise. Service providers that can deliver flexible, field-ready surveillance solutions and have the operational capacity to maintain, relocate, and support them over time are well-positioned to grow alongside defense initiatives. Long-term service agreements and rental models are becoming more relevant in NATO-aligned nations, especially in environments where mobility and temporary deployment are prioritized.

Mobilizing defense with smarter infrastructure protection

The shift toward mobile surveillance is not a temporary trend but a structural evolution in the organization and execution of defense. National resilience now depends not only on the strength of armed forces but also on the visibility, control, and protection of strategic infrastructure. As military and security policies converge with infrastructure development, surveillance capabilities are taking on a central role. Deployable, adaptable, and precise, mobile surveillance systems are essential for translating increased defense spending into real-world security outcomes.