‘The character of warfare is increasingly shaped not only by the ability to destroy, manoeuvre, or sustain forces, but by the ability to influence perception, accelerate decision-making, shape understanding, and create strategic effects in the cognitive space. As emerging technologies mature, the centre of gravity of conflict may (or may not) shift from platforms and networks towards the contest for attention, trust, judgement, and decision advantage.

This webinar will explore the extent to which advances in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, simulation technologies, digital twins, synthetic media, neurotechnology, and pervasive sensing are changing the relationship between humans and machines in war. The discussion will also focus on how they may (or not) converge to create new forms of military power.

Looking beyond the operating environments, the webinar will also examine the implications for the defence innovation ecosystem. It will explore how new technologies may (or may not) influence the way capabilities are conceived, tested, developed, and delivered, and whether relationships between defence, industry, academia, and technology innovators could evolve in response to the dynamically evolving future operating environments.

This webinar is the second in a two-part series exploring the Future Operating Environments and serves as a precursor to the Future of War Conference on 25 November 2026.

This webinar will take place under the Chatham House Rule. Following a series of short provocations from the panel, the discussion will be opened to participants for questions, challenge, and debate.’