As competition becomes more persistent, visible and systemic, the boundaries between peace, crisis and conflict are becoming harder to distinguish. Technological change, democratisation of intelligence, climate pressure, economic constraint and the growing role of non-state actors are reshaping how military power is developed, contested and employed.
Drawing on Future Operating Environments 2040 thinking and wider Futures and Force Design work, the conference will explore the challenges, risks and opportunities likely to shape UK Defence and NATO out to 2040. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and focused breakout sessions, delegates will consider what future conflicts may demand, what assumptions need to be challenged, and what choices Defence may need to make.
The conference will create space for open discussion, shared insight and practical challenge. Delegates will explore how Defence can compete effectively in more complex operating environments, work with industry and academia at greater pace, and make the choices needed to balance ambition, affordability, autonomy and human judgement.
The Future of War Conference is not simply about anticipating future conflict. It is about understanding the choices required to ensure the United Kingdom and NATO are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of 2035-40.
Join us and help shape the Future Force.
Outline Programme (Subject to change):
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08:30
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Registration, Breakfast & Networking
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09:30
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
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09:45
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Keynote
UK Principal Speaker
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10:15
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Networking Break
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11:00
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Panel 1 – Future Warfare 2035-40
Themes:
- The changing relationship between competition, crisis and conflict.
- Cognitive, informational and virtual spaces of warfare.
- How emerging technologies may or may not change assumptions of escalation, deterrence and tempo.
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12:00
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Keynote
Senior Allied Defence Speaker
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12:30
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Networking Lunch Break
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14:00
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Panel 2 – Integrated Force of 2040
Themes:
- Integration across domains, government and industry.
- The balance between resilience, efficiency and adaptability.
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15:00
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Keynote
Champions of Industry
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15:30
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Networking Break
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16:00
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Panel 3 – Partnering the Future Force
Themes:
- Strategic dependencies and industrial resilience.
- The relationship between activity at range and security at home.
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17:00
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Closing Remarks
UK Principal Speaker
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17:30
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Break and move to dinner venue
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19:30
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Dinner
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