There is little dispute that we are at a significant moment within today’s geopolitical environment. Many commentators have reflected upon the return to state-based threats, increased challenges to the rules-based order and constant competition between state and non-state actors below the threshold of warfare. This environment is further complicated by the disruption arising from digital technologies and advanced materials and the global threats posed by climate change and lethal pandemics.
There is no shortage of diagnosis that Defence systems and processes remain optimised for hardware procurement whilst acknowledging that success will be dependent on the rapid adoption of software driven solutions and dominance in the information domain. The Strategic Defence Review must address this paradox. Bold and rapid reform must be implemented.
SDSC-UK 2024 will explore three areas which are pivotal to this reform. Through panel sessions, industry and Defence experts will explore these topics and engage with the audience to deepen understanding of the challenge to help identify those areas that will be most impactful for change.