Newsletter - November 2024
Digital skills for the modern battlefield
Our esports and digital skills event showcased how gaming and immersive technologies are shaping the future of defence.
The day highlighted how these tools can help to develop critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex scenarios. Skills our modern Defence force need to maintain our competitive edge against our adversaries in a time of evolving and increasing global threats.
From flight simulators and strategy games to VR training platforms, personnel from across the forces experienced the power of digital skills and esports first-hand.
Commitment to security and prosperity of Falkland Islands reaffirmed by Ministerial visit
The Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, visited the Falkland Islands, the first visit by a defence minister since 2022, to commemorate Remembrance Day and pay tribute to those who served in defence of the Falklands and conflicts across the world.
While there he met with personnel from all the services to hear about the incredible work they are doing overseas. With the Royal Air Force (RAF)’s 4 typhoons, Royal Navy’s HMS Forth, and 100 British Army troops stationed on the islands, our presence on land, sea, and air is strong.
Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme visit to Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub
We had the privilege of welcoming the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) to the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub (DEWH).
During their visit they experienced first-hand the power of wargaming as a tool for decision-making, strategy and capability development. The visit was a dynamic mix of education and hands-on experiences, with participants engaging directly with two immersive wargames that showed the breadth of wargaming applications.
Showcasing innovation to the Secretary of State
We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon John Healey MP, at our Strategic Command innovation hub in London.
The visit highlighted our ongoing efforts to lead and support operations globally, including the UK's support to Ukraine. We showcased the Defence Medical Services' rehabilitation work, our Permanent Joint Headquarters enhanced decision making through data, and our Defence Digital 's work as our digital backbone that connects over 230,000 users across 1,300 sites worldwide.
The Defence Secretary met with our training and education teams, including from the Defence Cyber Academy, and learned about how governments around the world are utilising Defence Futures’ latest publication. The day concluded with a look at cutting-edge tech innovations, including using augmented reality to prepare for missions, the latest drone tech, and digital tools which provide real-time updates for decision makers.
Japanese Joint Staff College visit enhances UK-Japan relationship
It was a pleasure to host a delegation from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff College to both our Northwood HQ and Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, further strengthening the robust and evolving UK-Japan defence relationship.
This visit provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding and explore collaborative opportunities in the face of shared global security challenges. Our discussions with the delegation focussed on key areas: recognising the growing complexity and importance of the cyber and space domains, maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, investing in future defence leaders, and fostering intellectual exchange.
NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London
The UK recently hosted the NATO Cyber Defence Conference, driving progress on the Alliance's cyber priorities.
Lt Gen Tom C-S CBE opened the second day, gathering alongside other cyber experts to share information, spread innovation and coordinate our collective defence in cyberspace.
Attendees had the opportunity to take part in tabletop exercises, with several facilitated by the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub, as well as having discussions on: capabilities and cooperation, the importance of Cyber Mission Assurance, cyber deterrence, and integrating cyber into multi-domain operations.
Successful Ex JOINT PROTECTOR 2024
The Joint Expeditionary Force - JEF successfully concluded a multinational exercise in Liepāja, Latvia, demonstrating its ability to deploy and respond to an unfolding near real crises scenario in the Baltic and Nordic region.
Combining a partnership of 10 like-minded Northern European nations, the JEF share a commitment to contribute to international security and ensure regional stability.
Ex JOINT PROTECTOR 24 saw 300 personnel from across the 10 nations practice their ability to deploy with key equipment from their home countries and their collective response to regional conflict and security challenges, ensuring they worked seamlessly with the JEF’s Operational HQ at Strategic Command.
Commendations awarded for service and dedication
Congratulations to our outstanding personnel who have been awarded Commander’s Commendations for their exceptional service and unwavering dedication. These commendations represent the selflessness, resilience, and commitment of those awarded.
Personnel from Defence Digital, Permanent Joint Headquarters, and Directorate of Overseas Bases - just to name a few - have been recognised for their work to create a foundation of strength and collaboration that supports not only their teams but also the wider-Defence community.
Remembrance celebrated across the world
On Armistice Day, veterans and personnel from across the Command held services to commemorate the fallen heroes who died on behalf of their country.
No matter where we were in the world - whether Northwood HQ or our overseas bases - we united in remembrance.
UK Defence strategy, AUKUS, and deterrence with General Hockenhull
The Australian Strategic Policy Institute released a podcast including our very own Commander, General Jim Hockenhull, who delves into: the importance of partnerships, the need for partners to be integrated, how we are developing cutting-edge technology with international partners, how we can adapt to future trends in warfare, and working together on Indo-Pacific security.
Strategic Command sharpens Defence’s edge to protect the nation and help it prosper.
We are the capabilities you don’t usually see. Or those you can’t.
We are always ready to respond, anywhere at anytime.
We are learning and adapting to make Defence more lethal and more integrated.
Principal Managing Partner at MMPS UK LTD
3mo"Developing critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex scenarios with the modern Battlefield / Defence force need to maintain competitive edge against adversaries in a time of evolving and increasing global threats. " #VRInDefence
Decision Advantage & Wargaming Lead
3moA pleasure to help host the AFPS visit to DEWH.