The Integrated Force: A Vision for the Future

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has outlined a clear vision for the future of defence in the UK. The Integrated Force will be a seamless blend of Maritime, Land, Air, Cyber & Electromagnetic, and Space domains. This force will not only be capable of conducting synchronised operations across multiple domains but will also prioritise the people who make it all possible. After all, our strategic advantage is built on the foundation of our dedicated personnel.

Furthermore, the Integrated Force aims to:

• Support national objectives with integrated action.
• Collaborate extensively with the whole of Government, allies, international partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Evolve alongside NATO’s Multi-Domain Operations Concept, contributing significantly to NATO’s 360-degree deterrence strategy.

Climate Change and Industry Collaboration

In a rapidly changing world, the Integrated Force is poised to be responsive to the challenges of climate change. Embracing sustainable means of support will not only drive operational advantage but also ensure the force remains relevant and effective in the face of global challenges.

Moreover, the MoD recognises the invaluable role of the industry in achieving this vision. A closer, more collaborative relationship with the industry is not just desired – it’s essential. As highlighted by the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS), the integration between the Government and industry has always been fundamental. This partnership ensures the development and exploitation of new technologies, producing the equipment vital for sustaining the fight.

Learning from the Past: The Conflict in Ukraine

Recent global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, underscore the importance of a united front. Governments alone cannot navigate these complex challenges. The industry plays a pivotal role in leveraging contributions and fostering innovation, especially as technologies like autonomy and Artificial Intelligence become more prevalent in the workplace.

The Road Ahead: Agility, Innovation, and Integration

For DSEI 2023 attendees, the message is clear: the future of defence lies in agility, technological advancement, and integration. The Defence Enterprise must be agile, adapting and innovating as situations demand. This includes harnessing technological changes, such as digital transformation, and investing in capabilities that are future-ready.

Examples of this commitment are evident. The Global Combat Air Programme stands as a testament to the MoD’s dedication to interoperability with allies across both the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Regions. Furthermore, initiatives like the UK-Australian Space Bridge highlight the MoD’s commitment to modernisation and closer collaboration with allies, driving technological progress to maintain our edge.

Conclusion: A Unified Vision at DSEI 2023

DSEI 2023 promises to be more than just an event; it’s a clarion call for integration, collaboration, and innovation. The theme “Achieving the Integrated Force” is not just a tagline – it’s a roadmap for the future. As we look forward to the discussions, showcases, and collaborations at DSEI 2023, one thing is certain: together, we can achieve a defence force that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Join us at DSEI 2023, ExCeL London from 12-15 September, as we chart a course for tomorrow, hand in hand with the MoD and our invaluable industry partners. The future of defence starts here.

For further information and to reserve tickets, please visit www.dsei.co.uk.

The second issue was that the ‘tilt to the Indo-Pacific’ was a useful phrase that wasn’t backed up by any meaningful action. The review challenges this notion, saying that the UK’s position in the region has improved through trade deals and collaboration on important defence programmes. For example, in December Japan signed up to an Anglo-Italian initiative to build a next-generation warplane, a project known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This partnership was strengthened at DSEI Japan in the middle of March. Relations with Australia continue to develop with Britain co-designing a nuclear submarine with them as part of the AUKUS pact, a three-way deal announced by America, Australia and Britain 18 months ago. On top of that, Britain is also close to being accepted as a member of the CPTPP, an Asian trade deal.

On defence spending specifically, the Ministry of Defence will receive an extra £6bn over the next five years in addition to the £5bn that had previously been announced by Rishi Sunak. This money is earmarked for nuclear weapons, submarines and the replenishment of munition stockpiles, which have been greatly reduced due to the war in Ukraine. UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and his military chiefs were calling for a commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence. The Integrated review refresh said that this is only an “aspiration…as fiscal and economic circumstances allow”. This is a clear indication that gifting large sums of money to defence is not high on Rishi Sunak’s agenda.

Procurement methodology across UK defence may need to become increasingly nimbler if the most is to be gained from this uplift. Moreover, with inflation still dangerously high and dollar exchange rates low by historic levels, how much more real money will actually be available depends on macroeconomic conditions.

There are inevitable lessons to be learned from the conflict in Ukraine; the situation is still volatile and unpredictable. The Ukrainian war is an example of state-on-state aggression, with large scale urban battlegrounds, reminiscent of the fighting in the Second World War. However, the current and future operating environment will have multi-varied challenges below the threshold of traditional warfare; keeping competition at a pre-threshold level, or in the ‘grey zone’ may well become the new normal. We are entering a new paradigm where challenges will not only be presented in the real world, but also in the virtual and cognitive worlds. The UK, but also allies across the globe, need to be prepared for these threats. Difficult times ahead. What is clear though, is that the moral component of fighting power is as relevant today as it has been throughout history; The Ukrainian Armed Forces have undisputable will to win.

With the turbulent times as a backdrop, DSEI 2023 returns to ExCel London, and the event may be the most important to date. DSEI is a key event in the international calendar and it will bring a wide array of defence stakeholders from across the world at a time of vast geo-political instability, with nations worldwide re-assessing the capabilities and needs of their armed forces. The theme for 2023 is ‘Achieving an Integrated Force’. It will be vital that the UK continues to integrate at all levels and across five operational domains of Air, Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Land, Sea and Space.