Resources, capabilities and the continuing explosion in R&T
The 2007 UK Defence Conference was devoted to the future of warfare and what may be anticipated in the 2020s and 2030s. The 2008 forum takes a further look at this dimension of defence with a focus this year on airpower, joint operations involving sea, land and air and the role of science and technology in warfare.
Britain and its allies face serious budgetary constraints and in some countries, population ageing is making it more difficult to recruit the necessary manpower. Against this background buying the right equipment, attracting sufficiently qualified personnel and using available manpower to best effect become ever more pressing priorities. The lead that the United States has in high tech warfare makes it increasingly difficult for America's allies to be inter-operable with US forces. This has major implications for the UK and much more so for most other NATO members. However, the spread of numerous significant technologies across the world means that political opponents can mount challenges that only the delivery of high quality capability to the armed forces of the UK and its allies will permit us to counter. This makes quality of technology important in itself regardless of inter-operability with the US.
While all this huge growth in technology is proceeding, the need to have manpower for the kinds of task shown to be crucial in Afghanistan and Iraq remains a priority and the cost of personnel will loom large whatever the high tech warfare developments with their 'unmanned' appeal.
Key themes
The conference will examine:
- Defence Technology / Defence Industrial Strategies of the United Kingdom and assess how these are being developed to enable its forces to operate effectively, both singly and in alliance
- The role of airpower and joint operations involving sea, land and air
- Inter alia, robotics, nano technology, encryption, biotechnology, the effects of the continuing explosion in ICT
- The opportunities and threats in information warfare
- Time lines in relation to the main scientific and technological developments which are and will be challenges to the defence efforts of the UK and its partners
Conference audience
Now in its 4th year, this essential, high-level strategic conference will bring together international government and military officials and senior level defence industry executives. Building on the success of last year's sell-out conference this year's event will focus on the most important challenges facing the industry today.
- International government and ministry officials responsible for policy, requirements and procurement
- Senior industry executives responsible for, and who influence, strategy within defence companies
- Senior executives from research and development organisations
- Business development staff, purchasing personnel and defence consultants
- Top directors and advisors with responsibility for government relations
Why attend?
The conference will provide you with insight and analysis of the current challenges facing the global defence industry and through informed debate gain an understanding of the methodologies of overcoming them:
- Hear where leading global executives and government officials expect industry and policy to develop
- Gain unparalleled insight into latest defence strategy and the future direction of global defence
- Identify the best business opportunities
- Develop a clear understanding of the future direction of UK, European and transatlantic defence marketss
- Question those responsible for shaping defence strategy
- Network with key policy and strategy makers
- Direct your questions to those responsible for shaping the defence policies of tomorrow
For more information or to receive a copy of the conference brochure when it becomes available, please email: raf.kotowicz@janes.com
Programme developed in association with
