The Publication

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2023


Nicholas Kenny speaks with Hugh Woodward, head of HQ and strategy, Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre (DAIC) at the UK Ministry of Defence, to learn about the DAIC's work to drive responsible AI-enabled capabilities and the benefits this can offer the UK’s armed forces.

With Finland having officially become the 31st member of Nato and Sweden expected to soon follow suit, Andrea Valentino talks to a range of experts to learn what Nato membership will actually mean for these nations, as well as what they can offer their new allies.

Building network security and resilience across Nato allies offers a wide range of benefits, as does 5G standardisation – but both face challenges along the way. Nicholas Kenny speaks to Antonio Calderon, chief technology officer, Nato Communications and Information Agency, to learn more.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2023


Tallha Abdulrazaq hears from Dr Sarah Ashbridge, research fellow in military science at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), on the advantages that electrification could provide tactical and combat vehicles in terms of stealth capabilities.

As tensions between China and Taiwan, the latter's allies should look to Ukraine for guidance on how best to prepare it for future conflict. Nicholas Kenny speaks with Dr Jerad Harper, colonel, US Army, retired, and associate professor at the US Army War College, to learn more.

Gary King talks to Brigadier Stefan Crossfield, principal AI officer at the British Army and Shimona Mohan, research assistant at Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, to find out how armed forces can build trust between soldiers and AI systems.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2022


After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has never been a more pressing time for Nato member states to ensure they are prepared to deter and, if necessary, defend their territory. Tallha Abdulrazaq speaks to Major General Veiko-Vello Palm of the Estonian Defence Forces to understand what Nato needs to do next to secure its eastern flank.

Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Cristian Coman, lead for counter-drone activities at the NCI Agency, and Riki Ellison, chairman and founder at the Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance, to learn about the latest developments in counter-drone technology, understand the key challenges they face – and appreciate that machinery alone will never be enough to keep the skies clear of enemy aircraft.

Nicholas Kenny speaks with Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, former UK and Nato commander of CBRN forces, and Antonella Cavallo, rescEU CBRN technical lead at the European Commission, to learn about why concerns are growing over the CBRN threat hanging over Ukraine and what is being done to help protect the Ukrainian people from such an attack.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2022


As he approaches the end of his first year in the job, Ludwig Decamps, general manager for the Nato Communications and Information (NCI) Agency, speaks with Nicholas Kenny about his hopes for the agency, the ambitious agenda set through its Strategic Plan 2022–26, and how the NCI Agency is working to help build Nato’s resilience and sharpen its technological edge.

Isabel Ellis speaks with retired Lt Gen Ben Hodges, the former commander of US Army Europe, and David A Shlapak, senior defence researcher at RAND, about how logistical issues contributed to Russia’s failure to capture Kyiv and telegraphed the country’s invasion intentions, granting Ukraine invaluable time to prepare its defence.

From technical mishaps to a lack of funds, the UK’s tank force has struggled since the end of the Cold War. Yet, with flexible new vehicles on the horizon and sophisticated technology improving existing tanks, might the woes of Britain’s armour finally be over? Andrea Valentino talks to Nicholas Drummond, an ex-British army officer and tank expert, and Robert Clark, defence fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, to learn more.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2021


With Russia flexing its military muscles with worrying frequency, Andrea Valentino speaks to experts across Eastern Europe to understand Nato’s importance to the security of Poland and the Baltics, how logistical cooperation is increasing in the face of Moscow’s aggression, and whether a distracted US will always be there to save the day.

Isabel Ellis hears from Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former US Army Europe commander, to learn about the benefits of the new Manoeuvre Short-Range Air Defence (M-SHORAD) system, which is based on the 8x8 Stryker vehicle, and how it will address the gap in the US Army’s short-range air armoured defences.

Militaries all over the world are investing considerable amounts of time and money in developing drone swarms. Nicholas Kenny speaks with Steve Wright, senior research fellow for the Engineering Design and Mathematics department at University of the West of England, and Zak Kallenborn, policy fellow at Schlar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, to learn more about this still-nascent technology.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2021


The US Military's JADC2 concept plans to use 5G technology to help decentralise and speed up decision making. Elly Earls speaks with Colonel Mike Driscoll, director of future operations at the USAF Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, and Bryan Clark, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, to learn more.

Andrew Barnett hears from Major Cory Wallace, robotic combat vehicles lead for the US Army’s Next-Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team, and Kevin Mills, associate director for robotics at the Ground Vehicle Systems Center, about how robotic combat vehicles are being developed to take over operations deemed too dirty or dangerous for humans.

Andrea Valentino talks to Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov of the Bulgarian Navy and Bryan Clark, senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, to learn why navies have been reconsidering the size of their ships and crews.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2020


Greg Noone talks to Professor Peter Roberts, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, about the strategic blind spots uncovered by the UK’s Integrated Review of foreign and defence policy, and what to do about them.

Andrea Valentino talks to David Audet, at the Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Soldier Center, and Sam Bendett, a research analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses, on how military exoskeletons are currently being used.

Armed forces have been deployed worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic to reinforce civilian networks. Andrew Barnett asks Alexey Muraviev, associate professor of national security and strategic studies at Australia’s Curtin University, what lessons have been learned and how the pandemic might shape future military responses.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2020


Greg Noone talks to Matt Roper, chief of joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at NATO’s Communications and Information Agency, about how the alliance is plotting its advance into space.

Andrea Valentino speaks to Captain Evan Inglett at the US Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and Lieutenant Colonel Sten Allik of the Estonian Defence Forces about how land drones are transforming the battlefield, and what that means for the human soldiers left behind.

In November, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a gigantic new order for the Boxer, a modular mechanised infantry vehicle. Ross Davies investigates the implications of the deal with Ben Barry, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2019


A technological revolution is under way in the defence industry. Across the sector, sophisticated computing tools are changing equipment, working patterns and training, and next-generation technologies are inspiring innovation in every sphere. New modelling techniques have the potential to significantly improve the processes of military logistics, while the use of open architecture ensures that military vehicles remain capable of offering troops the best and most up-to-date systems. Virtual reality is changing the way servicemen and women prepare for the challenges of deployment, while intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance are being transformed by the introduction of swarm tactics.

In this issue, NATO's ongoing commitment to countering cyberthreat is evident in our big interview with Ian West, cybersecurity chief at the NATO Communications and Information Agency. As well as online attacks, this issue of Defence & Security Systems International looks at how the defence industry can deal with an even more nebulous foe: a changing climate.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2019


The operational environment of today, and tomorrow, will look very different from that of years gone by, and using older vehicles may not be conducive to the future of combat in locations like urban areas. Andrew Tunnicliffe speaks with Major General Gary M Brito about what the US Army is doing to ensure its fleet is ready for the future.

Also, simulated training environments can drastically improve operators' ability to develop complex skills, or they can become expensive albatrosses. Is eye-tracking technology going to sort one from the other, or will it too prove overpriced and underused? Tim Gunn talks to Matt Lewis, senior research scientist and professor at Pardee RAND Graduate School, about whether the eyes do, in fact, have it.

Plus, in this issue, Greg Noone talks to Professor Margaret E Kosal at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, and Professor Rosa Zheng of Lehigh University, about how Pacific rivalries and advances in communications technologies could lead to the development of autonomous warships, and all the consequences that could entail. And: we consider how Active protection systems (APS) for defence vehicles is a hot topic. Andrew Barnett talks to Tom Newbery of the UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory about the proof-of-concept Technical Demonstration Programme established to maximise capabilities.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2018


Experts believe that the majority of the security threats confronting modern militaries over the next few decades will involve urban conflicts facing enemies equipped with nearpeer capable Chinese and Russian armaments. Neil Thompson talks with Dr William Suttie of the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory about the implications this has for the latest developments in the field.

Open architecture is something we hear a lot of within the technology sphere. What impact is it having on our military and how close are we to the so-called ‘holy grail’? Defence & Security Systems International looks at the UK for answers.

Plus, Neil Thompson speaks with RAF Wing Commander Keith Dear about the rapid evolution in drone abilities, and what this means for Western militaries. And, Simulation is finding a home in military training – whether it be in the air, seas or on the ground. However, as Andrew Tunnicliffe finds out, although it’s offering new possibilities, it brings with it some new challenges, too. Here, he speaks to Lieutenant General Thomas L Baptiste.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2018


EU member states have agreed to better collaborate on a raft of military and defence projects and strategies, as Andrew Tunnicliffe explains. However, the logistics of coordinating initiatives across the union to create numerous military and civilian operations are challenging. What is the union’s plan to improve this collaboration?

Lighter, stronger, smarter: new innovations are starting to have an impact on the armour that soldiers are wearing to battle and beyond. Claire Apthorp takes a look at the latest trends.

Also in this issue: In 2015, a European Telecommunications Standards Institute report warned of military and security dangers posed by quantum computing. But what is the state of play now? Dr Gregory Edwards of NATO’s Communications and Information Agency discusses the work his organisation has been doing.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2017


Today’s littoral environments are more dangerous than ever, with long-standing threats such as pirates becoming increasingly sophisticated. In this special report, Lieutenant Commander Steven Wills and Commander Graham Edmonds discuss some of the biggest threats facing patrol boats, and explain why vessels need to be fast, flexible and responsive.

An international coalition of lawyers will draft a manual setting out the legalities of warfare in outer space, including guidance on issues such as the legality of attacking satellites, firing lasers and what constitutes a space war crime. To find out more, Claire Apthorp speaks to lawyers working on the project from the University of Exeter’s Law School.

Also in this issue: Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Newspaper headlines report the successful, large-scale incidents, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. Defence & Security Systems International speaks to Kevin Scheid of the NATO NCI Agency and cybersecurity expert Piers Wilson about the threat these attacks pose. Plus, Graham McIntyre, chairman and CEO of the European Training and Simulation Association, compares simulations with live training environments and asks how much more we can expect from them.

Defence & Security Systems International (DSSI016)


With tighter budgets, the aim of the armed forces is to be ever-ready but efficient and cost-effective. This is where training and simulation can play a major role. As threats evolve, so too must training and simulation, but how are they advancing with the likes of live and virtual capabilities? President of the National Training and Simulation Association Rear Admiral James Robb, US Navy (Ret), offers an insight.

Recent events have served to highlight the difficulties of monitoring and protecting our borders, physically and digitally. It has to be done with care, using the appropriate methods in the right way. Accenture's James Canham explains the challenges border officers and their surveillance counterparts face, and how the disciplines are being brought together.

Also in this issue: Abi Millar speaks to its Allied Rapid Reaction Corps to find out more about its ongoing journey to provide efficient logistics support at short notice and Defence & Security Systems International explores how new technologies are helping naval commanders to better respond to the challenges some missions bring.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2016


Defence & Security Systems International talks to Dr Eliot Cohen, Robert E Osgood professor of strategic studies at the Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, about how the lessons of force projection under the Obama administration should inform the next decade of activity for US forces overseas.

The recent cyberattack on the Democratic National Committee, if premeditated, represents the first time that hacking has been used as a tool of political manipulation. Rod James looks at the significance of the incident, what constitutes best practice in security and why it is so hard to establish ground rules for online warfare.

Also in this issue: Colin Castle examines how the US military, world's most powerful fighting force, is adapting to the new normal - and considers whether President-elect Trump might shake things up. Plus, GCC states are sufficiently worried by Iran's missile tests to have begun work on an integrated ballistic missile defence system. Percy Ledger speaks to Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2016


As the military's remit broadens and threats become more unconventional, training systems have had to evolve. Elly Earls meets Steve Brittan of the UK Defence Solutions Centre, to find out how synthetic environments are playing an important role in preparing new recruits for real-world operations.

Without a boots-on-the-ground presence, the military intervention against IS in Syria and the Levant has been dependent on effective ISR operations to pick targets and get results. Oliver Hotham speaks with Christopher Harmer of the Institute for the Study of War about how this crucial ISR works - and what its shortcomings mean for the future of aerial conflicts.

Also in this issue: The Eurosatory exhibition showcases the latest in defence and security technology for over 1,000 exhibitors and 55,000 visitors from across the world. Communications director Daphné Lepetit takes us through what we can expect from this year's show. Plus, Defence & Security Systems International speaks to Air Force Space Command's Colonel Michael O Kinslow, chief of the SATCOM and PNT Division.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2015


With Japan set to allow its military to engage in overseas operations for the first time in 70 years, growing regional power politics and territorial disputes are on everybody's minds. Former British Ambassador to Japan, associate fellow at Chatham House's Asia programme and chairman of the Japan Society Sir David Warren talks about what this means for defence and security in east Asia.

The Ministry of Defence's Scout SV programme has reached its latest milestone, unveiling its first prototype vehicle in September and renaming the fleet AJAX. These armoured vehicles, dubbed the 'eyes and ears' of tomorrow's battlefields, will replace the CVR(T) vehicles and dramatically improve ISTAR capabilities. Defence & Security Systems International asks the MoD how the programme is progressing.

Also in this issue: We speak to Alessandro Vivoli, project officer of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at the European Defence Agency, to find out how European partners can pool their resources in this field, and David Jardine-Smith, secretary at the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), explains the federation's role in enhancing cooperation and interoperability between partners.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2015


During a multinational mission, it's important to provide multinational medical support. To date, however, EU member states have struggled to pool their resources. Giuseppe Azzena, medical project officer at the European Defence Agency (EDA), explains how the Multinational Modular Medical Unit (M3U) initiative could change the face of the field hospital.

The spread of Islamists across the Levant has seen a detente in relations between the US and Iran, but could this tacit cooperation soon become a more formal partnership? Peter James speaks to RUSI's Shashank Joshi and RAND's Bruce Bennett about unlikely alliances.

Also in this issue: Oliver Hotham speaks to President of Latvia and former Defence Minister Raimonds Vejonis about how his country was adapting to the increasingly troubled situation in the Baltics; Frontex's Izabella Cooper discusses how member states cooperate on border control; and we preview Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), which returns on 15-18 September at ExCeL London.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2014


Finding a way to safeguard the defence industry, along with the revenue and jobs it generates, has become a priority. Peter James looks at how the security and income potential offered by budget offsets has led to a surge in their popularity, one that's set to continue for the foreseeable future.

The last few years have seen a revolution in how people share information through social media. Now advances in military network technology and off-the-shelf mobile phones are allowing the US to give soldiers similar tools to share data on the battlefield. Grant Turnbull reports.

Also in this issue: Naval experts gathered in Stockholm for a September workshop to explore the challenges and opportunities in the littoral regions of the world. Captain Edward Lundquist reports. Plus, Brigadier Alistair Deas and Lieutenant Colonel Greggs Hughes of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps discuss the logistical challenges and complexities of withdrawing troops and equipment from modern conflict theatres.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2014


In this issue of Defence & Security Systems International, we speak to Colonel Michel Maury of the French Armament Corps about the French Army's investment in FELIN, including its performance to date and planned upgrades, as well as Brigadier Ian Rigden, head of land and research at the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC), to discuss the future of the UK's armoured vehicle fleet.

Also, the world of cyber-security is locked in a vicious circle; the latest protection suites hit the market, threat actors develop malware to bypass new defence features and software vendors break them down, creating more rigid systems. Any data of value is a target for criminals, from corporate technology patents to classified military documents. Chris Godfrey speaks with John Lyons, CEO of the International Cyber Security Protection Alliance (ICSPA), to discuss the incessant plague of "zero-day attacks" that are exfiltrating sensitive information from governments, armed forces, businesses and civilians worldwide.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 3 2013


The Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) takes a holistic view of infantry equipment rather than simply procuring a series of isolated components. It is now delivering the considerable benefits of this integrated approach to the soldier, as Lieutenant Colonel Rob O'Connor of the dismounted close combat integrated project team at Defence Equipment and Support, UK MoD, explains.

Also in this edition, DSSI speaks to Hans øiom of the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation about the special precautions and procedures that must be adhered to when transporting and storing sensitive cargo. And while defence is not renowned for its female-friendly credentials, the sector is undergoing a significant demographic shift. Karen Conti, director of business development at Raytheon and president of Women in Defense, tells Abi Millar how the times are changing.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2013


In this issue of Defence & Security Systems International, Nigel Ash speaks to retired Colonel Richard Hansen, former project manager, Soldier Warrior and PEO Soldier, at the US Army Defense Acquisition University about how technology will change the way future soldiers join and fight engagements. World-renowned counterterrorism expert, Major Chris Hunter gives Jack Wittels an insider's account of insurgent use of improvised explosive devices, discussing their technological evolution, the latest designs and the armed forces' response strategies.

Ross Davies speaks to Michael Sieber, assistant director research and technology at the European Defence Agency about the need for a collaborative approach in tackling this borderless crime. Elsewhere, Elly Earls meets CERDEC's Steve Goodall to discuss the groundbreaking technologies helping to improve tactical communications in the field.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2012


The growth of the internet has transformed our everyday lives. But with greater openness, interconnection and dependency comes greater vulnerability. The threat to our national security from cyberattacks is real and growing. Organised criminals, terrorists, hostile states and 'hacktivists' are all seeking to exploit cyberspace to their own ends. In this issue, Michael de Crespigny of the ISF advises how to negotiate the rocky landscape of cybercrime. Additionally, Brigadier Mark Gaunt helps reduce the burden of equipment on the dismounted close-combat and soldier Major General Mark Brown asks if Afghan security forces are ready for the departure of NATO troops.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 1 2012


The steps taken by the UK Government in the February 2012 'National security through technology' white paper and in balancing the Ministry of Defence budget mean that the defence acquisition outlook looks positive. This issue, TARDEC director Jennifer Hitchcock tells us about GSPEL, the division's new state-of-the-art R&D facility. Elsewhere, with work now underway, we take a look at the Canadian Army's extensive LAV III upgrade programme. We also hear from Major General (Ret'd) David Shouesmith, regarding the UK military's logistical challenges and their evolution.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol. 2 2011/12


In this edition, we take an in-depth look at the biggest threat facing maritime security today. Piracy, originating off the coast of Somalia, has been a growing concern since the turn of the century. Originally confined to the country's coastal zone, attacks are now spreading many hundreds of miles out into the open ocean. Back on land, we look at how a new standardisation agreement will allow radio interoperability between ground forces. We also find out how the Canadian Ministry of Defence's ambitious light armoured vehicle upgrade programme is progressing and QinetiQ gives us an insight into how the unmanned vehicles market is evolving.

Defence & Security Systems International Vol.1 2011


This issue coincides with announcements of the drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan. Nevertheless, the war - and other operations, such as in Libya - continues apace at a time of ongoing budget cuts. Erich Weissenböck and Benjamin Fuchs explain the role of the European Defence Agency (EDA) in helping its 26 member states' defence departments to improve their military capabilities and cut procurement costs through interagency collaboration. Elsewhere, Rodolphe Paris of the EDA talks to editor Mark Brierley about Europe's milsatcom infrastructure, and Gordon Hunt of RTI tells us how the UK MoD has embraced interoperable open architecture.



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