Cohort blog

As we approach DSEI 2025, the defence industry finds itself at a transitional moment. The Strategic Defence Review has laid out clear priorities for strengthening the UK's operational independence and resilience. But how do we translate strategic intent into technological, and ultimately tactical reality?

The Government's commitment today to investing in a defence architecture that will make Britain safer and stronger is a welcome and necessary move. In a world where threats to the UK loom and proliferate, it is critical we that our defence posture is strong and credible, underpinned by real and resilient capability. The UK’s defence industry has a crucial role to play in this transformation.

With the publication of the Strategic Defence Review now thought to be imminent, the spotlight will understandably be on spending commitments and force structures. But the UK’s defence does not depend solely on government and the armed forces – industry also has a pivotal role to play.

Cohort Chairman Nick Prest CBE features on the In The Company of Mavericks podcast

Andy Thomis discusses the Armed Forces Covenant and the centenary of the Royal British Legion

Naval surface ships, especially carrier strike groups, are being targeted as never before. This topic was recently discussed at a Cohort webinar on Ship Survivability. How does technology impact on a ship’s ability to navigate safely through hostile environments? And of course, naval surface ships are not just there to protect themselves. Are they still able to project power in the face of such extreme threats?

Machine autonomy is now commonplace in everyday life and applications of autonomy and wider AI in defence are already emerging. They bring great potential benefits in both risk reduction and military effectiveness. But the ethical considerations of increased autonomation must not be ignored. Andy Thomis, Chief Executive explores the complexity of this emerging technology.

Over the years, simulation has revolutionised many aspects of individual and collective military training. Synthetic environments like aircraft flight simulators have reduced the need for complex, costly and risky live exercises, and delivered high quality training with ever-increasing definition and realism. The emergence of commercial Virtual Reality (VR) and, more recently, Augmented Reality (AR) into the military world takes the replication of environments and scenarios to a new level.

As the UK government prepares to launch a new defence spending review, attention turns to the capabilities needed to protect global interests. Much of the lead-up debate will focus on the types and numbers of ships, aircraft and vehicles. But is this the right approach to determining defence needs in a complex world of threats? Should platforms continue to be prioritised over warfare systems, or is it time for a rethink?