Defence Talks: Securing UK Advantage

This episode discusses the growing importance of space in the context of defence and consider the strategic role of the UK. Joined by Elizabeth Seward, Head of Space Strategy and Future Business at BAE Systems, and Juliana Suess, Research Analyst and Policy Lead for Space Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), we will examine the current capabilities of the UK and look to where Br...

Ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s renewed aggression against Ukraine, we examine the current status of Russia’s war against Ukraine and why ensuring a Ukrainian victory is vital to Britain’s security. Joined by Andy Start, CEO of Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) at the Ministry of Defence and Mark Galeotti, Director of Mayak Intelligence and author of Putin’s Wars, we consider...

In this episode we examine critical skills and what this means for employees in defence both now and in the future. We discuss the measures being taken to attract new talent into the UK’s defence sector, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Paul Oxley, Director of Government and Policy at ADS Group is joined by David Robinson, Director of Post-16 and Skil...

In this special episode, we reflect on the highlights from the first five episodes of Defence Talks: Securing UK Advantage. In 2023 we focused on topics ranging from the ‘refresh’ of the Defence Command Paper to the role of ESG in defence industry and discussed the most important issues facing British defence with guests including The Rt. Hon. James Heappey MP, Minister of State for Armed Forces,...

In this episode we are joined by Prof. Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King’s College London, and Dr William James, Ax:son Johnson Research Fellow at King’s College London. We explore what it means to have a military competitive edge, how such an edge has displayed itself in history and what we can learn from this. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss...

In this episode, we examine the relationship between ESG investment and the defence sector. Joined by Kevin Craven, the CEO of ADS Group, and Camilla Hughes, former ESG lead at Rothschild & Co Global Advisory, we consider whether defence can really be aligned with ESG objectives and how we can make sure the sector does not lose out on the investment that is crucial for securing the UK’s securi...

In our third episode, we explore the relationship between UK society and the Armed Forces. Joined by The Rt. Hon. James Heappey MP, Minister of State for Armed Forces, and Howard Mustoe, Industry Editor at The Telegraph , we shed light on changing perceptions, implications for national security and the impact on the families of those who serve. This is a public episode. If you would like to discus...

In our latest episode, we examine the challenges and opportunities in the military community’s drive to become more representative and inclusive, including a discussion about the strategic advantage a more diverse workforce can bring. Joined by Angela Owen OBE, Founder of Women in Defence UK, and Richard Blackmore, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BAE Systems, we demystify some terms and...

In our inaugural episode, we discuss the recent refresh to the Defence Command Paper and its impact on British Defence. Experts including Dr Robert Johnson, Director, Secretary of State’s Office for Net Assessment and Challenge, provide insights into the UK’s strategic priorities, the critical role of Britain’s defence industrial base, and what the future holds for British defence. Find out more a...