Wednesday, November 18, 2026

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Royal Theatre

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Presentation Outline

Modern conflict is redefining the role of tactical communications at an unprecedented pace. Drawing on operational insights from supporting one of the world’s most technologically contested battlefields, this presentation explores how military communications must evolve to remain effective in an era characterised by relentless electronic warfare, rapid capability iteration, autonomous systems and increasing geopolitical uncertainty. The presentation examines how development cycles have compressed from years to weeks, forcing industry to adopt software-driven innovation at battlefield speed while balancing the ethical challenges of sharing operational lessons. It highlights the resurgence of fundamental principles such as emissions control (EMCON), transmission security, low probability of detection and agile spectrum management, alongside the emergence of adaptive, self-managing radio networks capable of sensing, learning and responding without constant human intervention. It also considers the growing demand for sovereign capability and localisation as nations seek greater control over their supply chains, manufacturing and critical technologies to improve resilience and operational independence. Finally, it explores how autonomous and uncrewed systems are reshaping the battlespace, requiring communications architectures that are intelligent, interoperable and capable of supporting increasingly machine-driven operations. This presentation provides a practical perspective on the technologies, behaviours and strategic shifts that will define battlefield connectivity over the coming decade, and what militaries and industry must do today to remain operationally relevant tomorrow.

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Speaker