Panellists explored how the UK can build on earlier efforts such as Network-Centric Warfare in the early 2000s and General Sir Richard Barrons’ “Warfare in the Information Age” (2014), while learning from more recent lessons in Ukraine and among NATO allies. The discussion emphasised that the battlespace is increasingly defined by the ability to connect domains seamlessly, with data trusted, protected and delivered at pace to commanders.
The panel brought together senior leaders from across the Ministry of Defence, including Charles Forte, Enterprise Chief Information Officer; James Gavin, Deputy Director, UK Defence Innovation & Head of Technology Transition; and Dina Kakaras, Deputy Director, Commercial, Defence Digital Commercial. Together, they examined the realities of innovating at the speed required to multiply lethality tenfold. This included a candid assessment of how the new acquisition segmentation reform is progressing and how it can reshape collaboration with industry, strengthening engagement with both large and small companies.
“The Digital Targeting Web is not an abstract vision,” Hargreaves said. “It is the framework that will allow us to act faster and with greater confidence in complexity. But its success depends on more than technology; it requires new behaviours, agile acquisition and trusted partnerships between government, industry and allies.”
L3Harris’ presence at DSEI echoed these priorities. Alongside the panel, the company showcased capabilities spanning resilient communications, electronic warfare, space and autonomous systems—demonstrating how agile technologies, trusted partnerships and a disruptive mindset are reshaping defence and security.
