International Dismounted Soldier 2025 Conference

Navigating the Evolving Battlespace: Enhancing the Capabilities of the Dismounted Soldier

October 28-29, 2025 - London, United Kingdom

The modern battlefield requires dismounted soldiers to be agile, adaptable, and extremely skilled. With a particular focus on developments in equipment, urban and complex terrain and training approaches, International Dismounted Soldier (IDS) 2025 explores the changing environment of warfare and its impact on dismounted situational awareness. Highlighting advancements meant to enhance light forces' effectiveness, survivability, and mission success, the event brings together military leaders, soldier system experts and industry representatives to explore the latest developments, challenges and trends in dismounted soldier systems.

Across the globe, militaries recognise the value of infantry soldiers and marines adopting a lighter approach to ensure they maintain peak physical and cognitive performance while minimising the risk of injury. The fourth annual International Dismounted Soldier looks at technological developments which have enhanced the capabilities of infantry and marines and will deliver updates from a range of international perspectives regarding  soldier system programs.

Additionally, the conference will share an exhibition space with the 'Future Mortar Systems' conference, allowing for greater networking opportunities.

Benefits of Attending

  • Gain insight from NATO and allied nations on increasing dismounted close combat and ensuring readiness and communications
  • Optimise the Dismounted Soldier platform by integrating critical technologies and advanced equipment while managing the cognitive and physical burden
  • Receive an update on advancing technology and lessons identified from programs enhancing the situational awareness of the soldier.
  • Share best practice to ensure that interoperability continues to be achieved for collective defence and future operations
  • Hear from key military figures on lessons identified in combat, in urban and complex terrain, to enhance the lethality and survivability of the soldier.
  • Learn from current procurement projects to understand how nations are advancing their capability to deliver lethal effects

Key Themes Include:

  • Infantry Tactics & Operations
  • Soldier Modernisation
  • Training & Readiness
  • Physical & Cognitive Burden
  • Improved Lethality & Technology
  • Collaboration & Interoptability
  • Urban & Complex Terrain


2024 Speakers Included

  • Major General (Ret.) Gary Deakin CBE, Former Chief of Staff, NATO Joint Force Command (Conference Chairman)
  • Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, British Army
  • Major General John Errington, Commander of Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, Canadian Army
  • Brigadier General Tamara L. Campbell, Commander, Marine Corps Systems Command
  • Brigadier General Eugenio Dessi, Infantry School Commander, Italian Army
  • Brigadier Nick Cowley OBE, Commander, Combat Manoeuvre Centre, British Army
  • Colonel Stuart Nasse, Assistant Head Military Capability Delivery, British Army
  • Colonel Niklas Edelsvard, Deputy Senior Representative Army, Land Systems Division, FMV - Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
  • Colonel Thomas Putnam, Director, Close Combat Lethality Task Force, US DoD
  • Dr/Ing/ Col (Rt) Frederic Peugeot, Ammunition Support Partnership Branch Chief, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
  • Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Osborne, SO1 Commando Systems, Navy Command, Navy Acquisition
  • Lieutenant Colonel Ron Dresen, StOff Urban Ops, Royal Netherlands Army
  • Lieutenant Colonel Kai Falk, Capability Development Soldier Systems, Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre Bundeswehr
  • Lieutenant Colonel Gregoire Arnauld, Infantry Studies and Forecasts Officer, French Army General Staff
  • Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Turner, Deputy Commander, Army Special Operations Brigade
  • Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Ryan, Commanding Officer, Combined Arms Manoeuvre School
  • Dr. Nicola Armstrong, Senior Principal Scientist, DSTL
  • Major Sebastian Langvad, Teacher, Complex Operations, Norwegian Military Academy
  • Major Michael O'Connor, Capability Director Soldier Modernisation Office, New Zealand Defence Force
  • Major Shaun Clarke, Urban Warfare Development Combat Manoeuvre Centre, 
  • Major Ruari Hahndiek, Dismounted Close Combat Trials and Development Group, British Army
  • Major Gabriele Nobilli, Chief of STANEVAL, Italian Joint Air Operation School

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Venue

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Event details
Organizer :Defence IQ
Event type :Conference
Attendance :Physical Event
Reference :ASDE-25468