Defence IQ
Navigating the Changing Battlefield: Enhancing Dismounted Soldier Capabilities for Tomorrow's Fight
2 - 3 December 2026 | Novotel London West
2-3 December, 2026
Dismounted Operations In Today's Euro-Atlantic Security Environment
Join us in London for tactical and strategic level briefings, networking sessions, and discussions!
Defence iQ’s International Dismounted Soldier Conference returns at a critical time for the Euro-Atlantic alliance, as armed forces confront the rapidly evolving character of modern conflict. From asymmetric warfare and contested communications to the realities of an increasingly transparent battlefield, today’s dismounted soldiers must operate with greater agility, survivability, and situational awareness than ever before. Whether deployed in urban, littoral, desert, jungle, or cold-weather environments, forces are being challenged to adapt to complex operational conditions while maintaining combat effectiveness in close contact with both adversaries and civilian populations.
Bringing together senior military leaders, government stakeholders, and industry innovators, the conference will examine how nations are preparing and equipping the modern soldier for future battlefields, explore the technologies driving soldier modernisation, and address the capabilities needed to strengthen deterrence, interoperability, and operational advantage across the Euro-Atlantic security environment.
Meet our 2026 Speakers
Major General Karl Ford CB CBE
Director of Defence Planning
NATO HQ
Major General Douglas Lowrey
Commanding General, Contracting Command
US Army
Brigadier General Mark Parsons CD
Commander, 5th Canadian Division & Director General Capability Development
Canadian Armed Forces
Brigadier General Jørn Qviller
Incoming Commander, Brigade North
Norwegian Army
Brigadier Nick Wight-Boycott
Commander
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Colonel Tim Turner
Deputy Commander, Army Special Operations Brigade
British Army
Colonel Will Waugh MBE
Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio Team Leader
DE&S, UK MoD
Colonel Tom Parsons MBE
Assistant Head, Personnel Strategy
British Army
Download the post show report
Wondering what's in store?
The International Dismounted Soldier Conference 2025 returned to London on 28-29 October, bringing together military leaders, capability developers, procurement specialists, researchers, and industry partners to address the evolving challenges facing today's dismounted forces. With representatives from 19 nations and more than 30 expert speakers, the conference provided a unique platform for sharing operational lessons, examining emerging capability requirements, and discussing how soldiers can be better equipped and supported for future missions.
This Post Show Report captures the key themes, insights, and takeaways from the event, highlighting discussions on capability development, procurement priorities, soldier modernisation, and the future battlefield. Download the report to discover the perspectives of senior military decision-makers, NATO representatives, government officials, and industry experts, and gain valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of dismounted operations.
Make sure to register before Friday, 21st August 2026
Secure an early pass and save £300!
Become A Partner
Partnership and Exhibition Opportunities
Partnership is the most effective way to share your company's solution with the dismounted soldier stakeholders in the room.
Do you provide solutions in: (including but not limited to)
- Basic Equipment (including weapons and ammunition)
- Soldier Systems
- Training, Simulation, Wargaming Technologies
- Advanced Communications Systems
- Surveillance & Vision Equipment
- Protective Equipment
- Thought Leadership Opportunities
- Exhibition Opportunities
- On-Site Branding
WHAT WE WILL TALK ABOUT
New for 2026
Exclusive updates from the world's leading soldier modernisation programmes
Including dedicated briefings and case studies from initiatives such as Project Grayburn (UK), the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) programme (US), and Project ASGARD, providing attendees with insight into how leading armies are transforming dismounted capability, lethality, survivability, and digital integration.
Co-located with Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems
Creating a larger, more connected audience of military end users, programme managers, and industry partners. Attendees will gain access to two complementary conference agendas, expanded networking opportunities, and discussions on how autonomous systems are being integrated into the dismounted force.
Greater international participation
With increased participation from Eastern European armed forces and defence ministries alongside senior representatives from the UK, US, NATO allies, Canada, Asia-Pacific nations, and key partner countries. This broader representation reflects the evolving operational priorities of the global dismounted soldier community.
A stronger connection between strategic priorities and frontline requirements
Achieved through an expanded speaker faculty spanning senior military leadership, force development commands, programme offices, procurement organisations, operational units, and industry innovators. This creates a clearer link between policy, acquisition decisions, capability development, and the realities faced by the dismounted soldier in the field.
Testimonials
A Word From our Attendees
In Partnership With:
QUESTIONS?
Address: IQPC Ltd, 129 Wilton Road,
London SW1V 1JZ
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 210 042
Fax: 44 (0) 207 368 9301
Email: enquire@iqpc.co.uk
©2026 IQPC. All rights reserved.
