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Modern dismounted soldiers are equipped with increasingly advanced technologies which help to boost effectiveness, safety, and connectivity on the battlefield. Features such as smart rifles, integrated communications, climate-adaptive clothing and real-time situational awareness tools support today's warfighters to stay more connected and capable than ever before. This infographic highlights the estimated cost of equipping a modern soldier with next-generation gear, based on recent data from U.S. Department of Defense contracts and global security sources. Understanding the investment behind each dismounted operator reinforces the need for continued innovation, integration, and collaboration across industry and military communities.

The International Dismounted Soldier Conference returned to London on the 28th–29th October 2025, bringing together military leaders, capability developers, procurement specialists, researchers, and industry partners at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel to examine one of the most pressing challenges facing modern land forces: how to prepare, equip, and support dismounted soldiers for an increasingly complex and transparent battlefield.

The 2025 conference welcomed representatives from 19 nations and featured more than 30 expert speakers drawn from military organisations, government agencies, NATO bodies, research institutions, and industry. Attendees included representatives from organisations such as NATO, the British Army, the U.S. Army, and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), alongside senior decision-makers holding appointments including Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Chief Procurement Officer, and Director, Close Combat Lethality Task Force. Across two days of presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants shared lessons learned, examined emerging capability requirements, and explored approaches to strengthening dismounted force effectiveness for future operations.

This Post Show Report captures the key themes, insights, and takeaways from the conference. It provides an overview of the discussions that took place and reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing military organisations as they seek to develop combat-ready soldiers capable of operating effectively across the evolving battlefields of tomorrow.

As the character of land warfare evolves, dismounted soldiers are operating in an increasingly transparent, technology-driven and contested battlespace. Yet while drones, artificial intelligence, autonomy and persistent surveillance are reshaping the battlefield, the human element remains fundamental to success. Ahead of International Dismounted Soldier 2026, we spoke with Colonel Tom Parsons MBE, Assistant Head Personnel Strategy, British Army, about how armies must prepare their people for the realities of future close combat. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Colonel Parsons explores lessons from Ukraine, the growing importance of adaptability and "techcraft", the challenges of allied interoperability, and why curiosity, resilience and human judgement will remain essential even as technology becomes increasingly sophisticated.

Colonel Greg Tomlin, Director of Army Capability Manager for Division Artillery Formations, U.S. Army, shares a grounded view of how fire support is evolving to meet the needs of dismounted soldiers. In his interview, he discusses the challenges of integrating intelligence from high-end sensors with frontline operations, the balance between precision and massed fires in urban environments, and the technical limitations still facing digital fire control. While there is growing interest in emerging capabilities like UAVs and loitering munitions, Col Tomlin stresses the importance of reliability, communication infrastructure, and not losing sight of the fundamental role that artillery plays in supporting troops on the ground.

In this exclusive conversation ahead of International Dismounted Soldier 2025, Colonel Alessandro Vivarelli, Head of the Capability Development Branch for the Italian Army, shared his vision for the future of the dismounted soldier. Drawing from frontline experience and strategic leadership, Vivarelli discusses how Italy is adapting to evolving threats, such as drone warfare, the transparent battlefield, and the cognitive toll on troops. He emphasises the need for innovation, multinational collaboration, and modernised training to ensure readiness for complex, technology-driven conflicts. Key topics covered in the interview include:

- How the war in Ukraine is reshaping battlefield analysis and force protection.

- Italy’s role in NATO and EU projects to boost interoperability and soldier modernisation.

- Balancing lethality, mobility, and cognitive demands through modular technologies.

- The role of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and exoskeletons in reducing soldier burden.

- How simulation and tactical experimentation are transforming Italian Army training.

- The “Tactical Bubble” concept for integrated, multi-capability battlefield operations.

This insight-rich discussion provides valuable lessons for any military stakeholder focused on preparing soldiers for the challenges of contemporary and future warfare.

Read Defence IQ’s latest International Dismounted Soldier 2025 Market Report for exclusive insights into the future of infantry modernisation. Covering selected markets from 2025 to 2029, this in-depth analysis explores key technologies, global procurement trends, and strategic investment priorities across 11 leading nations. Essential reading for defence professionals and industry suppliers operating in the soldier systems space.

Many European nations' return to a near-peer focus caused by the invasion of Ukraine has caused many military planners to implement several step changes. From a European defence perspective, perhaps the most significant change was the joining of Nordic nations to NATO. This presentation was delivered in 2023 by Colonel Niklas Edelsvärd from the FMV - Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which covers:

• The context in the FMV and Sweden finds itself
• Presentation of some of the soldier projects the FMV is working on from a joint procurement perspective
• An outlook on the FMV’s research and development of soldier systems
  

In this exclusive interview, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Dawe, Commanding Officer of the Infantry Trials Development Unit discusses the future of the British Armed Forces as it modernises and digitises. Dawe also provides insight into the impact of technologies such as AI and ML on the battlefield. Read the 8 minute interview now to learn more about the projects transforming the way British Land Forces conduct operations in the tactical environment.

The War in Ukraine shows the clear importance of the dismounted soldier in contemporary warfare. In many respects, it demonstrates the value of personal training, communication, and firepower on the modern battlefield. Ukrainian defence expert, Pavlo Khoma, shares the lessons learned from the beginning of the invasion, delivering a unique insight into how things have changed in modern warfare but also how things remain the same.

View the International Dismounted Soldier - 2026 Partnership & Networking Prospectus, and explore:

• 2026 Early confirmed expert Speakers
• Event Overview
• Attendee Breakdown
• Who You Can Meet Onsite
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Attendee Testimonials

If you have any questions, contact India Davies (Sponsorship Sales Manager) - partner@defenceiq.com

Check out the International Dismounted Soldier - 2026 Agenda, and get an early look at:

• Early Expert Confirmed Speakers
• Day 1 Sessions & Topics
• Day 2 Sessions & Topics
• Chairman & Producer Welcome
• Networking Break Opportunities
  

Check out the International Dismounted Soldier & Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems Events Prospectus, and explore:

• Event overviews and key themes
• Previous military speakers
• Past and early confirmed sponsors and exhibitors
• Event locations
• Partnership opportunities

If you have any questions, please contact India Davies (Sponsorship Sales Manager) - partner@defenceiq.com

Download the attendee snapshot to see who you can meet at International Dismounted Soldier 2025!