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.