Attend International Dismounted Soldier conference this 29-30 October 2024 at Copthorne Tara, London UK and meet with 20+ nations, 90+ military and industry attendees, and 20+ speakers. Gain the opportunity to explore comprehensive and informative discussion on the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the field of dismounted soldier operations.

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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.

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