Strategic Command vision explained during first RUSI Conference

Land February 24, 2020

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey explained the government’s vision for Strategic Command at the first RUSI Conference.

James Heappey, new Minister for the Armed Forces, outlined the vision for Strategic Command during his speech at the RUSI Conference (Royal United Service Institute) in London. The minister also outlined how exiting the European Union will allow the UK to ‘redefine our place in the world’ across a number of sectors, including defence.

The Conference set out the ambition for Strategic Command, and attendees heard more about its enhanced responsibilities. The main focus of the speech was on adapting the military to cope with digital advancements.

James Heappey said: “It’s no longer enough to have a battle-winning edge in terms of fire power; there’s a responsibility to win the information battle.”

“It’s no longer enough to have highly complex systems; you need all of the data that comes from that system in order to get a better understanding of what the enemy is doing and what the opportunities are to exploit and win the battle.”

“And it’s no longer enough to just fight successfully in individual domains. Winning the fight of the future requires integration across land, sea, air, cyber and space. Strategic Command will give us that edge.”

As well as the Minister, senior leaders across defence such as Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd Royal Navy, Fleet Commander and Juliet Stuttard, Director People and Organisations, PWC UK, academics and industry representatives discussed Strategic Command’s priorities, which are critical to defence’s outputs. These include using disruptive technologies to counter threats, and encouraging integration across defence departments.

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