Our mission is to design the forces Defence needs to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities we face now, and to prepare for those we expect in future.
Shrivenham, England
Joined July 2019
- Tweets811
- Following258
- Followers6.7K
- Likes838
From AI and decision advantage to strategic foresight and societal resilience, AVM Mark Ridgway recently joined @ConGeostrategy’s #DefenceTalks podcast to share insights on the factors impacting the future of warfare.
Listen to the episode 🎙️⬇️
🗣️ ‘If you talk to a futurist in artificial intelligence, not many have a horizon beyond 2030.’
Tune in to the latest episode of #DefenceTalks, featuring Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark Ridgway DBA, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Futures and Force Design), in conversation with host Viktorija Starych-Samuoliene.
AVM Ridgway explains why technological change remains one of the hardest strategic trends to predict, and how UK Defence can prepare for developments that could reshape the operating environment over the coming decades.
🎧 Listen or watch now:
🔗 Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/05A…
🔗 YouTube: youtu.be/wIok9sVFbnQ?si=KpL_…
🔗 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcas…
@BAESystemsplc | @ADSgroupUK
#DefenceTalks #UKDefence #ArtificialIntelligence
Attending last week’s AI summit, AVM Mark Ridgway joined leaders across government, industry and academia to consider the role of AI in shaping the future.
Discussions focused on how AI can transform Defence, improve decision-making, increase productivity and grow capability.
I was delighted to speak at the AI Summit during @LDNTechWeek today.
AI has the capacity and capability to transform warfare.
If we don’t make progress and recognise the profound effect AI will have on the business of war, we will lose and we won’t deter.
Read my speech 👇
Speaking at yesterday’s @AeroSociety Future Air and Space Defence Summit, AVM Mark Ridgway shared insights on the kind of war emerging technologies will be used in.
Key characteristics include🧵
ALT Four panel members speaking at a Royal Aeronautical Society conference.
3️⃣ War will extend beyond traditional boundaries.
Energy networks, logistics chains, financial system, data infrastructure and space services will not only support military capability – they will increasingly become part of the broader competitive landscape.
What will the global security environment look like in 2040❓
Our new Future Operating Environments publication maps the key trends and disruptors expected to shape Defence over the next 15 years.
Read now: 🔗 gov.uk/government/publicatio…
ALT Front cover of publication featuring chess pieces.
Hot off the press❗️
The new edition of Future Operating Environments 2040 is now published.
🔗 gov.uk/government/publicatio…
Here’s what you need to know 🧵
ALT Publication cover featuring chess pieces.
The line between state and non-state power will blur.
Tech giants, private actors and armed groups will shape the future operating environment as much as nations.
Some may hold influence or capabilities once reserved for governments.
✅Contribute to strategic Defence thinking.
✅Provide critical challenge to widen perspectives.
✅Conduct research and support on strategy papers.
Our paid #internship programme offers a range of opportunities.
Find out more and apply👇 gov.uk/guidance/dcdc-interns…
Our internship programme for 2026 is now open! 📣
If you’re a postgraduate interested in shaping Defence thinking and how the UK 🇬🇧 prepares for the future, we want to hear from you.
Find out more and apply: gov.uk/guidance/dcdc-interns…
Defence Futures forums aren't just about highlighting challenges—they help forge solutions.
Together, with experts across government, academia, industry and international allies, Defence is tackling critical questions to achieve optimal force readiness and equipment capability.
ALT Chief of the Defence Staff delivering a keynote speech at a lectern.
ALT Minister for the Armed Forces delivering a keynote speech at a lectern.
ALT Prof Øistein Knudsen, Jr speaking on a panel.
ALT Four panellists speaking to an audience.
Today, senior leaders and panel experts joined our second Defence Futures forum to deliver insights on ‘national effort’ 🇬🇧
Supported by @RANDEurope, the forum explored what a whole-of-society approach to defence could achieve.
ALT Chief of the Defence Staff presenting to audience members.
ALT Minister for the Armed Forces presenting at a lectern.
ALT Four panel members sat on chairs presenting.