VIDEO
Five Eyes Science and Technology | International impact through collaboration
The UK Ministry of Defence’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Tim Dafforn, explains how scientists from five nations come together and contribute to work on defence and security research under the Five Eyes Science and Technology (S&T) agreement. Read more about Dstl’s crucial role in the success of this collaboration: www.gov.uk/dstl
Proteus takes flight
The UK Ministry of Defence has released footage of what it says is the maiden flight of Britain’s first autonomous full-sized military helicopter. Developed by Leonardo in Yeovil, the Proteus helicopter completed a six-minute test flight at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall during the weekend of 10–11 January 2026. With a payload capacity of over one tonne, Proteus is remotely monitored from a control room while also capable of making certain flight decisions independently. The milestone highlights the UK military’s push toward advanced autonomous systems and next-generation defence technology.
Skimo - extreme Winter sport with military origins
Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) combines brutal endurance with technical alpine skill. Imagine racing up a mountain on skis (or carrying them on your back), navigating narrow ridgelines with crampons, before descending at speed – all under race conditions. Lieutenant Colonel Pete Davis, technical director of British Army Skimo, explains why the sport is growing fast within the Armed Forces. From its inclusion at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics to the first-ever Army Skimo Championships alongside Exercise Lions Challenge, momentum is building. With participants from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and a growing RAF team, could an Inter Services Championship be next? Rooted in 19th-century Alpine travel and linked to the historic military patrol event of the 1924 Winter Games, Skimo has deep military connections — and its resurgence could signal a new era for armed forces sport.
DPRTE: Why attend
Launchpad - Accelerating breakthrough technologies into new businesses
Innovation is at the heart of what we do and Launchpad builds on this legacy by turning great technologies into new ventures. Launchpad helps create and grow start-ups that develop our advanced technology for use outside of defence. It also accelerates early-stage, potentially transformative defence research, giving it the support needed to make a real-world impact.
Creative Futures | How Science Fiction can shape the future
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has unveiled Creative Futures, a new collection of science fiction stories designed to spark fresh thinking about the future of defence and security over the next 100 years. Edited by Dr Allen Stroud of Coventry University, Creative Futures brings together leading science fiction authors who worked alongside defence experts to imagine future scenarios stretching as far as 2122. These stories explore how emerging technologies, societal shifts, and global challenges might shape the world beyond this century.
Challenger 3 completes live firing trials
Can Europe Defend Itself? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026
Europe is facing urgent security gaps: recent airspace breaches have exposed vulnerabilities, while years of underinvestment, fragmentation and dependency have weakened the continent’s defence industrial base.
At the same time, exposure in key sectors such as medicine, tech and energy underscores the need to strengthen resilience against external shocks. Is Europe willing to trade competitiveness and open market principles for greater strategic autonomy?
Speakers: Mark Rutte, Karol Nawrocki, Nadia Calviño, Paul Hudson, Alexander Stubb, Sarah Kelly
The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability. This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets. The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
What can NATO in Europe do if US threatens Greenland?
Dr Marion Messmer is the Director of the International Security Programme at Chatham House.
