Close Combat Symposium

The Close Combat Symposium is designed to unify military personnel, academics, and industry leaders to examine and discuss advancements in close combat and dismounted technologies and procedures. The event will span three days and will be held at the Defence Academy of the UK in Shrivenham, providing valuable insights from Army HQ and other stakeholders concerning future intentions and equipment pipelines. Attendees will benefit from a series of presentations from both academia and industry that aim to unpack critical themes related to the evolving nature of conflict in the context of information dominance. The symposium will critically analyze whether technology has fundamentally altered the nature of combat, focusing on how information superiority now dictates tactical outcomes, rather than traditional physical confrontations. This will pivot discussions towards what capabilities—be it weaponry, protection, or integrated systems—most significantly enhance the survivability and effectiveness of dismounted soldiers on the modern battlefield.Day two of the symposium will transition to Cranfield University on Salisbury Plain, where participants will engage in live-firing demonstrations facilitated by industry leaders. This hands-on experience will allow delegates to utilize various small arms from different manufacturers, equipped with diverse optics and technologies. Additionally, there will be opportunities to showcase and evaluate autonomous and remote technologies, further emphasizing the event's commitment to practical demonstrations and knowledge sharing. The final day will return to Shrivenham for more insights from Army HQ, coupled with additional technology briefs from industry representatives. The event serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation among military, industry, and academic entities, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of future combat environments. The Close Combat Symposium promises to be a pivotal gathering for those involved in defense and security, offering a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge essential for shaping the future of close combat strategies.