The Next Battle of Britain: IAMD in the Age of Escalation

The  Freeman Air and Space Institute, in association with the  Cranwellian Association are pleased to host 'The Next Battle of Britain: IAMD in the Age of Escalation'. This online webinar discussion will examine the strategic, technological, and organisational challenges facing the UK in defending itself from air attack.

In 1940, The Battle of Britain tested the world’s first air and missile defence campaign, featuring systems of warnings and alerts, the pioneering use of radar, and coordinated efforts to repel German attacks from both the air and the ground. Integrating technology and coordinating the different organisations and capabilities involved was crucial then, and it remains so in modern IAMD. However, as the UK remains far from possessing the modern equivalent of its wartime capability of the 1940s, the strategic role of IAMD in our current geopolitical environment, where we witness daily escalation, has led to its return to the forefront of debate and conversation.

Set to take place online on Friday 7 November 2025, 10:00 - 11:30 GMT, our panel of experts will examine the current IAMD landscape, including the UK’s current and existing capabilities and how allied partners play a crucial part in effective IAMD. The discussion will further highlight how IAMD has played a pivotal role in Russia’s war against Ukraine, whilst also noting NATO’s IAMD re-investment as an indispensable bulwark for allied security.

The conversation will also explore capability shortfalls across the board, exploring where the UK must improve in order to have effective, collaborative and successful IAMD in place.

Our expert panellists – Air Marshal (Retired) Sir Christopher Coville KCB FRAeS, Dr Sophy Antrobus and Air Marshal (Retired) Phil Osborn CBE FRAeS will discuss these key factors followed by a Q&A session.