In this issue

Last month’s DSEI was the first large-scale defence event to be held in person in the UK since the pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt. This issue is dominated by the biggest stories we found at DSEI 2021, including its key themes of multidomain integration and sustainability.

Defence is traditionally a heavy user of fossil fuel. In our exclusive interview, climate change and sustainability strategy lead for the Ministry of Defence Lieutenant General Richard Nugee discusses how the MOD is considering the effects of defence on climate change and the effects of climate change on defence’s capability.

Laser weapons have been a reality for some time but have only now reached the stage of practical, deployable solutions. Lockheed Martin gives us the latest on its HELIOS projects for the US Army and Navy, as well as the latest on Aegis, Spy 7 and its bid for the Hellenic Navy Modernisation programme.

DSEI 2021 had its strongest space presence to date. We look at how some defence primes are acquiring space SMEs to support their space offerings. And after a dramatic demonstration on the Thames, we take a tour of the latest model of Saab’s speedy, agile and versatile CB90 assault vessel.

Elsewhere in this issue, we look at new ways of delivering training to obtain and retain key combat skills, how Dstl is using its Mobility Test Rig and what on Earth General Sir Patrick Sanders means when he says defence needs “pentaphibians”.

As always, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and let us know your thoughts on this issue.

Berenice Healey, editor