Callen-Lenz attends the RUSI Integrated Air & Missile Defence Conference

It was a privilege to attend the RUSI Integrated Air & Missile Defence Conference. Callen‑Lenz joined peers from across defence, industry, and academia to discuss the future of air and missile defence in an increasingly contested environment. 

Key takeaways from the conference included: 

• The pace of threat evolution – The proliferation of advanced missiles, UAS, and hypersonic capabilities is accelerating faster than traditional acquisition cycles, reinforcing the need for adaptable, modular defence architectures. 
• Integration is critical – Effective air and missile defence is no longer platform centric. Success depends on integrated systems, interoperable sensors, resilient C2, and seamless data fusion across domains. 
• Affordability and scalability matter – Effective defence requires layers, from high-end effectors like ground-based air defence missile technology through to low-cost effectors such as C-UAS drones and 50 Calibre machine guns.  In a layered defence, simple but readily available weapons remain effective short-range solutions. Importantly, these layers must be integrated at a data level to ensure effective targeting and reduce the risk of fratricide.   
• Industry collaboration – The supply chain is not necessarily about stockpiles it is about having the right materials and the ability to design and manufacture when need and in volume in response to the threat. 

The discussions reinforced the importance of innovation, partnership, and operational realism as we collectively address the evolving air and missile defence challenge. 

Thanks to RUSI for convening such an insightful forum and to everyone who shared perspectives and expertise throughout the event. 

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