Military experts from across the United Kingdom and NATO joined forces at Royal Air Force Boulmer, for a two-day conference aimed at revolutionising how Air Command and Control (C2) operators are trained. The event, hosted by the Air C2 Force, brought together a diverse group of military personnel, allied partners, industry specialists, and academic leaders to share insights, identify challenges, and develop practical solutions for strengthening the UK’s Command and Control capabilities.
The primary focus of the conference was to examine and enhance the preparation of operators who are responsible for controlling and coordinating within Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems. These highly skilled individuals play a crucial role in detecting, identifying, and responding to potential threats in the skies above the UK and allied nations. Recognising the rapidly evolving security landscape, the conference emphasised the need for adaptable and resilient training programmes that can keep pace with emerging threats and technological advances.
“Bringing together UK personnel, allies and partners from 10 nations, as well as our industry colleagues at RAF Boulmer reflects a simple truth: credible IAMD is a team sport. The threat of state-on-state attack in the Euro-Atlantic demands we evolve how we train our Tac C2 Operators in order to strengthen the credible deterrence and defence posture on which the Alliance’s collective security depends.”
Group Captain Lisa Foy
Commander Air C2 Force
Delegates participated in four intensive workshops designed to scrutinise current training practices, pinpoint areas for improvement, and collaborate on actionable strategies to address any gaps. The workshops delved into the training of individual operators; interoperability between the Air, Land, and Maritime components and partner nations; and how new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced simulation tools, can be integrated to support quicker, more effective decision‑making in both training and high‑stakes operations. These sessions fostered open dialogue and knowledge exchange, drawing on the experiences and expertise of attendees from across the defence sector.
Notably, the conference featured keynote addresses from prominent leaders, including Air Marshal Marshall, Air and Space Commander, and the Commander of the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre in Bodø, Norway. Their perspectives underscored the importance of international collaboration and the shared commitment to collective security within the NATO alliance.
The event also provided an opportunity for representatives from industry and academia to showcase the latest innovations in defence technology, highlighting how public-private partnerships can drive progress and enhance operational effectiveness. Exhibits and demonstrations allowed participants to see firsthand how cutting-edge solutions are being applied to real-world training challenges.
Ultimately, this conference directly supported the government’s Plan for Change, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding national security and ensuring that the UK’s armed forces remain prepared to meet current and future threats. By fostering cooperation between military, allied, industry, and academic stakeholders, the UK continues to strengthen its role within NATO and bolster its ability to protect both its own people and those of allied nations.
