22 May 19. Close Combat Symposium – 09 – 11 July 2019.
Event time: 10:00
Location: Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham and COTEC, Salisbury Plain
Headline Update
As a result of the new Transformation Fund, Army HQ has announced a change in their theme for the symposium from Survivability to 21st Century Infantry. This is because of the money the Fund is making available over the next few years and which Army HQ is looking to invest across a number of areas. In respect of Ground Manoeuvre Capability these include autonomous vehicles, less than lethal technologies, nano-UAS technologies, supporting technologies and techniques for urban areas, and improving individual and collective STA. At HQ Army’s request we are now issuing a further call for demonstrations and exhibitors in these areas.
Programme
The overall aim of the symposium remains to consider trends and developments in small arms, dismounted weapon systems, ammunition, senors, optics, and protective clothing and equipment. The revised theme of 21st Century Infantry also seeks to examine additional opportunities for capability enhancements in the near-term. Although it is still being finalised, the programme currently includes: a Defence Intelligence threat brief; implications of the Transformation Fund including aspirations in the fields of UAS, platoon robotic vehicles and less than lethal technologies; an engagement with DE&S specifically soldier systems and DTech on innovation and experimentation; Force Development and experimentation opportunities; future lethality; soldier system integration; connecting the dismounted soldier; maintaining fightability; alternate weapon cleaning regimes; training munitions; and UAV enhanced digital mortar fire control. In addition ACC Chesterman of the National Armed Policing Group will present on the Police perspective, whilst Captain William Shepherd USN Ret’d (ex Navy Seal and international space station astronaut) will present on the perils of when technology goes wrong. Day 2 is the usual live firing range day at COTEC, kindly sponsored by FNH UK, with an evening dinner at the GWR museum STEAM in Swindon.
Exhibitions and Demonstrations
If you wish to exhibit or demonstrate a capability that you feel is relevant please send an e-mail to by no later than Friday 31 May 2019.
Leanne Lawson
Event Organiser Symposia at Shrivenham
Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1793 78 (Mil 96161) 5648https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/events/symposia/sym-iec
web: www.symposiaatshrivenham.com