London
Defence
Conference
May 2025
London
Defence
Conference
May 2025
For more information and sponsorship opportunities email info@londondefenceconference.com
London Defence Conference 2025
The London Defence Conference, an annual geopolitical gathering, took place this year at historic Bush House, King’s College London, from 8th-10th May.
The first two days, 8th-9th May, drew together political leaders, policymakers, members of the Armed Forces, industry, academia and select media. Speakers included UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, as well as a delegation of 15 US congressmen and frontline Ukrainian troops. Key points of discussion were rearmament, defense industrial transformation, shadow war and emerging threats in space and cyber. In line with this year’s theme of “Alliances”, the panelists also addressed critical questions on how existing military partnerships are adapting in a challenging geopolitical landscape.
The finale, on 10th May, was the Future Leaders’ Day, organised by students and geared towards them and young professionals. This provided a platform for the next generation of leaders in defence and national security to engage in conversations with leading voices in the field about the increasingly dangerous global environment and the future of military alliances.
The theme for LDC 2025 was Alliances
While the West faces a growing threat of an increasingly connected China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, recent events have tested the strength of the transatlantic relationship and thrown into doubt mutually beneficial alliances that have been central to world order since 1945. This was the context as representatives from allies and friendly countries gathered in London to discuss military alliances old and new, rearmament, defence industrial transformation, shadow war, space, nuclear, and more.
Ahead of the conference, Neil Brown, a member of the LDC 2025 organising committee, mapped out the terrain and posed key questions in the framing document. Read more here.
To hear more contact our team email info@londondefenceconference.com
Headline Sponsors
Supporters
Our Partnership Network
Media Partners
Research Partner
SME Network
Become a headline sponsor or supporter
The fast-growing London Defence Conference, founded to showcase the best international thinking on defence and security, is supported by leading companies and organisations.
We have two tiers of backing – headline sponsorship and supporter status.
This year we have also launched our SME Network to encourage innovative, growing companies.
To discuss opportunities with LDC, please contact our Head of Partnerships, Georgie Krone at georgina@londondefenceconference.com.
Our History
The London Defence Conference is the annual geopolitical gathering held in central London. It was established in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The LDC is a conference of friendly countries dedicated to increasing the salience and visibility of defence and security in an increasingly dangerous global environment.
Moderators
Mark Urban
Lord Hague
Deborah Haynes
Shashank Joshi
Adam Boulton
James Landale
Speakers and Panellists
Grant Shapps
Former Secretary of State for Defence
John Healey
Secretary of State for Defence
David Lammy
Foreign Secretary
Oliver Dowden
Former Deputy Prime Minister
Albin Kurti
Kosovo Prime Minister
Radek Sikorski
Foreign Minister of Poland
Professor Niall Ferguson
Professor Margaret Macmillan
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman
Dr Benedetta Berti
Dr Jade McGlynn
Professor Rory Medcalf
Henrik Landerholm
Professor Steve Tsang
George Magnus
Charles Parton MBE
Frank Miller
Professor Marina Henke
Dr Kristin ven Bruusgaard
Professor Sir David Omand
Jack Watling
Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach KG GBE KCB DL
Lieutenant General Andrew Harrison DSO MBE
James Shinn
Dr Ulrike Franke
Louis Mosley
Richard Norman
Fabian Zuleeg
Whitney Stanco
John Harrison
Justin Bassi
Dina Esfandiary
Walter Russell Mead
Mark Dubowitz
Ambassador Kevin Rudd
The Organising Committee
Lord Salisbury
Chairman of the London Defence Conference.
Professor John Gearson
Head of the School of Security Studies, King’s College London, Professor of National Security Studies, and Director of the Centre for Defence Studies in the Department of War Studies.
Niall Barr
Professor of Military History in the Defence Studies Department, King’s College London.
Iain Martin
Director of the London Defence Conference.
Neil Brown
Commodore RN (Rtd), Geopolitical Strategist, Deltroit Asset Management, Distinguished Fellow, Council on Geostrategy.
Hillary Briffa
Senior Lecturer in National Security Studies, and Assistant Director of the Centre for Defence Studies in the Department of War Studies, King's College London.
LDC Papers 2025
Alliances under pressure
A member of the London Defence Conference organising committee maps out the terrain being explored at LDC 2025 and poses the key questions we want our expert panels and delegates to address.
Recruitment
London Defence Conference Intern
Location: London
Organisation: London Defence Conference
Job type: 3-month internship
Start date: 17th February 2025
Salary: NLW
About Us:
The London Defence Conference (LDC) is a geopolitical gathering of
friendly countries dedicated to increasing the salience and visibility of defence and security in an increasingly dangerous global environment. It was established in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue on critical issues related to defence, national and global security. Our dynamic team is committed to excellence and innovation in every aspect of our work.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly organised and creative individual to join our
team as a project coordinator intern. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in defence, security and politics, as well as have experience in planning and executing events.
Key Responsibilities:
Assisting in the planning and execution of our conference, including registration, panel discussions and side events. On behalf of the Director of LDC and other key members of the team, engaging with influential stakeholders including politicians, military, senior
industry professionals and academics. Supporting event logistics and on-the-day operations.
Skills:
- Political acumen – strong interest in national security, defence and
political events. - Highly organised – excellent attention to detail and time management.
- Communication – ability to communicate clearly and politely and work well with others to build connections.
- Problem solver – ability to stay calm under pressure and demonstrate creative solutions.
Qualifications:
Ideally the successful candidate will have a degree in a relevant field (e.g., War Studies, International Relations, History, Political Science,
or related disciplines) but we will consider candidates with alternative experience.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a dynamic and unique organisation.
- Opportunity to work with leading experts in national security and defence.
- Gain hands on experience in a meaningful project that impacts national and global security.
- Potential for a full-time role upon successful completion of the internship.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position to katrina@londondefenceconference.com. Please include “LDC Internship” in the subject line.
Application Deadline: Friday 31st January 2025
London Defence Conference is an equal opportunities employer.
Contact
To contact the London Defence Conference team email