The Defence Academy’s International Group has successfully delivered its latest Senior Strategic Leadership Programme (SSLP), in a commitment to strengthening the UK’s international defence relationships.
The programme, led by the Group’s International Section in partnership with Cranfield University, was held at Beckett House from 29 June to 3 July 2026.
Speaking at the course opening, Commander Cyber and Specialist and Operations Command General Rob Magowan KCB CBE ADC RM, reflected on modern warfare, citing alliances, data flows, visibility, autonomy, and cyberspace as the characteristics key to future battlespaces.
This year’s programme brought together 27 senior military officers and civilian officials from 25 nations across four continents for an opportunity to discuss the increasingly complex security environments.
As the MOD’s most senior defence diplomacy course, SSLP provides a unique forum for strategic-level dialogue, leadership development, and international engagement. This year’s iteration coincided with escalating geopolitical tensions, instability in the Middle East, issuance of the UK’s Defence Investment Plan and increasingly contested international security landscapes. Several participating nations were directly affected by these regional developments, underlining the relevance and timeliness of the programme's themes.
SSLP directly supports the ambitions of the UK's Strategic Defence Review 2025, by calling for a renewed focus on warfighting readiness, strengthened alliances, innovation, and resilience.
In contributing to UK defence engagement, the course allowed delegates to connect with senior military leaders, Defence policymakers, academics, and strategic thinkers. Key areas of discussion focused on:
- future warfare
- leadership paradigms
- ethics
- strategic communications
- international law
- defence policy development
The five-day programme also incorporated a visit to the Houses of Parliament, MOD Main Building, No. 10, and presentations from leaders across Defence including Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB ADC, and academia.
By fostering trust, understanding, and enduring relationships among senior leaders, the programme creates networks that support future collaboration on shared security challenges.
International Group at the Defence Academy delivers language, culture, defence attaché/advisor, and diplomacy training both at home and overseas, equipping military personnel and civil servants with the skills needed for successful operations, leadership, and government.