On Thursday 16 April, London based international defence attachés (DAs) visited the Defence Academy as part of the annual International Defence Attaché Away Day (IDAAD).
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for defence attachés to gain a deeper understanding of the Academy’s structure, functions and capabilities, as well as its delivery of professional military education. The programme also helped shape future bilateral and multilateral opportunities for defence education and training cooperation.
This year’s event welcomed defence attaché representation from more than 30 nations, including:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Czech Republic
- Egypt
- Germany
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Libya
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nepal
- North Macedonia
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Poland
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
The day began with a welcome address from Group Captain Matt Radnall, Head of International Group, followed by a programme of tours and presentations from across the site, including:
- Joint Services Command and Staff College
- Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre
- Defence College for Military Capability Integration
- Defence Leadership and Business Group
- International Group
For the first time in the IDAAD programme, a visit to Beckett House was included. Chaplains Rob Church and David Richardson brought the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre to life by dividing the visiting group between them for guided tours. Using paintings and other artefacts, they explained the ethos and purpose of military chaplaincy, emphasising that chaplains across all three services embrace and support all faiths.
Speaking on the visit, Gp Capt Radnall said:
“It was a genuine privilege to host international defence attachés at the Defence Academy. Events such as this allow us to showcase the excellence of UK defence education and highlight the power of professional military dialogue in strengthening international trust and cooperation. Bringing together such a diverse group of senior representatives enables open discussion on shared security challenges, innovation, and leadership in an increasingly complex global environment. The Defence Academy exists to connect minds as much as to develop skills, and today’s engagement underlines our enduring commitment to partnership, learning, and collective security with allies and partners from across the world.”
During lunch, defence attachés also had the opportunity to meet current course members and directing staff from their home nations who are studying or serving at the Academy. With more than 120 attendees, the event was convivial and vibrant, showcasing a rich array of languages, cultures, and military uniforms from around the world.
Defence attachés, through the UK Defence Section London, shared the following reflections on their experience:
“The Academy and the surrounding area are superbly maintained, and the facilities are excellent. It was a unique opportunity for the DAs to meet with the under-training officers from our respective countries currently at the Academy, as well as the directing staff and liaison officers that several countries have appointed.”
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for a wonderful trip. The briefs were delivered so passionately and professionally, it was incredibly educational for everyone involved.”
“Being able to engage with them directly to discuss their progress, issues, and any problems they may be facing was invaluable and a highlight of the visit. It truly demonstrates the Academy’s commitment to international collaboration, with over 30 nations represented on site.”
Each year, the Defence Academy welcomes approximately 2,100 international course members from over 50 nations, underlining its central role in fostering international defence cooperation and professional military education.