On 8–9 May, Security & Defence PLuS participated in the London Defence Conference 2025, hosted at King’s College London. Now in its fourth year, the conference brings together leading political figures, academics, and global experts in security and defence.
This year’s conference opened on a poignant note, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of VE Day. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered the keynote address, committing to the “largest sustained increase since the Cold War” in UK defence spending. He also pledged significant investment in the British defence industry.
“Mark my words, the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal.” – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, at King’s College London.
Reflecting on this year’s conference theme, Alliances, Vice-Chancellor & President of King’s College London, Shitij Kapur said:
“The theme of this year’s conference, alliances, could not therefore be more topical at this time of heightened uncertainty with decades of certainties now being called into question.”
Among the programme highlights was a spotlight session on Ukraine; an address by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK; and a presentation from Dr Klaus Hommels, Chair of the NATO Innovation Fund.
Across the two days, panel discussions explored a wide range of pressing topics, from historical lessons on alliance-building and navigating defence relationships in an era of shifting global leadership, to transforming defence spending, procurement, and infrastructure. Other sessions addressed vulnerabilities in ‘sub-threshold warfare’, strategies for winning public support on defence issues, and the growing threats posed by the so-called ‘CRINK’ nations of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
During the keynote address on day two, Defence Secretary Rt Hon John Healey MP reflected on the anniversary of VE day, noting that “the lesson of 80 years ago reminds us of the importance of alliances”. The Defence Secretary also paid attention to AUKUS, stating:
“What is needed now is a rebooting of the focus, leadership and momentum behind the programme for all three nations.”
Security & Defence PLuS had strong representation throughout the conference, in particular from Professor Wyn Bowen, Head of the School of Security Studies and Security & Defence PLuS Lead at King’s College London. Professor Bowen participated in a panel on new nuclear proliferation on day 1 and joined a session on AUKUS during “Future Leaders Day”, curated by students.
Security & Defence PLuS extends its thanks to everyone who visited our stand and engaged with our team during the conference. This year’s London Defence Conference once again demonstrated the impressive convening power of King’s College London, and its world-class leadership and expertise in the fields of security and defence.
