Collective defence: The SDR and capability gaps in a changing NATO

The Council on Geostrategy, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, is delighted to be co-hosting a half-day conference entitled ‘Collective defence: The SDR and capability gaps in a changing NATO’, to mark the launch of our forthcoming Report of the same name.

The Report examines capability gaps within European NATO in light of the worsening geopolitical situation, and considers where the UK sits within this wider picture. It looks at Russian force posture, the potential future shape of the US presence in Europe and European NATO’s ability to respond. With HM Government having identified the Euro-Atlantic as its top priority, the aim of the Report is to help inform how Britain can achieve the greatest impact for collective defence within its defence budget and through the recommendations outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. The report also features a foreword by Gen. Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE, co-author of the SDR.

The launch will bring together key stakeholders to reflect on these findings. The first half of the conference will centre on a panel discussion to explore the Report’s conclusions and hear perspectives from British and allied representatives on NATO’s capability gaps. The second half will feature an interactive roundtable format to share views on how HM Government might establish priorities moving forward.

Keynote remarks will be delivered by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG, co-author of the SDR, alongside senior representatives from Lockheed Martin UK and the Council on Geostrategy.

Panellists include:

• William Freer, Research Fellow (National Security), Council on Geostrategy and author of the Report;
• Dr Rebecca Harding, CEO, Centre for Economic Security;
• Cdre. Conor O’Neill, Head of Capability Strategy, Defence Futures and Force Design, Ministry of Defence;
• Capt. Juha Ravanti, Defence Attaché, Embassy of Finland;
• Moderator: Viktoria Starych Samoueline, Co-founder (Strategy), Council on Geostrategy.

This invitation-only event forms part of the Strategic Advantage Cell and will be held off the record.

Keynote remarks

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG

Secretary General of NATO (1999-2003); Secretary of State for Defence (1997-1999)

The Rt. Hon. Lord Robertson was made a member of the House of Lords in 1999, having previously served in the House of Commons for 21 years, and was Lead Reviewer for the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. Previously, he served as Secretary of State for Defence from 1997 to 1999, and Secretary General of NATO and Chairman of the North Atlantic Council from 1999 to 2003. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the US and the Grand Cross of Prince Yaroslav the Wise from Ukraine.

Panellists

William Freer

Research Fellow (National Security), Council on Geostrategy

William Freer is a Research Fellow (National Security) at the Council on Geostrategy, where he co-leads the Strategic Advantage Cell. He is also an Associate Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre. Before joining the Council on Geostrategy, he worked as a consultant for 50 Degrees Ltd., which specialises in research and advisory work as well as government procurement, both within Britain and abroad. He graduated from the War Studies programme at King’s College London in 2020.

Dr Rebecca Harding

CEO, Centre for Economic Security

Dr Rebecca Harding is CEO of the Centre for Economic Security, a member of the Alphen Group, and an independent trade economist, author and public speaker. She specialises in digital and sustainable trade and supply chain finances, geoeconomics, and geopolitics. Her previous positions include Head of Corporate Research at Deloitte; Senior Fellow at London Business School; Chief Economist roles at the Work Foundation and UK Finance; and Director and Trustee of the German-British Forum.

Cdre. Conor O’Neill

Head Capability Strategy, Defence Futures and Force Design, Ministry of Defence

Cdre. Conor O’Neill is Head of Capability Strategy within the Futures and Force Design Directorate of the Military Strategy HQ, having been appointed in July 2024 and contributing to the creation of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. He joined the Royal Navy as a University Cadet in 1999, and commanded HMS Hurworth, a minehunter; HMS Clyde, an Offshore Patrol Vessel; and HMS Montrose, a Type 26 frigate. From 2020 to 2022, he worked in Navy Command’s Strategic Planning team, and was promoted to Captain in 2022.

Capt. Juha Ravanti

Defence Attaché, Embassy of Finland

Capt. Juha Ravanti is Defence Attaché to the UK and Ireland at the Embassy of Finland, having been appointed to the position in 2024. He has served in the Finnish military for over three decades, having graduated from the Finnish Naval Academy in 1993 and serving a number of positions on Helsinki class vessels. After graduating from the US Naval War College in 2015, he was head of C4 Services at Finnish Defence Command; N6 of the Finnish Navy; and Director of the Finnish Defence Forces’ C5 Agency.

Viktorija Starych-Samuoliene (Moderator)

Co-founder (Strategy), Council on Geostrategy

Viktorija Starych-Samuoliene is Co-founder (Strategy) at the Council on Geostrategy. She is also a Fellow of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention (DIRDI). She leads the organising and delivery of the International Sea Power Conference, the Sea Power Laboratory and other programmes. Her areas of research expertise and interests include maritime affairs, Euro-Atlantic geopolitics, and Eastern European and Baltic politics and security.

For more information, please contact [email protected].