Opinion: Information holds the key in modern warfare
General Gordon Messenger, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK, has given a candid interview to the Times in which he sets out the perhaps controversial view that the British armed forces in future will require more investment in information capability, perhaps at the cost of physical hardware.
This controversial view, particularly emanating from a highly regarded and deeply experienced officer reflects the way in which Whitehall and MOD planners now regard the changing nature, and character, of conflict.
Information warfare is not a new idea; the desire to be able to co-ordinate the activity of your own
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How AI is reshaping defence procurement through sustainment]()
How AI is reshaping defence procurement through sustainment
Artificial intelligence is not just changing how defence equipment is maintained but how defence programmes are won, creating new opportunities for industry by influencing acquisition decisions and shaping competition.
-
![NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft]()
NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft
Announcements on aircraft deals and agreements for trans-alliance cooperation to boost the production and purchase of weapons and equipment were key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit.
-
![Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine]()
Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine
A panel session at Eurosatory 2026 brought together industry, academia and the French armed forces to assess how Ukraine’s battlefield reality is reshaping counter-UAS (CUAS) technology, air defence doctrine and Western procurement priorities.
