10/07/2026

Lieutenant Colonel Vjatšeslav Senin

ISTAR Battalion Commander

Estonian Defence Forces

Official Invitation to Brief: International Dismounted Soldier 2026

2nd – 3rd December 2026 | Novotel London West

Dear Lieutenant Colonel Vjatšeslav Senin,

I hope this letter finds you well. It is my pleasure to formally invite you to deliver a brief at Defence iQ’s International Dismounted Soldier Conference.

Defence iQ’s International Dismounted Soldier Conference returns at a critical time for the Euro-Atlantic alliance, as armed forces adapt to the rapidly evolving character of modern conflict. From asymmetric threats and contested communications to the increasing transparency of the battlefield, dismounted soldiers are required to operate with greater agility, survivability, and situational awareness than ever before across complex and demanding environments.

Bringing together senior military leaders, government stakeholders, and industry innovators, the conference will examine how nations are equipping and preparing the modern soldier for future operations, with a focus on capability development, interoperability, and maintaining operational advantage in contested environments.

As Commander of the ISTAR Battalion within the Estonian Defence Forces, you bring valuable experience in leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that are central to understanding and operating effectively on the modern battlefield. Your perspective on integrating information, technology, and operational expertise would provide valuable insight into the evolving requirements of the dismounted soldier.

As the character of conflict continues to change, your experience in enhancing situational awareness and supporting informed decision-making at the tactical level would resonate strongly with our international audience. I am confident your insights would make a valuable contribution to discussions on how infantry forces can adapt to increasingly complex operational environments and maintain their effectiveness on the future battlefield. It would therefore be a tremendous privilege to welcome you to share your expertise and experience with delegates at this year's International Dismounted Soldier Conference.

The brief would comprise a 20-minute brief, with an additional 5 minutes set aside for Q&A, although we are happy to adapt the format to suit your preference. As a speaker, you and your delegation would be invited to attend the conference free of charge.

Should you require any further information, please contact [email protected] or +44 7547 490989. We would be grateful if you could kindly RSVP by 16 July 2026. I look forward to your response and sincerely hope you will be able to join us at the International Dismounted Soldier Conference 2026.

Yours sincerely,

Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin, Former Chief of Staff, NATO Joint Force Command

Chairman, International Dismounted Soldier | Defence iQ

10/07/2026

Lieutenant Colonel Vjatšeslav Senin

ISTAR Battalion Commander

Estonian Defence Forces

Official Invitation to Brief: International Dismounted Soldier 2026

2nd – 3rd December 2026 | Novotel London West

Dear Lieutenant Colonel Vjatšeslav Senin,

I hope this letter finds you well. It is my pleasure to formally invite you to deliver a brief at Defence iQ’s International Dismounted Soldier Conference.

Defence iQ’s International Dismounted Soldier Conference returns at a critical time for the Euro-Atlantic alliance, as armed forces adapt to the rapidly evolving character of modern conflict. From asymmetric threats and contested communications to the increasing transparency of the battlefield, dismounted soldiers are required to operate with greater agility, survivability, and situational awareness than ever before across complex and demanding environments.

Bringing together senior military leaders, government stakeholders, and industry innovators, the conference will examine how nations are equipping and preparing the modern soldier for future operations, with a focus on capability development, interoperability, and maintaining operational advantage in contested environments.

As Commander of the ISTAR Battalion within the Estonian Defence Forces, you bring valuable experience in leading intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that are central to understanding and operating effectively on the modern battlefield. Your perspective on integrating information, technology, and operational expertise would provide valuable insight into the evolving requirements of the dismounted soldier.

As the character of conflict continues to change, your experience in enhancing situational awareness and supporting informed decision-making at the tactical level would resonate strongly with our international audience. I am confident your insights would make a valuable contribution to discussions on how infantry forces can adapt to increasingly complex operational environments and maintain their effectiveness on the future battlefield. It would therefore be a tremendous privilege to welcome you to share your expertise and experience with delegates at this year's International Dismounted Soldier Conference.

The brief would comprise a 20-minute brief, with an additional 5 minutes set aside for Q&A, although we are happy to adapt the format to suit your preference. As a speaker, you and your delegation would be invited to attend the conference free of charge.

Should you require any further information, please contact [email protected] or +44 7547 490989. We would be grateful if you could kindly RSVP by 16 July 2026. I look forward to your response and sincerely hope you will be able to join us at the International Dismounted Soldier Conference 2026.

Yours sincerely,

Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin, Former Chief of Staff, NATO Joint Force Command

Chairman, International Dismounted Soldier | Defence iQ