Invitation

Invitation: International Dismounted Soldier

29 October – 30 October 2024 | London, UK

Defence iQ (IQPC International), 2nd Floor, 129 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1JZ, UK

29th April 2024

BG Andrus Merilo Deputy Commander Estonian Defence Forces

Invitation to Brief: International Dismounted Soldier 2024

I am writing to you as the Conference Producer of 3rd annual International Dismounted Soldier

(IDS) which will be taking place at The Copthorne Tara Hotel in London on the 29-30th October

2024. The event provides those in the Defence community with an interest in the Infantry’s future

to take a collaborative and practical look at the developmental opportunities provided by new

technologies and organisation. In modern warfare, a dismounted soldier must overcome many

obstacles, from demanding environments, physical endurance, and technological complexities.

I would be delighted to invite you to deliver a presentation at the event. The evolving modern

battlespace alongside technologically-enabled dismounted close combat, underscores the

critical timing of this year’s conference. The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates a new reality:

dismounted soldiers are increasingly involved in close combat, reminiscent of World War

principles, but amplified by modern technologies. It is crucial to closely examine and discuss

these circumstances to ascertain whether the dismounted soldier can be equipped effectively

for seamless integration into the broader battlespace. The conference brings together military

leaders, government as well as industry and academia; providing the perfect opportunity to

engage in productive, face-to-face discussions with NATO allies, partners and friendly nations

Given your expertise, your leading perspectives on the current priorities of the Estonian Defence

Forces, regarding readiness and equipping the dismounted soldier, would be a meaningful

contribution to this event.

We hope that you will be able to deliver a 20-minute speech on the Estonian Defence Forces

activities. This will then be followed by a 10-minute Q&A session which will allow the attendees

to benefit from your expertise in these areas. As a speaker you are invited to attend the

conference without any fees, and we also extend this courtesy to any members of your

delegation that may be attending with you.

I look forward to hearing from you and I do hope you will be able to join us at International

Dismounted Soldier 2024. A decision on participation is kindly requested by 3rd May 2024.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by email at [email protected] or via

telephone at +44 (0) 2039896282

Yours sincerely,

Sascha Pollock

Producer, International Dismounted Soldier 2024

Defence iQ

Tel: +44 (0) 2039896282

E-mail: [email protected]