The threats in the air domain continue to become more complex as new technologies come into play on the battlefield, including high-end threats such as Hypersonics as well as low-cost threats such as S-UAS. With such a challenge ahead of us, the only way forward is for us to work together and share ideas. In preparation for the Full Spectrum Air Defence Conference 2025, we have prepared a 2024 FSAD Recap highlighting the success and importance of air defence against a full spectrum of threats. In this flashback, we cover the greatest highlights of the previous conference and how we will push the envelope for 2025.

An effective air defence strategy is mainly reliant on the use of radars. As a domain, radars are locked in a constant game of cat-and-mouse with other technologies and methodologies that try to negate their sensing abilities. This may pose significant challenges to understanding the current state of play. To this end, we were very fortunate to interview Thomas Withington, one of the most recognisable thought leaders in the radar and EW domain. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on the current state of the industry and technology, highlighting the most critical trends in industry and technology.

NATO and Partner Nations are refocusing their efforts on Full Spectrum Air Defence (FSAD). As nations prepare for near-peer competition, forces must prepare to contest the air space from capable air forces and ballistic threats. On the other hand, the proliferation and democratisation of ballistic and UAV technologies means that even non-state actors can now project a limited but significant threat from the air. As a result of these pressures, the Air Defence Market is predicted to grow by a CAGR of 2.5% until 2029, from US$31.6 to US$35.7 billion. Investments include not only the modernisation of Air Defence platforms but the acquisition of new capabilities as well.

This report covers programmes related to:

• Air Defence
• Counter Ballistic and Hypersonic systems
• Counter Unmanned Arial Vehicles systems
  

In 2022, in the initial stages of the Ukrainian invasion, the Dutch government released its Defence White Paper that set the path forward for the nation's defence priorities. Amongst several priorities was the need to revitalise their air defence capabilities. Exploring the topic further had the privilege of interviewing Brigadier General Peter Gielen, portfolio manager of the Royal Netherlands Army. Speaking as an air defence officer, he gave clarity on:

• On the current steps taken by the Dutch forces on adhering to the white paper
• An overview of Dutch capabilities
• The roadblocks in developing the Dutch indigenous industry capabilities
  

Current conflicts have shown the importance of full spectrum air defence. Whether the threat be hypersonics or small and cheap UAVs, the truth is that democratisation of airborne technologies have opened new avenues of attack, and the world has taken notice. As a result of this we are seeing several nations investing in air defence capabilities. This news roundup is meant to supplement the market report with some of the latest news excerpts on all things concerning platform purchases of FSAD technologies. A light document suited to give you a state-of-play of FSAD affairs.