Overview
In an increasingly volatile and unpredictable geopolitical environment, the reinforcement of defence readiness and capabilities at the European level remains central for the security of the continent and its alliances. The renewed impetus given to the defence relationship between France and the United Kingdom, as underlined by the ‘refresh’ of the Lancaster House treaties and the signature of the Northwood Declaration in July 2025, has helped strengthen European defence, based on strong conventional and nuclear deterrent capabilities.
Beyond the deepening process of the bilateral defence partnership between Paris and London, illustrated by the joint implementation of the Coalition of the Willing, the imperative for European countries is to make the continent more resilient by defining their own security interests and tackling together the main threats and challenges they are facing. This objective relies on the development of stronger synergies in the field of defence but also on the reinforcement of the resilience of European societies.
Admiral François-Xavier Polderman, the French Vice Chief of Defence, will discuss the actions implemented by the Joint Staff to meet these security challenges at European level and how France, the United Kingdom and its allies in Europe can make European defence a most robust reality, through increased strategic autonomy.
The event will be moderated by Rachel Ellehuus, RUSI Director-General.
Speaker Biography
Admiral François-Xavier Polderman has served as Major Général des Armées (Vice Chief of Defence – Director of the Joint Staff) since September 2025. A Naval Academy graduate, he counts 17 years of experience at sea, including 4 on nuclear attack submarines and 11 on 'amphibious' landing ships. He notably commanded the landing helicopter deck (LHD) Mistral. He held key operational planning roles at the Joint Operations Planning and Command Centre (CPCO) and senior political-military positions, including that of adviser to the Minister of Defence. Promoted flag officer, he commanded the Centre des Hautes Études Militaires before becoming Deputy Commander of the French surface fleet and Vice Chief of the Navy.
How to attend
This is an in-person event for RUSI members. If you have any questions regarding the event, please email [email protected].
