Overview
The UK Strategic Defence Review supports the MoD’s ongoing work to consolidate the defence overseas network (people, places and technology) under one command, giving defence greater agility and reach. This brings together the defence sections, loan service, broader missions, and overseas bases into one integrated global network. Alongside, defence diplomacy will be created as an MoD career stream, ensuring the continued professionalisation of defence diplomats abroad.
Air Vice-Marshal Blackburn will provide an overview of the Integrated Global Defence Network and the MoD’s approach to defence diplomacy through the lens of defence reform. The briefing will explore how the Integrated Global Defence Network aspires to fulfil its key objectives of shaping and informing policy, responding to crises, and supporting UK exercises and operations abroad.
Speaker Biography
Air Vice-Marshal Michael Blackburn joined the RAF as a Nimrod navigator in 1995. He has served in a wide variety of roles, including within PJHQ and HQ Air Command in the UK, and has commanded overseas twice as Commanding Officer 902 Expeditionary Air Wing in Oman and as Station Commander RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, at the height of Op SHADER. He was the Chief of the Air Staff’s Liaison Officer to the French Air Force and served as the UK's Defence Attaché to China. Latterly, he served as the Deputy Director of the Integrated Global Defence Network and was promoted to his current role in August 2025.
Joining Instructions and Attribution
This is an in-person only event for Major Organisation level members and above, taking place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET.
The event is off the record.
Tea, coffee and pastries will be available from 09:00 BST. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected].
