• Workshop 4 - 2045 soldier: augmented or replaced?

In light of current evolutions, the soldier will by 2045 face an operational environment marked by increasing complexity and an ever-growing mass of information, placing intense demands on cognitive capacities and risking decision fatigue. How can clarity of thought and human performance be preserved in the face of massive, real-time information flows? All within a combat environment that is not only more stressful, but where danger can emerge from any direction, creating a state of constant hypervigilance. What are the soldier’s margins of adaptation in an environment where cognitive pressure becomes a critical factor? Emerging technologies – such as tactical artificial intelligence, brain–computer interfaces, and digital assistants – offer promising avenues to reduce cognitive load and accelerate the decision-making cycle.

The physical and sensory enhancement of the soldier is fast becoming a strategic issue: personal drones, exoskeletons, and advanced connectivity systems are transforming posture, mobility, and situational awareness. These developments raise fundamental questions of cybersecurity in an age of electronic warfare. Furthermore, how far can augmentation go without undermining the operational bond between the human and the mission? What balance must be struck between automation and human presence in action? In 2045, will the soldier still be a central actor in combat – or merely an operator serving intelligent systems? Does NATO’s current doctrine still address the growing density of the battlefield? This session will drive critical thinking about how NATO's air-land doctrine must evolve to meet the emerging realities of modern conflict.

• Workshop 5 - Interoperability – Towards genuine convergence?

Interoperability remains a cornerstone of NATO’s operational effectiveness, yet technological, doctrinal, and cultural gaps persist despite ongoing efforts toward convergence. Digital capabilities – whether in C2, ISR systems, or cybersecurity – pose significant challenges: how can technical compatibility and network resilience be ensured in a contested, multinational environment? And how far can harmonisation be pursued without undermining national sovereignty over defence tools?

Capability or doctrinal differences, as illustrated by concrete cases of field incompatibility, highlight the limits of superficial interoperability. What lessons can be drawn from recent operational feedback? Beyond the technical aspects, human factors come into play: language barriers, cultural differences, and doctrinal variations can all hinder the smooth conduct of joint operations. Is true interoperable convergence genuinely achievable, or must its ambition be redefined? How much emphasis should be placed on standardisation, and how much room left for flexibility? These are essential questions if interoperability is to be a genuine operational enabler – rather than a constraint.

• Workshop 6 - Urban warfare & hybrid conflict in 2045

Urban environments are strategic centres of gravity, combining human density, technological connectivity, and tactical complexity. However, the proliferation of precision-guided munitions and drones is making static defence increasingly untenable. How can forces operate effectively in cities that have become simultaneously manoeuvre spaces, booby-trapped environments, and cognitive battlegrounds? What effects should be sought in a space saturated with sensors, physical obstacles, and symbolic stakes?

The rise of urban robotics, autonomous sensors, and augmented perception is reshaping the conditions of engagement in built-up areas. How can technology be integrated with tactical expertise without increasing force vulnerability? To what extent can perception and decision-making be delegated to automated systems? Hybrid warfare blurs the lines between informational operations, soft power, and targeted lethality. How can the image of the conflict be controlled in an urban space without falling into propaganda? What posture must be adopted to maintain both tactical and narrative superiority in environments where every action is visible, interpreted, and potentially turned against one’s own forces?

Land forces face intensifying conflict and emerging forms of coercion, driven by the growing autonomy of the battle space. How can such strategic and technological ruptures be anticipated rather than endured? What transformation scenarios should be incorporated into capability and doctrinal planning? The challenge is to chart a clear and coherent path across a spectrum of engagements – from high-intensity warfare to hybrid or protracted crises.

Balancing operational demands, financial constraints, and technological pressures requires a realistic and sustainable roadmap. What equilibrium should be sought between readiness for major shocks and long-term endurance? How can strategic agility be maintained without compromising resilience? Ultimately, in a world where technology cannot solve everything, the human factor remains central. How can morale, societal support, and national commitment be made pillars of long-term strategic credibility? What shared vision can ensure legitimacy and cohesion in NATO’s future military actions?