In this Edition ... Winter 2025

This Winter edition of the Journal of the Royal Signals arrives at a time of profound transformation across Defence, where digital innovation, strategic reform, and operational commitments converge to shape the future battlespace. The Journal reflects this dynamic landscape, offering a rich tapestry of thought leadership, technical insight, and historical reflection.

We begin with a message from the newly appointed Master of Signals, Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths, whose vision for the Corps will provide a focus for our professional development. His direction, influenced by roles in the Strategic Defence Review and Standing Joint Command, sets the tone for a forward-leaning, capability-driven Corps.

Our lead feature revisits the Spring Seminar 2025, hosted by Deloitte, where senior Army and industry leaders tackled the most pressing challenges in Defence information services. The seminar’s panel discussions - now captured in print - invite continued professional dialogue on the future of digital and information service delivery.

Recognition of excellence remains central to our ethos. This edition celebrates the achievements of Royal Signals people through prestigious awards from the Worshipful Companies of Engineers and Information Technologists, alongside a compelling piece on the Corps’ apprenticeship programme - an exemplar of Defence-industry collaboration.

In the technical and engineering domain, we explore the operational success of Project ASGARD in Estonia, the evolving data logistics challenge for armoured brigades, and the transformative potential of fibre optic infrastructure. Articles on the military metaverse and PSTN migration offer strategic perspectives on emerging technologies, while a retrospective on e-Passports bridges military relevance with broader digital security themes.

The professional interest section challenges us to think differently. Lt Col Keith Dunwoody and Martin Crilly call for bold leadership in data and AI transformation, while Lt Col James Corns examines AI’s impact in Ukraine and its implications for UK Defence. Jo Miller’s (Microsoft) piece on identity management reframes cyber defence, and Tim Wilkinson’s (Babcock International) candid analysis of Defence’s relationship with SMEs urges reform in innovation and procurement.

We also turn our gaze beneath the waves, with Chris Cook’s (BAE Systems) article on subsea warfare highlighting the strategic importance of undersea infrastructure and the urgent need for ISR and ASW capabilities.

Finally, our historical contributions offer depth and perspective. From Dr Brian Austin’s reappraisal of wartime HF and VHF communications to the biography of Major Rowley Shears, and the formal history of LIAG, these pieces honour the ingenuity and legacy of our Corps. The inclusion of Bletchley Park and the artistic depiction of our history further enrich this edition.

As we navigate the complexities of modern warfare and digital transformation, this Journal offers an essential means by which Royal Signals sustains professional dialogue along with its industry partners.

We invite you to read, reflect, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our Corps.If you have something to say tell the Royal Signals Institution.

Joe