A seminar dedicated to the evolution of land combat and the adaptation of armed forces to the current operational environment was held at the Military University Institute (IUM) on 22 April, within the framework of the curricular unit “Doctrine and Staff Techniques of the Land Component” of the Advanced Course in Land Military Planning (CAPMT).

In the opening session, the Commander of the IUM, Vice Admiral Vizinha Mirones, highlighted that the war in Ukraine has profoundly shifted the centre of gravity of European security, bringing large-scale land formations back to the forefront of strategic debate and underscoring the need to prepare responses for scenarios characterised by prolonged conventional conflict, hybrid threats, and simultaneous crises in Europe’s wider neighbourhood.

Throughout the various panels, national and international experts examined key aspects of contemporary warfare, including the impact of drones, the increasing lethality and transparency of the battlefield, force dispersion and mobility, targeting, logistics, and the capabilities required for the future Land Force. The keynote address was delivered by Colonel John Antal (USA), with further contributions from Sweden, Portugal, and Ukraine.

Particular note is made of the participation of Lieutenant Colonel Taras Strutynskyi of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose presentation on the tactical adaptation of the Ukrainian Army in the conflict provided a perspective of significant operational and strategic value. The sharing of knowledge drawn from real-world scenarios constitutes an especially relevant contribution to doctrinal reflection and to the preparation of future military leaders.

Although primarily aimed at CAPMT participants, the seminar also brought together faculty and attendees from the General Officer Promotion Course, the Joint Staff Course, and the Senior Officer Promotion Course, as well as around 60 external participants, including the Chief of Staff of the Army and senior representatives from the three branches of the Armed Forces.

In an international context marked by uncertainty, technological acceleration, and the evolving nature of conflict, initiatives of this kind reinforce the IUM’s role as a hub for strategic thought and for the development of critical skills among senior officers and future military leaders, particularly those serving in staff structures, where responses to medium- and long-term challenges are planned, designed, and prepared.