Using lessons drawn from recent history, including the war in Ukraine, this book offers a fascinating insight into how the armies and battlefields of the future may look. Each chapter details one key aspect of modern land warfare, expertly assessing the technologies and tactics in use. Covering topics from ground-based air defence and next-generation artillery to main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, it is packed full of detail and full-colour, contemporary photographs.

Boots on the Ground also reveals the increasing importance of uncrewed aerial and ground vehicles and electronic warfare, and how cyber operations will have a direct impact on ground warfare. This has been evident in Ukraine, where drones constantly watch overhead, where loitering munitions hunt even individual soldiers, and where an intercepted radio call can mean sudden death.

But a case is also made for the continued importance of combined arms – the infantry, armour, artillery and engineers – showing how drones and cyber technology can act as a force multiplier, but how land battles will ultimately still be fought by well-trained boots on the ground. Including case studies from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine, renowned modern warfare expert Leigh Neville also offers an assessment of NATO armies and special operations forces and how prepared they are for a possible ‘hot war’ scenario against the evolving threats of Iran, Russia and China.

Release date: . February 13th, 2025