A former RAF fighter pilot and senior commander with three decades of operational and strategic experience will be at Lancaster University this month to deliver a special lecture.

The Centre for War and Diplomacy (CWD) in the School of Global Affairs at Lancaster University will host the next event in its long-running CWD–RAFM Distinguished Air Power Lecture Series, delivered in partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum, on 24 February.

This year’s lecture, ‘Back to the Future’, will be given by Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell (Retd), who will draw on the Cold War, the war in Ukraine, and today’s rapidly evolving threat environment to examine how air power has changed—and what those changes mean for the UK’s future defence choices.

For an island nation, control of the air has historically been a cornerstone of national security. From the Battle of Britain to contemporary conflicts, air power has shaped the outcome of wars and the strategic options available to governments.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has once again underscored the vulnerability of states unable to secure their airspace, highlighting the costs of attritional warfare and the challenges posed by modern air and missile threats.

Against this backdrop, the lecture will address pressing questions at the heart of current defence and security debates.

This will include how the UK should respond to a more contested and uncertain international environment, what lessons can be drawn from past and present conflicts, how effective air power can be sustained amid tight resources, shifting alliances, and questions over NATO readiness and US global commitments.

“The event exemplifies the CWD’s ambition to connect historical insight with contemporary policy relevance,” said Professor of International History and Security Marco Wyss, one of the event organisers from the University’s CWD.

“Through its programme of public lectures, workshops, and practitioner engagement, the Centre seeks to inform debate on UK and allied security, defence capabilities, and the future of the armed forces—bringing together scholars, students, practitioners, and the wider public.”

This lecture forms part of a wider series of CWD events engaging directly with questions of air, land, and maritime power, reinforcing Lancaster University’s commitment to informed, rigorous debate on defence and security challenges facing the UK and its partners today.

The Lecture will take place on campus at Furness Lecture Theatre 1 on 24 February from 5pm to 6.30pm. The event is open to all (students, staff, alumni, external audiences and the public). Registration is not required so please just turn up.