As the UK gears up for a major Strategic Defence Review, The Wargame — a gripping new podcast series from Sky News and Tortoise Media — arrives with powerful relevance. Among the high-calibre cast simulating a national crisis is General Sir Richard Barrons, Co-Chair of Universal Defence and Security Solutions (UDSS) and one of the architects of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
In The Wargame, he assumes the fictional role of Chief of the Defence Staff, drawing on decades of real-world military leadership to test the nation’s response to an escalating Russian threat.
An Unflinching Test of UK Resilience
Launching on 10 June, The Wargame is a five-part documentary podcast that simulates a Russian attack on the UK. Featuring former ministers, military commanders, and security experts — many of whom held these roles in real life — the project challenges listeners to understand the fragility of the UK’s defences and resilience mechanisms in the face of crisis.
The scenario was devised by Dr Rob Johnson, Director of Oxford University’s Changing Character of War Centre and former Director of Net Assessment and Challenge at the Ministry of Defence. Described as “low likelihood, high impact,” the fictional events are designed to expose vulnerabilities and prompt urgent debate about the UK’s preparedness for modern conflict.
General Sir Richard Barrons: Bridging Strategy and Simulation
As Co-Chair of UDSS, General Barrons brings critical insight to both his real-world defence consultancy work and his role in The Wargame. With previous appointments including Commander of the UK’s Joint Forces Command and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, his inclusion in this simulation adds credibility and depth to the series.
At UDSS, General Barrons works with other former senior military leaders, government officials, and subject matter experts to advise nations and organisations on how to modernise defence and security capabilities. His dual involvement — in both this thought-provoking simulation and the real-life Strategic Defence Review — offers a rare and timely perspective.
Why The Wargame Matters Now
The release of The Wargame coincides with a critical moment in UK defence policy. With the Strategic Defence Review to be imminently published and an important NATO summit on the horizon, national resilience is firmly back on the political agenda. This podcast challenges policymakers, defence professionals, and the wider public to confront uncomfortable questions: Are we prepared? Are our alliances strong enough? And do we still understand what resilience truly means in the 21st century?
Through realistic scenarios, tense Cabinet discussions, and the guidance of experienced leaders like General Barrons, The Wargame delivers more than entertainment — it sparks a necessary conversation.
A Podcast That Mirrors Reality
Alongside General Barrons, the podcast features a who’s who of British leadership:
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Sir Ben Wallace as the Prime Minister
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Jack Straw as Foreign Secretary
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Amber Rudd as Home Secretary
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James Heappey as Defence Secretary
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Lord Sedwill as National Security Adviser
Each draws on their former roles in government, bringing authenticity to the fictional Cobra emergency sessions as they respond to a growing Russian threat.
UDSS and the Future of Strategic Thinking
Universal Defence and Security Solutions exists to support governments, industries, and institutions in navigating the complex landscape of modern defence. As this podcast demonstrates, the ability to think critically, simulate real-world scenarios, and draw on trusted expertise is essential.
The Wargame exemplifies the very mission UDSS is built around: understanding the threats of today to help prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
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