Aviation fuel emissions have been an enduring issue for air forces in the fight for climate resilience. However, with developments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) driven by mandates, what else is on the radar for air operations?

Continuing with our domain focused sub-series, episode 7 of The Resilience Brief podcast pivots to the air domain, to discuss the challenges and potential solution that are fuelling air force activity. NATO air forces are increasingly integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuel to propel their aircraft in the search for sustainability. But emissions alone should not dominate climate conversations within the air domain. Hosts Dr Sarah Ashbridge and Lieutenant Colonel Ali Beard invite two guests who can shed light on wider priorities, challenges and success stories.

Group Captain Maurice Dixon and Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings dial in to tell us how specific environments affect air platforms and planning, sharing insights around the tyranny of distance, generating urgency, and human-off-the-loop potential. There are even important whole-force insights around how the SAF mandate is driving fuel interoperability within air forces specifically. Tune in to find out more.

The views of all speakers represent their own opinions based on their individual experiences. All views belong to the individual speakers and do not reflect the official position of their employers or the IMCCS

This podcast has been created thanks to the sponsorship and partnership of Frazer-Nash and the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE). This product has also been enabled by the production services of Two Jacks Communications and project management services of S A Consultancy (Yorkshire).

Resources recommended by Episode 8 guest speakers:

Ivo Andrić (1977). The Bridge Over the River Drina. Chicago: Chicago University Press.

Rear Admiral Neil Moraisetti.

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE whose work informed the development of UK MOD (2021). Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC.

Global Air Force Climate Change Collaboration.

Erin Sikorsky (2025). Climate Change on the Battlefield: International Military Responses to the Climate Crisis. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Gwynne Dyer (2010). Climate Wars. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.

MOD UK (2018). Global Strategic Trends – The Future Starts Today.

Nik Gowing and Chris Langdon (2018). Thinking the Unthinkable: A new imperative for leadership in the digital age. Melton: John Catt Educational Ltd.