In conversation with AFRIDEX, Henry Fulbrook, Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Black Star Global, shares his perspective on why effective defence capability requires much more than acquiring equipment, and why long-term planning, integration and partnership matter.

Across defence and security, acquiring new equipment and technology is only one part of developing an effective operational capability.

For Henry Fulbrook, the starting point should be understanding the operational requirement before determining the solution.

Having worked across frontline military operations, government defence programmes and strategic advisory, Fulbrook has seen capability from both an operational and strategic perspective. That experience has shaped his view of what is required to build defence programmes that work for the end user.

Beyond the equipment

Black Star Global works between requirement and solution, with an emphasis on understanding the requirement first and then developing the appropriate solution around it.

This approach considers not only the equipment itself, but also feasibility, integration and the longer-term operational value of the capability being developed.

It is an approach captured in a central message Fulbrook will bring to AFRIDEX: capability is not purchased, it is built.

Technology, hardware and software can all play an important role, but Fulbrook argues that they do not create capability on their own. They need to be integrated into the wider operational environment and supported by the right skills, training and strategic approach.

Planning for the long term

One of the key challenges for defence programmes is what happens after equipment has been delivered.

Fulbrook identifies maintenance, operations, training and integration as important considerations in ensuring that a system continues to deliver operational value.

Crucially, he believes these considerations should be addressed from the very beginning.

Training requirements, integration with existing systems, sustainment, leadership and institutional capacity can all form part of the planning process. For significant defence investments, this can help ensure that new equipment can be effectively operated and maintained over the longer term.

Building capability for Africa

As defence and security requirements across Africa continue to evolve, Fulbrook sees long-term strategic relationships between governments and international defence partners as increasingly important.

Knowledge transfer is part of that relationship, but so too is understanding what individual countries and defence organisations actually require.

Rather than taking an existing solution and attempting to fit it to a requirement, Fulbrook believes partners should understand the operational need first, including whether additional skills, integration or other building blocks are required before new equipment or technology is introduced.

Technology will remain an important part of the defence landscape. However, Fulbrook cautions against viewing technology as a single solution to capability challenges.

The skills of the user, appropriate training and effective integration remain vital if new technologies are to translate into operational capability.

Continuing the conversation at AFRIDEX

The discussion will continue at AFRIDEX 2026, where Henry Fulbrook will chair Black Star Global’s panel, “Capability is not purchased, it is built.”

The session will explore what it takes to turn defence investment into sustainable operational capability, looking beyond equipment to the importance of training, integration, sustainment, leadership and long-term planning.

Fulbrook sees AFRIDEX as an opportunity to bring governments, military leaders, defence organisations and international industry together to exchange knowledge, discuss operational requirements and share perspectives on what works in practice.

For international defence partners, listening will be an important part of that process. Understanding the priorities and operational requirements of African defence organisations can help industry refine products, systems and technologies around the requirements of the end user.

Most importantly, Fulbrook believes the conversations and relationships established at AFRIDEX can continue long after the exhibition closes, helping to build stronger connections between African defence requirements and the international defence industry.

Hear Henry Fulbrook and Black Star Global at AFRIDEX 2026, taking place from 26 to 29 October at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, Nigeria.

Watch the AFRIDEX conversation with Henry Fulbrook