The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) reported on 8 September 2026 that it had developed a new wargame, “Defending Defender – Battle for the narrative,” focused on a Russian attempt to disrupt HMS Defender’s innocent passage through Crimean waters in 2021 and the subsequent campaign to influence opinion. Dstl said the game was co-designed with the Joint Information Activities Group (JIAG), part of the UK MOD’s Defence Academy, and teaches principles of strategic communications.

According to the report, JIAG trialled an initial prototype with around 1,500 users on relevant training courses, and a new boxed version was developed that can be played without a facilitator to reach a broader audience. The game is described as designed for 2 to 8 players representing the UK and Russia, runs for 3 phases cumulatively lasting around 45 minutes, and requires no prior wargaming or strategic communications experience. Dstl said the boxed game was being rolled out within MOD as well as across 15 NATO nations and institutions in Australia.

Dstl quoted its Chief Wargamer and Head of the Defence Wargaming Centre, Colin, saying influence in conflict can be as important as physical force. Captain Vince Owen, who commanded HMS Defender during the 2021 incident, said tactical success alone is not sufficient to achieve strategic objectives. Dstl also listed wargames and tabletop exercises it said its wargamers delivered in the past 12 months for the armed forces and international allies, including support to crisis and operations.