About the Client
The UK Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) officially launched the Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub (DEWH) on 21 March 2024 at Southwick Park in Portsmouth. The facility brings together military leaders, scientists from DSTL, and industry experts from BAE Systems Techmodal. Together, they aim to help UK Defence make faster, more confident tactical decisions through advanced experimentation, analysis, and wargaming activities.
As part of the hub's existing infrastructure, the main hall – measuring approximately 12 metres wide with a height of 14 metres – relied on four 98-inch mobile displays supplied by Akhter. Two screens were positioned side-by-side on the stage, while the remaining displays were located on the left and right sides of the hall.
Although effective as a temporary solution, the displays presented several limitations during larger events and presentations. Content was often difficult for attendees to view from across the room, and the screen arrangement did not provide the scale or flexibility required for high-profile wargaming sessions, briefings, and collaborative exercises. The modern wargaming requires the simultaneous analysis of massive, multi-layered data sets. Multi-domain operations require commanders to view live maps, troop movements, cyber telemetry, and satellite imagery at the same moment.
To support this with future operational requirements, the client sought a large-format display solution capable of covering the main stage area, with an approximate target size of 6 metres wide by 5 metres high. The new system also needed to support the simultaneous display of multiple content sources on a single screen in different viewing modes while ensuring excellent visibility for audiences seated up to 14 metres away.
Following extensive consultations, multiple project meetings, and a comprehensive site survey, the Akhter team developed a tailored solution designed to meet both the operational and technical requirements of the DEWH. The proposed system is centred around a large-format LED video wall integrated seamlessly with the venue's existing AV infrastructure. Akhter installed a 5.7-metre-wide by 2.7-metre-high F1 M Series (P2) LED video wall, delivering an impressive 263-inch diagonal display.
The ultra-fine 2mm pixel pitch guaranteesthat complex datasets, fine topographic text, and dense symbology remainperfectly crisp and sharp, removing the risk of misinterpretation.
Massive Scale, Maintained Geometry: The 263-inch diagonal display (5.7m wide x2.7m high) spans the command stage, ensuring the image fills the screenperfectly while strictly maintaining the standard aspect ratio of incomingmilitary data sources.
Multi-Domain Common Operational Picture (COP): The integrated AV processing system allowsoperators to simultaneously split and display multiple diverse data feeds ontoa single screen, offering commanders a unified view of the entire battlespace.
Long-Range Readability: Visual assets remaincompletely legible and vibrant for an assembled group from standard deskdistances all the way up to a 14-metre maximum range.
Dynamic Acoustic Immersion: Akhter mounted two1.1-metre modern dynamic long column speakers flanking both sides of the LEDscreen, working in tandem with two heavy-duty sub-woofers. This setup deliversimmersive, room-fill sound that ensures speech clarity and simulation effects resonateuniformly across the hall. For seamless audio control, a tactilefront-desk-mounted volume knob was integrated, giving the exercises coordinatorinstant control over audio levels without breaking the momentum of the event.
Akhter Professional Services
Consultancy and Design
AkhterProfessional Services initiated the project with a comprehensive site survey,meticulouslyassessingthe client's location for specific requirements, potential challenges, andideal equipmentplacement.The survey laid the groundwork for a customised solution designed to meet theuniqueneeds ofthe Ministry of Defence (MoD) environment.
Project Management
Theinstallation was expertly coordinated by Akhter’s project management team,guaranteeing anefficientand hassle-free process. With years of experience in MoD environments, the teamdeveloped ahigh-level technical design to address the unique challenges of the project,ensuring asmoothworkflow from start to finish.
Installation
Akhter’s SCand DV cleared are skilled installation team that carried out the installationwith precision, seamlessly integrating every component of the AV system. Theirdeep understanding of MoD environments enabled them to tackle any unexpectedchallenges effectively, delivering a flawless final setup.
Training
Aftercompleting the installation, Akhter’s engineers provided hands-on training tothe client’s team.Thispractical session demonstrated how to use the AV system, ensuring the personnelfelt confidentnavigatingits features and functionalities.
TechSupport, Warranty and Maintenance
To ensurethe system operates smoothly for years to come, Akhter included seven years ofonsitesupport,warranty, and maintenance. This proactive approach reflects their commitment toreliabilityand client satisfaction.
Notes: The above image of the LED wall was taken from a position approximately 12 meters behind the rear seating area, facing the LED wall. Please note that the actual visual experience is significantly clearer and sharper than in the photograph.
The installation has transformed the DEWH's main presentation space, providing a modern, large-scale visual solution that supports collaborative decision-making, experimentation, and wargaming activities. The enhanced display capabilities ensure that content remains clear and visible throughout the hall, significantly improving audience engagement and operational effectiveness during events, briefings, and large-scale exercises.
By combining advanced LED display technology with seamless integration into the existing AV environment, Akhter has delivered a future-ready solution that supports DEWH's mission of enabling UK Defence to make better decisions, faster, and with greater confidence.
"The new LED video wall has transformed our presentation environment, providing the scale, clarity, and flexibility needed for large-scale wargaming activities and events. Akhter worked closely with our team throughout the project, delivering a solution that integrates seamlessly with our existing infrastructure and significantly enhances collaboration, communication, and audience engagement."
— Jordan Perry, Information & Security Manager, Defence Experimentation and Wargaming Hub (DEWH), MoD Southwick Park
Akhter supplied secure managed laptops to Westminster Cadets, improving device protection and enabling reliable access to training systems nationwide.
Akhter delivered a secure end-to-end technology solution for the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry, ensuring reliable operations and supporting critical investigations.
Akhter modernised Gibraltar Barracks’ legacy IT infrastructure, improving performance, strengthening security, and simplifying the management of servers and workstations.
%20.webp)
