UNCREWED AERIAL VEHICLES SAN DIEGO
February 25–26, 2025 • Admiral Baker Clubhouse, San Diego, CA
CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS:
Lieutenant General (USMC-ret)
Steven "Stick" Rudder
Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC
Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Professor Kenneth "Mike" Canada (USN-ret)
Program Chair, Associate Professor, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Jimmy Pitts, USN
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9 Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Senior Representative Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Commandant Information (DC I) HQ, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC)
John Vona, SES, DAF Director, Operational Requirements
DCS, Strategy, Integration and Requirements (Air Force Futures)
AF/A5/7D
VADM
Exhibitor
WHY ATTEND
Gain Mission Critical Takeaways on New, Innovative Solutions and Capabilities:
PLAY Stay in the Loop on Emerging DoD and U.S. Government UAS Priorities, and Design Manufacturing Requirements
PLAY Delve Into UAS Multi-Domain Developmental Test and Evaluation Capabilities
PLAY Discuss AF Collaborative Combat Efforts and Ask Your Questions
PLAY Ensure you are Up-to-Speed on Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office Programs and Vision
PLAY Gain Insights into New Army Futures UAS Plans and Programs
4 Hours
Dedicated Networking with the People You Need to Meet
Connect
During Exhibits, Breakfasts, Breaks and Luncheons
Continue the Conversation at the Cocktail Reception Discuss Opportunities and Next Steps
DoD released its 2025 budget, $849 billion, including $2.4 billion for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. The budget aims to accelerate the development and procurement of combat drones. The U.S. Air Force has prioritized the development of uncrewed combat aircraft, which they call Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The Air Force has plans to build 1,000 of these drones, which will fly alongside manned fighters. The military drone market is expected to grow to $20.64 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 6.8%.
– Source (GAO).
The Global Commercial Drone Market Projected to Reach $54 Billion By 2030
Please join ACI’s 2nd National Summit on Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles as our esteemed DoD, Government, and Industry experts discuss the critical roles and opportunities posed by a new generation of UAS Technologies and teaming capabilities for the modern battlefield and National Airspace.
I look forward to welcoming you to this outstanding event. Seats are again expected to sell out, so secure your spot today!
V/r,
Conference Director, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles Summit San Diego American Conference Institute
YOU WILL MEET:
• CEOs/COOs Unmanned Aircraft & Aviation Defense Systems
• Presidents/VPs Defense & UAS Programs
• University R&D Directors Faculty
• General Managers, Defense Weapons Programs
• Commanding Officers & COCOMs
• Directors, Advanced Programs, Aviation
• DoD Branch Service Chiefs
• Business Development Managers, Autonomous Aircraft Systems
• Sr. Marketing Manager & Business Development, Defense Systems
• Sr. Analysts, Defense Weapons & Testing
• Sales Directors, Space & Defense Systems
Elevate Your Presence in This Growing, Competitive Marketplace.
REQUEST AN EXHIBITOR & SPONSORSHIP PROSPECTUS
Whether your goal is to penetrate new markets, establish your position as a top-tier integrator or service provider, or ensure your target customers think of you first, ACI's National Summit on Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles offers you the ideal platform to interface with the very people you need to meet.
Maximize Your Visibility at the Event For more information on sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, please contact Lanny Morris, L.Morris@AmericanConference.com
• Principal & Chief Scientists
• Program & Project Managers
• Aerospace Mechanical Engineers
• Aviation & Autonomous Systems Engineers
• Test & Evaluation Director and Engineers
• Mechanical Science Leads
BRADFORD BARRETT
THE CONFERENCE CHAIRS
LIEUTENANT GENERAL (USMC-RET)
STEVEN "STICK" RUDDER
Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC
Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
PROFESSOR KENNETH "MIKE" CANADA, (USN-RET)
Program Chair, Associate Professor
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
KEYNOTES
VADM JIMMY PITTS, USN
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE
Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Commandant Information (DC I) HQ, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC)
JOHN VONA, SES, DAF
Director, Operational Requirements
DCS, Strategy, Integration and Requirements (Air Force Futures)
AF/A5/7D
CORDELL DELAPENA
Program Executive Officer, Military Communications, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Directorate Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, U.S. Space Force
DOD/GOVERNMENT
CAPTAIN DENNIS “FESTER” MONAGLE, USN
Program Manager Multi-Mission Tactical Uncrewed
Aerial Systems
PMA-266
COL PAVLO KHAZAN
Deputy Head of the Electronic Support Department
General Directorate of Electronic and Cyber Warfare of the General Staff
Armed Forces of Ukraine
JASON SCHROEDER
Chief Technology Officer, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT)
U.S. Special Operations Command
CAPT TED VENABLE, (USN-RET)
CNT/UAS Program Manager (COMUSNAVSO/C4F)
U.S. Fourth Fleet Counter Illicit Trafficking
LT COL BRADFORD “CRUSH” WADE, USAF
Commander, 556 Test and Evaluation Squadron Creech AFB, NV
MR. ELIAS RIGAS
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
Army Research Directorate
Chief Vehicle Applied Research Branch
LTC MICHAEL “BRAB’S” BRABNER, USA
Robotics Requirements Division, Air Branch Chief Maneuver Capabilities Development & Integration Directorate
Army Futures Command
DOD/GOVERNMENT
MAJOR GENERAL AMIKAM NORKIN
Distinguished Fellow
Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA)
Israeli Air Force Commander General (res)
COLIN ROSS
Attorney Advisor, Office of Law & Policy, National Security Division
U.S. Department of Justice
MICHELE FLORES
Protective Security Advisor
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
CDR JEREMIAH DALEY, USN
Military Director
PACFLT N9WAR
THOMAS JONES
ONR Global Science Advisor to Commander, Naval Air Forces
Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
TRACY CONROY
Experimental Director, Trident Warrior
Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
CDR BRANT “BUCKET” BROCKETT, USN
Experimental Director
Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
DOD/GOVERNMENT
BRAD “LER” POELTLER
Lead, Undersea Fires
Navy Undersea Warfare Development Center
TOMMY BARIL
Assistant Director, Strategic Warfare and Intelligence, Defense Capabilities and Management team
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
LAURA SAN FILIPPO
Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Test and Evaluation Lead
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
CONGRESSMAN SCOTT PETERS
California 50th District
Co-Chair of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Caucus
CDR DAVE COUCHMAN, SC, USN
Tactical Team Lead
OPNAV Disruptive Capabilities Office (N09 DCO)
JAMES “JT” THOM
Executive Director
Domain Awareness Security Operations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Air and Marine Operations (AMO)
INDUSTRY/ASSOCIATION
TOM ADAMS
Director of Public Safety
DroneShield
Former FBI C-UAS Unit Chief
DR. MARK MAYBURY
Vice President, Commercialization, Engineering & Technology
Lockheed Martin
BRYAN SCURRY, NAVY – NAVWAR – NAVAIR
Account Manager
Leidos
B RANDON YOUNGBLOOD
Principal Drone Security Services
Former FAA Group Manager, UAS Security, and CUAS Integration, (AJR-26) Air Traffic Organization
NEIL ZERBE
CEO
Aerospace and Defense Industry Partners
JOHN “STREAK” SCUDI
Acting Advanced Capabilities PM
MQ-25 Development
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
J OE VALENZUELA
Senior Vice President
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
INDUSTRY/ASSOCIATION
DR. MIRIAM MARWICK
Senior Vice President, Emerging Technologies Palantir
DANNY RAJAN
U.S. General Manager D-Fend Solutions
MIKE POWELL
Executive Director, CUAS iCR
MIKE ATWOOD
Vice President of Advanced Programs
General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
AGENDA
DAY ONE FEBRUARY 25, 2025
7:15 MORNING COFFEE & REGISTRATION
8:15 Day 1 Opening Remarks from Program Co-Chairs
microphone-alt Lieutenant General (USMC-ret) Steven "Stick" Rudder, Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC, Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Professor Kenneth "Mike" Canada, (USN-ret), Program Chair, Associate Professor, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
8:25 Welcome Video: National Summit on Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles
microphone-alt Congressman Scott Peters, California 50th District, Co-Chair of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Caucus
DOD
&
GOVERNMENT UAS: WARFIGHTER REQUIREMENTS,
A.I. CAPABILITIES & GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
8:30 NAVY KEYNOTE
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles: Emerging Capabilities, and Future Requirements Supporting Warfighting – Warfighters & Foundations
microphone-alt Vice Admiral James E. Pitts, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
• ONR Emerging UAV Plans & Programs
• Multi-Platform Capabilities
• Navy Command Resources in Supporting Operational Efficiencies
9:00 MARINE CORP KEYNOTE
Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Aerial Platforms Teaming for Warfighting Superiority
microphone-alt Senior Representative, Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Commandant Information (DC I), HQ, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC)
• Exploiting Inherent Expeditionary Capabilities
• Maximizing UAVs to Create Outsized Effects for Our Allies
• Integration of UAV Emerging Technologies
9:30 AIR FORCE KEYNOTE Air Force Collaborative Combat Effort
microphone-alt John Vona, SES, DAF, Director, Operational Requirements, DCS, Strategy, Integration, and Requirements (Air Force Futures), AF/A5/7D
• Understanding a Multi-Pronged Initiative to Test, Develop, and Implement New Autonomous Manned-unmanned Aircraft Teaming Concepts
• Harnessing Cutting-Edge Disruptive Technologies
• Exploring International Partnerships
AGENDA
DAY ONE FEBRUARY 25, 2025
10:00 PRESENTATION
DCO Emerging UAV Needs & Requirements
microphone-alt CDR Dave Couchman, SC, USN, Tactical Team Lead, OPNAV Disruptive Capabilities Office (N09 DCO)
• Pushing the Bounds of Rapidly Delivering Warfighting Capability
• Innovation using Rapid Experimentation and Prototyping
• Delivering Solutions to Warfighters at a Pace and Scale to Close Critical Capability Gaps
10:30 Extended Networking Break
11:00 USMC MQ-9A
microphone-alt Captain Dennis “Fester” Monagle, USN, Program Manager Multi-Mission Tactical Uncrewed Aerial Systems, PMA-266
• MQ-9 Marine Air-Ground Task Force Updates
• Expeditionary (MUX) Family of Systems
• Emerging Group 4 and 5 Vertical Lift Platforms
11:30 Special Army Futures Presentation
microphone-alt Army UAS Platforms, Capabilities and Requirements, UAS Project Office
LTC Michael “Brab’s” Brabner, USA, Robotics Requirements Division, Air Branch Chief, Maneuver Capabilities Development & Integration Directorate, Army Futures Command
• Developing and Determining the Capabilities of the Future Force
• Program & Policy Capabilities Across the Doctrine, Org, Training, Materiel & Leadership
• Experiment and Collection, Analysis of Data to Validate Concepts and Capabilities
12:15
ONR UAS Innovation and Strategies at CNAF
microphone-alt Thomas Jones, ONR Global Science Advisor to Commander, Naval Air Forces, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
• ONR Operational Fleet Force Science and Technology Advancements in Support of CNAF
• Latest In Experimentation and Key Technologies to the Warfighter
• UAV Needs – Requirements and Autonomy Advancements
12:45 Networking Luncheon
AGENDA
DAY ONE FEBRUARY 25, 2025
1:45 PRESENTATION
Accelerating Special Operational Forces’ Employment of Uncrewed Systems
microphone-alt Jason Schroeder, Chief Technology Officer, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), U.S. Special Operations Command
• Strengthening Regional Stability
• Expanding regional SOF and CT forces
• Maintaining a deep understanding of the environment
2:15 PRESENTATION
Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet UAS Capabilities & Innovation
microphone-alt CAPT (USN-ret) Ted Venable, CNT/UAS Program Manager (COMUSNAVSO/C4F), U.S. Fourth Fleet Counter Illicit Trafficking
• Working with industry to advance maritime uncrewed since 2008.
• US SOUTHERN COMMAND AOR is the perfect environment to operationalize uncrewed aircraft systems.
• In 2022 the CNO designated FOURTH FLEET to lead the Navy’s Hybrid Fleet Concept development.
• FOURTH FLEET leveraging industry innovation to advance multi-domain integration for the Navy’s Hybrid Fleet Concept.
• U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command working with our Partner Navy to mature the integration of uncrewed aircraft into the maritime environment
2:45 Networking Break
3:00 PANEL DISCUSSION
A.I. & Machine Learning UAS Innovation and Strategies
microphone-alt Dr. Mark Maybury, Vice President, Commercialization, Engineering & Technology, Lockheed Martin
Dr. Miriam Marwick, Senior Vice President, Federal Emerging Technologies, Palantir
Joe Valenzuela, Senior Vice President, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Laura San Filippo, Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Test and Evaluation Lead, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs, General Atomic Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Moderator: Bryan Scurry, Navy – NAVWAR – NAVAIR, Account Manager, Leidos
• Inventing & Innovating to Produce Tools Prevail in the 21st Century Battlefield
• A.I. & M.L. Technologies on the Future of Maritime Security and Defense
• Strategic focus areas: Culture, Think Big, Go Fast, Think Warfighter, and Go Tough
4:15–5:15 Networking Cocktail Reception
AGENDA
DAY TWO FEBRUARY 26, 2025
7:30 Morning Coffee & Registration
8:15 Day 2 Opening Remarks from Program Co-Chairs
microphone-alt Lieutenant General (USMC-ret) Steven "Stick" Rudder, Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC, Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Professor Kenneth "Mike" Canada, (USN-ret), Program Chair, Associate Professor, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUAS PLATFORMS, CUAS,
& ADVANCED PNT TECHNOLOGIES
8:30 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Emerging Capabilities in MILCOM & PNT in Support of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles for the Warfighter
microphone-alt Cordell DeLaPena, Program Executive Officer, Military Communications, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Directorate, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, U.S. Space Force
9:00 PANEL DISCUSSION
Ukrainian & Israeli Front Line Perspective for Counter Unmanned Aircraft Needs & Requirements
microphone-alt Col Pavlo Khazan, Deputy Head of the Electronic Support Department, General Directorate of Electronic and Cyber Warfare of the General Staff, Armed Forces of Ukraine
Major General Amikam Norkin, Distinguished Fellow, Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Israeli Air Force Commander General (res)
MODERATOR: Lieutenant General (USMC-ret) Steven "Stick" Rudder, Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC, Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
10:00 PANEL DISCUSSION
Countering the Threat: Emerging UAS Technologies and Future Plans, Requirements and Capabilities
microphone-alt Danny Rajan, U.S. General Manager, D-Fend Solutions
Mike Powell, Executive Director, CUAS, iCR
MODERATOR: Lieutenant General (USMC-ret) Steven "Stick" Rudder, Former Deputy Commandant for Aviation, USMC, Former Commanding General, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
• Implementing Cutting-Edge CUAS Netcentric CUAS and Robotic Military Capabilities
• Kinetic and non-kinetic counter-drone capabilities
• sUAS Funding Status
• Effective Defense and Serial Counter-offensives
• Status of All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office
• Future Plans Requirements and Capabilities
AGENDA
11:30 PANEL DISCUSSION
CUAS Limitations within the National Air Space Plans, Programs, Regulations, and Pilot Operational Requirements
microphone-alt Colin Ross, Attorney Advisor, Office of Law & Policy, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice
Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety, DroneShield, Former FBI C-UAS Unit Chief
Michele Flores, Protective Security Advisor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Tommy Baril, Assistant Director, Strategic Warfare and Intelligence, Defense Capabilities and Management team, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
MODERATOR: Brandon Youngblood, Principal, Drone Security Services, Former FAA Group Manager, UAS Security, and CUAS Integration, (AJR-26) Air Traffic Organization
• Counter Drone & Drone Detection
• Cutting-edge Multi-Sensor Capabilities & Privacy
• Port Security
• FAA resources
• sUAS Investigations training for law enforcement for Government & DoD
AGENDA
DAY TWO FEBRUARY 26, 2025
2:30 PANEL DISCUSSION
Future UAS Platforms, Payloads & Loitering Munitions
microphone-alt Lt Col Bradford “Crush” Wade, USAF, Commander, 556 Test and Evaluation Squadron, Creech AFB, NV
Mr. Elias Rigas, Chief, Vehicle Applied Research Branch, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, Army Research Directorate
John “Streak” Scudi, Acting Advanced Capabilities PM, MQ-25 Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
MODERATOR: Professor Kenneth "Mike" Canada, (USN-ret), Program Chair, Associate Professor, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Rapid and Assured, Highly Automated Aerial Distribution to Small Units Operating in Contested Environments
• Waypoint Navigation for Mission Planning
• Payload Options & Impact on Combat Supply Transportation
• Next Gen Loitering Munitions
3:30 PANEL DISCUSSION
microphone-alt
CDR Jeremiah Daley, USN, Military Director, PACFLT N9WAR
Tracy Conroy, Experimental Director, Trident Warrior, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
CDR Brant “Bucket” Brockett, USN, Experimental Director, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
Bradford "Ler" Poeltler, Lead, Navy Undersea Warfare Development Center
MODERATOR: Neil Zerbe, CEO, Aerospace and Defense Industry Partners
4:30
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is the leading designer of proven, reliable Unmanned Aircraft Systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems. GA-ASI’s UAS family includes MQ-9 Reaper, Gray Eagle 25M, Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian. In 2021 GA-ASI announced development of Mojave with short-takeoff and landing capability. The company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft in its 30-year history. With more than 8 million flight hours, GA-ASI delivers long-endurance, mission-capable UAS.
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Register and pay to lock in your early rate and be eligible for a full refund until February 7th, 2025. If you are unable to attend for any reason, you will have the following options: y A full credit note for you, or a colleague to attend another event. y A full refund.
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by February 7th, 2025.