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3 – 5 FEBRUARY 2026 | GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN GOTHIA TOWERS

CONFERENCE PRODUCER’S INTRODUCTION

Navy Leaders are delighted to welcome you to the third edition of the Navy Tech conference, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 3–5 February 2026.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s conference arrives at a pivotal moment for global maritime forces as they navigate a rapidly evolving strategic landscape shaped by emerging technologies and shifting security dynamics.

Asymmetric and hybrid threats are accelerating the pace of naval innovation, driving the need for greater cross-domain integration. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea have underscored the urgency of collaborative approaches to maritime domain awareness, the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and the incorporation of operational insights from autonomous systems. Key areas of focus include the application of AI for change detection, the advancement of littoral warfare capabilities, and strengthening coastal defence in contested maritime zones.

Navy Tech and Seabed Defence 2026 will offer an unmatched forum for naval officers, programme leaders, defence innovators, and asset owners to address these pressing challenges. The event will feature strategic keynotes, expert panel discussions, and a curated exhibition showcasing leading defence primes and pioneering SMEs from across the global defence ecosystem.

We welcome you to Gothenburg for a unique platform fostering bilateral and multilateral dialogue, and driving the next wave of technological innovation in maritime defence.

Thomas Gardner and Nicholas Stanig Conference Producers Navy Tech & Seabed Defence 2026

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‘SEASEC MINI CHALLENGE’ | HARBOUR PROTECTION CHALLENGE| MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2026

1200 - 1600 - SeaSEC ‘Challenge Day’ - Harbour Protection Exercise

● Meet the SeaSEC team and participate in a series of exercises involving UUVs and ROVs ● Harbour protection exercise - Utilise distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) to monitor and detect underwater threats

(UUVs and ROVs) ● An exclusive opportunity to engage with naval flag officers, industry and asset owners to decide how best to

protect critical undersea infrastructure Hosted by SeaSEC

Whilst attendance at this session is predominantly by invitation only, please contact the Navy Leaders team

if you wish to be present

PRE-EVENT PASS COLLECTION & DRINKS RECEPTION | MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2026

LOCATION: SEASONS RESTAURANT 1800 - 2000 – Pre-event pass collection, informal drinks reception

● Meet the Navy Leaders team and other conference delegates at our welcome drinks reception ● Collect your badges, conference guides and any other required information ● A relaxed and casual evening that will save you time at registration on Tuesday morning

1800 - 2200 – Exhibition set-up Hosted by Greensea IQ

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Supported by the Swedish Navy and SeaSEC

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CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY ONE: TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2026 | PLENARY THEATRE

FROM SEABED TO SPACE: STRATEGIC COLLABORATION IN MULTI-DOMAIN WARFARE Uniting Heads of Navy, senior commanders, and industry leaders, the opening day of Navy Tech and Seabed Defence sets the stage for the future of maritime power. The first day will explore how allied collaboration, smart procurement, and cutting-edge innovation can redefine naval strategy—from mastering the seabed in multi-domain operations to countering hybrid threats.

0615 – 5km morning run from Gothenburg Gothia Towers reception0800 – Badge collection and registration

0800 – Welcome coffee Hosted by Raytheon UK

NAVY TECH SEABED DEFENCE

SESSION ONE | STRENGTHENING ALLIED NAVAL OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC

COLLABORATION Strengthening allied naval operations is the cornerstone of maritime strength in today’s complex world. Our first session focuses on future strategies, and developing new capabilities.

SESSION ONE | SEABED DEFENCE IN MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS

Seabed defence is becoming a game-changer in multi-domain operations, protecting the hidden but crucial infrastructure beneath the waves. This session will consider the threat environment and the multi-domain response

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

0900 –Future vision of the Swedish Navy ● Joining NATO ● Developing new capabilities ● Baltic Deterrence Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Commander of the Navy, Swedish Navy

0900 – Leading the fight - SJFHQ role in NATO and allied operations ● Intro to SJFHQ and JEF ● Current threat environment and ongoing operational

initiatives ● How JEF complements and supports NATO and allied

operations in the North Atlantic and High North Major General Tom Bateman CBE, Commander of Standing Joint Forces HQ, Standing Joint Forces HQ

0925 – Re-defining strategic collaboration in multi-domain warfare ● Technology and data: The complexities of integrating the

proven with the novel, the crewed with the uncrewed and the existing with the future

● Collaborating – across industries, with allies and across domains

● Delivering with pace for assured scalability Murray Thomson, Office of the Group Chief Technology and Information Office, BAE Systems

0925 – Emerging UUV and Sensor Technologies for Defensive and Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) ● Introduction to UUV and acoustic monitoring

technologies for SSW ● Experimental results from SeaSEC 25, ANTX 25, and

REPMUS 25 ● Path forward for undersea effectors for offensive

SSW Thomas W. Altshuler, Ph.D., Senior VicePresident, Global Maritime Defense Strategy and Business Development, Teledyne Technologies

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0950 – The Finnish Navy: Total Defence ● The Finnish Naval Defence Strategy ● Defence as part of the Alliance ● Cooperation as Force Multiplier Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Commander of the Navy, Finnish Navy

0950 – Deterring hybrid threats: the synchronization and orchestration of operations in a contested environment striving for multi-domain capability ● Operating in a contested maritime environment ● Dealing with emerging threats and the shadow fleet ● Delivering a coordinated multi-domain response Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1015 – Morning coffee and networking Hosted by Indra Sistemas, S. A.

1100- Minister of Defence Forum: Panel Discussion

Minister Pål Jonson, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, Swedish Ministry of Defence

Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish Ministry of Defence

SESSION 2 | NAVY TECH | ADVANCING PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES FOR

MULTI-DOMAIN NAVAL INTEGRATION Advancing procurement strategies is key to building an integrated, mulit-domain naval force. Innovations that respond to evolving threat environments are crucial in sustaining a tactical advantage. This session will consider the procurement challenges of end users and current industry solutions.

SESSION 2 | SEABED DEFENCE | MULTINATIONAL COLLABORATION AND

POLICY DEVELOPMENT Seabed defence demands strong multinational collaboration and clear policy development. Coordinated responses to Seabed threats ensure a unified and effective approach to safeguarding this vital domain. This session considers how senior naval leaders are integrating with allies to protect CUI.

1125– Acquisition Lex Ukraine ● Dynamics ● Reflections ● Way Ahead Rear Admiral Fredrik Linden, Director Naval Systems, Swedish Defence Material Administration

1125 – Future plans for UK seabed warfare capabilities ● Overview of current UK policy ● Atlantic Bastion for underwater and seabed warfare ● The need for collaboration with industry and allies Andy Liddell, Head of Maritime Uncrewed and Offshore Assets, UK MoD DE&S

1150 – The importance of information dominance ● The challenges posed by a denser ‘fog of war’ in

increasingly complex environments ● Tightening the OODA Loop to make faster, better, and

more secure decisions ● Exploiting proven, available COTS technology to gain

operational advantages Rear Admiral Paddy McAlpine CBE RN (Ret.), Senior Military Advisor, Thinklogical

1150 – Integrating technology and assured autonomy with cutting-edge digital networks to secure the underwater battlespace ● Leveraging the supplier ecosystem to bring the best

technology to create layered capabilities and mass ● Blending crewed and uncrewed platforms in to assured

solutions ● Using secure digital networks to drive agile and trusted

decision making for military advantage Tim O’Neill, Campaign Lead – Subsea, Digital Intelligence, BAE Systems

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1215– Innovations in Canadian naval capabilities for the high north ● Remote and autonomous air, surface and subsurface

systems ● Persistent surveillance and the challenges in the North ● Criticality of interoperability with other elements and

allies Rear Admiral Jason Armstrong, Head of Naval Capability, Royal Canadian Navy

1215– Protection of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic ● Leading NATO’s response to hybrid threats ● Lithuania’s response to hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea ● Current initiatives, projects and collaboration with asset

owners Captain Tadas Jablonskis, Commander of the Navy, Lithuanian Navy

1240– Lunch and networking Hosted by DSG TEC USA

SESSION 3 | NAVY TECH | MAXIMISING OPERATIONAL EFFECT UTILISING UNCREWED

SYSTEMS Maximising operational effect through uncrewed systems is redefining naval power, extending reach, precision, and adaptability across every domain, while acting as a force multiplier. This session explores how Navies are adopting uncrewed systems to tackle new challenges.

SESSION 3 | SEABED DEFENCE | COUNTERING HYBRID THREATS IN THE UNDERSEA DOMAIN

Countering hybrid threats in the undersea domain is a growing challenge as adversaries blend cyber attacks, sabotage, and stealth tactics. Protecting vital infrastructure demands sharper detection, stronger coordination, and rapid response. This session delves into solving this problem from different perspectives; Military, Asset Owners, and Industry.

1410– Introduction by Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish Ministry of Defence

Building the future-ready fleet: Priorities for the Royal Danish Navy ● Fleet renewal ● Technology integration - manned ships combined with

unmanned ships ● Readiness for high-intensity operations Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen, Commander of the Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Navy

1410 – NATO’s Approach to Baltic Sentry and Maritime Security in the Baltic Sea ● NATO is increasing its understanding and strengthening

cohesion in the Baltic Sea ● Sweden and Finland’s inclusion in the Alliance has

strengthened capabilities and cohesion. ● Baltic Sentry remains effective in deterring maligned

actions in the Baltic Sea Commodore Sean Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, NATO MARCOM

1435– Going above 2% defence spending: The future of the Royal Danish Navy ● New vessel procurement ● Testing and developing unmanned systems ● Integration of new technology Commodore Claus Lundholm Andersen, Director of Naval Program, Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation

1435– Uncrewed systems: reality and rapid adoption ● Recap on SeaSEC ● UxVs: folder against reality ● Rapid adoption: how to do it together with industry Rear Admiral Paul Flos, Programme Director International Naval Material Cooperation, COMMIT

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1500– Enablers (and Blockers) to Rapid Scale Up of Maritime Unmanned Systems (MAS) ● The rise of the hybrid fleet ● Rapid scale up of MAS ● Capability gaps – crossing the chasm from useful

concept to field proven capability. Ed Cheesman, BD Director, Defence & Security, Teledyne Marine

1500– The Hidden Domain: Geo-data Intelligence for Securing Underwater Infrastructure ● Master your subsea zone: How advanced Geo-data and

risk-based monitoring protect vital interests and detect emerging threats.

● Achieve strategic resilience: Why seabed mapping, underwater infrastructure surveillance, and data fusion are decisive for operational superiority.

● Forge effective partnerships: Building trust and collaboration between defence and industry to secure critical infrastructure.

Hompe Heijmerink, Director Maritime Security and Surveillance (EUAF), Fugro

1525 – Afternoon coffee and networking

SESSION 4 | NAVY TECH | ADAPTING NAVAL STRATEGIES TO EVOLVING THREAT

ENVIRONMENTS Adapting naval strategies is crucial in an unpredictable world. As new strategies, and tactics reshape conflict, navies must embrace innovation and partnerships to remain resilient. This session explores how Navies are collectively responding to evolving threats.

SESSION 4 | SEABED DEFENCE | ENHANCING INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION FOR

MARITIME SECURITY Enhancing inter-agency collaboration is at the heart of effective seabed security, where military, government, and industry efforts must converge. This session looks at how different agencies are sharing new tech and approaches to tackle the current threats to CUI.

1610 – The Hybrid Navy: A strategic imperative for modern naval power ● Why the RN is rapidly transitioning to a Hybrid Navy ● What the RN vision for a Hybrid Navy looks like ● How the RN will implement the Hybrid Navy vision Captain Mohayed Magzoub OBE, Head of Force Development, Royal Navy

1610– EU’s approach to protecting CUI ● EU initiatives to protect and enhance maritime security ● Enhancing resilience: through detection, response,

recovery and deterrence ● Countering hybrid threats Dr Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and Deputy to the Director for Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service (EEAS)

1635– Autonomous airpower for distributed and resilient naval operations ● VTOL unmanned systems offer a practical path to

dispersion ● Combat proven Hivemind enables aircraft to complete

missions under jamming and comms degradation. ● Platforms provide maritime ISR, targeting support, and

payload flexibility ● Autonomous VTOL airpower gives commanders more

launch points, more persistence, and more resilience Chris Brinkley, SR Director, International Business & Strategy, Shield AI

1635– AUVs as force multipliers in seabed warfare ● Mature Fuel Cell Technology extends covert operations

duration and range. ● Ability to hover and station keep enables deposition on

and recovery of payloads from the seabed. ● Autonomy fills the naval recruitment gap resulting from

inverted population pyramids in Western societies. Konrad Mech, Director of Sales, Cellula Robotics

1700– From the baltic to the battlespace: Sweden’s research-driven approach to naval defence innovation ● Naval complexities in the high North: opportunities and

pitfalls ● Is there a secret sauce to new capabilities: the

integration of science, technology and innovation ● Understanding the future will need a stronger bond

between war fighters and scientists Dr Jens Mattsson, Director General, Swedish Defence Research Agency

1700– The German Navy’s perspective on the challenges of NATO’s Northern Flank ● The Northern Flank: Demanding areas of operations,

distinct aims and shared priorities ● Current situation on NATO’ Northern Flank - a German

perspective ● Key capabilities and technological priorities for Arctic

and sub-arctic operations ● Future outlook: the German Navy’s priorities Captain Alexander Dubnitzki, Division Head of Strategy and Policy, German Navy

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1725– Chairman's closing remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1725– Chairman’s closing remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1730 – 1900 Evening networking and drinks reception Hosted by Greensea IQ

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE WORKSHOPS

Navy Leaders are delighted to offer, bespoke, invitation only meetings and workshops to a select group of Navy Tech and Seabed Defence 2026 attendees. These run concurrently to our main content programme in our exclusive private workshop rooms. Whilst attendance at these sessions is predominantly by invitation only, please contact the Navy Leaders team for consideration if you wish to join one.

MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

1800 - 1930 Navigating regional threats with autonomous maritime capabilities: insights for NATO partners

NATO’s Northern European region faces an increasingly complex maritime landscape. The Baltic Sea, North Atlantic, and Arctic approaches contain dense commercial traffic, extensive offshore energy infrastructure, sensitive undersea cables, and persistent gray-zone activity. Maintaining reliable maritime domain awareness across these waters requires a level of endurance, coverage, and operational resilience that traditional crewed fleets were not designed to provide on their own. This session examines how autonomous surface systems can address these specific regional challenges through practical, field-proven applications. Drawing on recent operations with the Danish Armed Forces—where autonomous platforms achieved over 90% uptime in one of the most demanding operating areas in Europe—as well as multi-year deployments with US 4th Fleet, we will outline the operational factors that enable reliable, persistent maritime coverage at scale. Topics will include the technical distinction between true autonomy and remote-control systems, the importance of reliable “get-home” capability, and how renewable power endurance affects cost per mile monitored. We will also discuss hybrid fleet concepts that combine crewed ships with autonomous assets and the advantages of fully managed and fleet-supported service models for rapid adoption and risk reduction. The presentation will highlight recent advances in payload integration—such as towed arrays and passive RF sensors—and explore how these capabilities can support regional missions including infrastructure protection, ASW cueing, interdiction support, and persistent situational awareness. The session will include a panel as well as a tabletop scenario to illustrate how these approaches apply to real operational challenges in the Baltic and North Atlantic.

Matthew Woody, Director of International Defense Programs, Saildrone

CAPT (ret.) Andrew Hertel, Sr. Director Navy Programs, Saildrone CAPT (ret.) Brian Connon, VP Ocean Mapping, Saildrone

Robert Kleist, European Managing Director, Saildrone

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TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0715 - 0845 Applying lessons from Ukraine to the maritime domain

A private briefing on lessons from Ukraine applicable to the operation of Autonomous Systems in Maritime domain, drawing on our experience of TEKEVER's platform operating continuously in Ukrainian service since 2022. The session will cover both operational lessons and how TEKEVER has applied our agile engineering model to solve user problems based on continuous feedback.

Ed Hosking, Head of Futures and Concepts, Tekever

Private Workshop Room Theatre B

1045 - 1215 Designing for Change: Building USV Systems for prototype warfare

This workshop session explores how navies can move from traditional fleets to future-ready operations by adopting USV technology through a prototype warfare approach. Rather than treating autonomy as a one-off acquisition, the session focuses on how to grow and continuously adapt a USV capability as technology, threats and tactics evolve. We will outline a technology evolution path that avoids the common trap of buying “yesterday’s requirements” which results in dead-end, shelved platforms when procurement cycles lag behind operational reality. Using territorial water patrolling as a use case, we explore how software-defined capability enables rapid adaptation in “prototype warfare,” supports interoperability across platforms, allowing to retrofit existing vessels, re-use shelved assets, and gradually introduce autonomy without committing to full-fleet replacement. The discussion will touch upon how to navigate the regulatory red tape while ensuring trust and reliability without full MIL compliance through structuring low-risk trials and prototype deployments. Participants from operations, procurement, policy, and engineering are invited to join the session to map these technical building blocks onto their own doctrine, concepts of operation, and acquisition pathways, and see how a prototype warfare mindset can de-risk decisions while accelerating the transition to an affordable, scalable future navy. About MAHI: MAHI provides a modular maritime autonomy stack for USVs and crewed vessels – built to integrate fast, scale across fleets, and stay upgradeable over time.

Pieter-Jan Note, Co-founder & CEO, MAHI Jules Werner, Business Development Director, MAHI

Seasecure: Belgium’s future-ready shield for critical maritime infrastructure

This interactive session will focus on Seasecure, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the protection, monitoring, and resilience of Belgium’s vital and critical maritime infrastructure. The platform will bring together advanced sensor networks, autonomous and remotely operated surface and subsea vehicles, AI-enabled data fusion and an open, scalable system architecture. This integrated approach will provide a continuous, real-time picture of activity above and below the waterline, enabling earlier detection of anomalies, improved situational awareness, and faster, coordinated response. Through a close collaboration between GEOxyz, Elia, Fluxys, the Federal Government, and Belgium’s wider innovation ecosystem via De Blauwe Cluster, Seasecure will create a unique public-private environment in which operational expertise, cutting-edge technology, and strategic requirements will reinforce one another. The initiative will enhance the resilience of offshore energy infrastructure, subsea cables and pipelines, port operations, navigation routes, and coastal installations. In addition to strengthening security and operational continuity, Seasecure will stimulate research, accelerate technological development and open new pathways for dual-use innovation. By building a trusted, interoperable and future-proof framework, SeaSecure will support Belgium’s ambition to play a stronger, more autonomous and more collaborative role within the broader European maritime security landscape.

Mr. Erwin Leys, Director GEOxyz & GEOdefensea, GEOxyz

Mr. Jeroen Van Overloop, Head of Maritime Intelligence Centre, Belgium Ministry of Mobility

RADM Carl Gillis , Advisor to the Belgian Chief of Navy, Belgium Navy

Mrs. Lieselot Noppe, Program Manager, GEOxyz

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1230 - 1400 Persistent autonomous effects for seabed and near-shore defence: enhancing detection,

response, and resilience in contested maritime zones

As hybrid undersea threats accelerate and critical subsea infrastructure becomes a primary target for adversaries, maritime forces require autonomous systems capable of delivering persistent, low-signature effects across the seabed and near-shore battlespace. This session examines how Greensea IQ’s core technologies—high-precision navigation, autonomous mission execution, multi-sensor fusion, and resilient over-the-horizon C2—enable reliable operations in GPS-denied, high-turbulence, and acoustically cluttered environments. Drawing on recent developments in autonomous seabed vehicles and intelligent edge processing, the briefing will outline new operational concepts for seabed surveillance, threat detection, payload placement, and infrastructure protection. This session will include open discussions about lessons from real-world deployments, integration pathways with NATO C2 frameworks, and how persistent autonomous presence can expand domain awareness, reduce operator risk, and deliver decisive standoff capability against modern undersea sabotage and intrusion threats. Attendees will review real-world deployments, provide operational feedback, and take part in collaborative problem-solving around current and emerging undersea threats.

Luis Mejia, Senior Solutions Manager, Greensea IQ Dennis Doan, Product Manager for EOD systems,

Greensea IQ

Forcit standard sea mine ecosystem

With more than 100 years of experience, FORCIT DEFENCE, part of the Forcit Group, is one of the leading suppliers of Insensitive Munition Defence Systems for Naval and Land domains. FORCIT DEFENCE’s Naval Systems designs and supplies smart sea mines for Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2/AD) maritime operations.

FORCIT DEFENCE has been developing, designing, and manufacturing Influence Sea mines since 1980’s. The BLOCKER™ and FLOUNDER™ Smart Influence Sea Mines are part of FORCIT DEFENCE’s Sea Mine family, all of which are equipped with the most advanced multi-domain Target Detection System. In this session you will learn more about the Forcit Standard Sea Mine Ecosystem which includes:

● Sea Mines ● Algorithm Development and Simulation

Environment – Research System ● Minelaying Planning, Execution and Analysis

System ● Testing and Maintenance Equipment

In addition, you will learn about typical Delivery Project, including Training Phase, Delivery Phase and Service Phase. Peter Hakala. Business Area Naval, FORCIT Defence

1415 - 1545 How can DNV’s approach to commercial autonomous vessels be applied in a naval context?

A discussion about common challenges and solutions

Autonomous vessels are transforming the way the maritime industry assesses navigation and control systems. New technologies perform tasks previously performed by humans, requiring a different approach to the verification of these systems. This session addresses how novel technologies are assured and approved using the AROS framework for commercial vessels and discuss how this framework can be applied to the unique demands of the Naval segment. The framework begins by establishing the core functional requirements and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards. Central to this methodology is evaluating equivalent safety, which ensures that any innovative designs or systems maintain a level of protection equal to or greater than that of conventional vessels.

Are Jørgensen, Senior Principal Engineer, DNV Mariah Kurtinaitis Joukes, Senior Engineer, DNV

Maritime resilience: designing the future naval ecosystem

An advanced workshop for senior Naval professionals exploring the present and future of hybrid fleet orchestration. Together, we’ll analyze real-world scenarios and test how manned and unmanned assets can operate as a joint and adaptive force, gradually integrating autonomy into existing CONOPS without disrupting what already works. The session offers a mutual thinking process on how today’s solutions can be adapted to evolving threats alongside new capabilities, laying the groundwork for a more resilient, future-ready naval ecosystem. About the company: Skana Robotics builds autonomous maritime vessels and develops the operational tools that enable autonomous fleet management and deployment, across a wide range of missions.

Mr. Idan Levy, Co-Founder & CEO, Skana Robotics Mr. Idan Hazan, Co-Founder & CPO, Skana Robotics

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1600 - 1730 SEA BEYOND: IAI-ELTA’s innovative naval sensors

suite for the future maritime domain

This private briefing will open a forward-looking discussion on how emerging technologies, AI-driven capabilities, and advanced sensing solutions are shaping the next era of maritime operations. The session will highlight how modern navies are overcoming today’s operational challenges through smarter systems, enhanced situational awareness, and predictive insights. Drawing on lessons from recent naval conflicts, the briefing will demonstrate how technological innovation is redefining readiness and maritime security. It will also provide an exclusive look into IAI-ELTA’s evolving portfolio of proven, next-generation radar and surveillance solutions designed to support future mission demands.

Eyal Zohar, Head of Marketing and Business Development - Naval Systems IAI/ELTA Systems

Ltd.

The role of large UUVs in active underwater defense: A new CONOP for the Baltic Sea

This briefing will detail a simulated mission in the Baltic Sea demonstrating an innovative Concept of Operations (CONOP) for detecting and neutralizing threats (submarines and AUVs). It draws on operational experience with the BlueWhale Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) performing ASW roles in the Baltic Sea, to demonstrate future detection and deterrence strategies.

Captain (Navy, Ret.) Udi Erell, Naval Specialist, BlueWhale Team, IAI/ELTA Systems Ltd.

Naval Warfare and Critical Underwater Infrastructure Protection (CUIP) with Maritime Unmanned Systems

Giving the participants information about “Why we need UxVs in Naval Warfare and CUIP? (Change in the conduct of Naval Ops)”. With the advance of technology, robotic systems & AI is also taking place in Armed Forces more than ever. UxVs are changing the conventional warfare to a new dimension, playing a crucial role in modern warfare. Aiming to create a confident solution for UxVs and to reflect the ASELSAN’s approach to the participants, we will show and recommend end-users the architecture, main and mission payloads, general concepts in Naval Warfare areas by using the experience that we have gained through the process. This presentation will show and give idea to the end-users and the industry to develop and navigate such systems in the field. We hope that our approach may eventually contribute to the development of better systems and strategies.

Barış Bilgili (Ret. Captain (N), Aselsan Eyüp Emre Cabbaroğlu (Ret. Captain (N), Aselsan

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WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0745 - 0845

Stealth at Sea: Acoustic Signature Control during Design and Construction for Modern Frigates

This workshop will explore the key methodologies for keeping under control the reduced acoustic signatures on Navantia frigates, allowing for accurate definition of design measures to achieve the required performance while

maintaining an optimum balance between investment and performance goals in this critical area.

Mr. Carlos García San Gabino, Engineering Technical Authority, Head of Special Projects, Navantia

0900 - 1030

Reinventing Public-Private Partnerships for Securing Undersea Infrastructure

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring how defence, public stakeholders and industry can work together to protect critical undersea assets. Discover new ways to make faster, smarter decisions, driven by Geo-data, remote technology and industry

expertise. Together. Faster. Redefined.

Hompe Heijmerink, Director Maritime Security and Surveillance (EUAF), Fugro

1045 - 1215

The relevance of Satellite Communications Monitoring in the naval domain – Deep Dive Session Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the future of satellite communications in maritime operations. We will discuss the relevance of SatCom for connectivity at sea and examine whether Starlink is truly the dominant technology or just one of many options. The session will also cover innovative approaches to shadow fleet monitoring through RF emissions from vessels. Furthermore, we will dive into data fusion and system integration strategies that enhance situational awareness in complex maritime environments. Engage with experts, share insights, and discover cutting-edge solutions shaping the maritime communication monitoring landscape.

Tobias Rutz, Head of Product Management for R7S Satellite Monitoring Solutions, Rohde & Schwarz International GmbH

1230 - 1400

Innovations in naval asymmetric warfare and inland strike Naval warfare has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, marked by unconventional engagements across the Black, Red, and Mediterranean seas. Traditional warships—once dominant symbols of maritime power—now face growing vulnerability in asymmetric conflict scenarios and diminishing effectiveness in roles such as inland strike. This briefing will explore the evolving challenges confronting modern navies and highlight Rafael’s cutting-edge innovations in maritime protection and strike capabilities. Participants will gain strategic insights into solutions ranging from advanced amphibious platforms to next-generation systems for major surface combatants, showcasing how Rafael is redefining operational resilience and lethality at sea.

Boris Katsman, Head of Business Development & Marketing, Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems

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1415 - 1545 AI-Driven mission-critical operations workshop

This interactive session will demonstrate how AI-powered maritime intelligence can enhance detection, investigation, and operational decision-making across underwater and seabed-domain challenges. Participants will work through hands-on scenarios related to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, state-level threat, and complex maritime risk environments. The workshop will highlight how Windward’s platform supports mission-critical workflows, enabling faster insights, improved situational awareness, and operational readiness for defense and security organisations.

Jonathan Fletcher,Sales Director - Government, Europe, Windward Andy Euston, Solution Engineering Team lead (Public sector), Windward

Noam Rabinovitch, Product Marketing Manager for Government & Public Sector, Windward

1600 - 1730

Securing the seabed: Integrated sensor networks and energy solutions for underwater defence

This session will provide an in-depth look at advanced subsea technologies, specifically autonomous seabed platforms engineered for extended missions and designed to protect critical underwater infrastructure and offshore assets. We will examine how sensor arrays, pressure-tolerant electronics, and secure telemetry systems enable persistent monitoring and rapid threat detection in complex maritime environments. The discussion will include system architecture for modular seabed nodes, integration with NATO-standard communication protocols, and our holistic approach to mission resilience. We will review operational performance during trials in the Baltic and North Sea, focusing on data integrity under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, and outline future enhancements for AI-driven anomaly detection and secure data transmission. Lessons learned from recent deployments in high-latency environments will also be shared.

Marcel Rothenbeck, Head of Navy Projects, Develogic GmbH

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THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0900 - 1030

Results from Helsing sea trials to inform operational use cases

● This interactive workshop and discussion will present results gathered at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) during recent sea trials

● Using the real-world insight gained into SG-1 Fathom’s reliability, and the performance of the LURA onboard AI System, different operational concepts, including the relevance for Nordic and Baltic conditions and challenges, will be discussed

● Attendees will be presented with the findings and take part in a discussion on the implications for operational use

● Further insights will be shared about the next steps, already underway, in testing, evaluating, and deploying the system

Edward Timpson, Chief Engineer Maritime, Helsing Matt Osler, Senior Director Maritime Programmes, Helsing

1045-1215

From surveillance to self-defence: Counter-UAS for multirole vessels Rapidly shifting maritime threat environments in the Baltic Sea and across critical North Sea access routes are forcing surface combatants to deliver credible air defence, conduct routine security operations, and protect key subsea and coastal infrastructure, all from a single, cost-effective multirole platform. Low-cost, highly manoeuvrable uncrewed systems are now employed to probe naval defences, disrupt mine countermeasures and surveillance missions, and threaten the security of essential sea lines of communication. These tactical realities make the integration of robust counter‑air capabilities into vessel design an urgent priority, without sacrificing the versatility and affordability that multirole platforms must provide. In this interactive session, Leonardo will present operationally grounded insights into embedding Counter-UAS capabilities as a cornerstone of flexible multirole architectures. Through focused discussion, continuous Q&A, and 3D simulations, participants will explore how integrated sensor suites, advanced combat management systems, and layered defensive effectors are brought together into coherent architectures to counter asymmetric threats, safeguard platform survivability, and preserve operational agility.

Eleonora Manconi, Naval Product Marketing Expert, Leonardo

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DAY TWO | WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2026 | CONFERENCE THEATRES A, B, C, D

0615 – 5km morning run from Gothenburg Gothia Towers reception

0800 – Badge collection and registration

0800 – Welcome coffee

THEATRE A SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

THEATRE B COMMUNICATIONS, DATA AND

NETWORKS

THEATRE C UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY

THEATRE D SEABED DEFENCE

This session will explore the advancement of surface technology, specifically focusing on its functionality and adaptability for amphibious and coastal defence operations in the littoral realm.

This session delves into the importance of communications and networks in the maritime sphere. As threats and adversaries evolve, ISR, satellite communications, and electronic warfare need to keep pace not just to defend but to go on the offensive.

In association with

This session will consider how technology is changing how we fight under the waves. Evolving threat environments, from Mine to Seabed Warfare, require equally innovative solutions, so that Navies can anticipate, defend, and respond.

In association with

This session will focus on the multi dimensional aspect of seabed defence. In particular, the necessity of collaboration between different types of actors. End-Users, asset owners, and industry must work together to counter shadow fleets, hostile actors and protect CUI.

In association with

In association with

0850 – Chair’s introduction Vice Admiral (ret.) JanThörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0850 – Chair’s introduction Lars Hedström, Strategic Advisor, Swedish Defence University

0850 – Chair’s introduction Commodore (ret.) David Burton, Director NATO ASW Barrier, NATO

0850 – Chair’s introduction Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

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SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS AT SEA INTELLIGENCE NETWORKS OPERATIONAL EXPERIMENTATION

DUAL-USE INNOVATIONS FOR UNDERSEA AND OFFSHORE PROTECTION

0900 – Spanish Navy future plans for amphibious operations ● Expeditionary flexibility through modular

forces ● Integration of emerging technologies ● Interoperability and NATO readiness Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Hernández, Division Head Plans and Policies, Spanish Marine Corps, Spanish Navy

0900 – Space, Photonics and Quantum Communication – ScyLight in a Nutshell ● Learn about the current objectives of

ESA Optical and Quantum Satcom Programme

● Understand the current civilian market perspective and the paradigm shift triggered using photons instead of electrons

● Our current projects and opportunities for partnerships in our Member States

Christopher Vasko, Optical and Quantum Innovation Engineer, European Space Agency

0900 – Lessons from the War in the Black Sea ● Unique insight into the maritime conflict

in the Black Sea ● What nations may need to make

themselves more ready for warfighting. ● Seeking industry solutions to these

modern problem sets. Commodore Steven Banfield MBE, Co-leader Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, Royal Navy

Commodore Thomas Andersen, Co-leader Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, Norwegian Navy

0900 – Panel Discussion: How do we utilise the innovations in the private sector to best protect CUI? ● The growing threat landscape to

undersea infrastructure ● How can emerging technologies

developed for civilian uses be leveraged for CUI protection?

● How do we develop effective frameworks for collaboration?

Rowan Davison, Government and Defence Sector Lead, EXA Infrastructure

David Appelberg, Director, Marine Technology Centre of Sweden Oskar Frånberg, Research Director, Marine Technology Centre of Sweden

Alasdair Wilkie, Chairman, Atlantic Cable Repair and Maintenance Agreement

+ Renauld Hock, Team Leader, Directorate-general for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) of the European Commission

Dan Collins, Head of Agentic Systems, EMEA, Invisible Technologies

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0925 – How the unmanned systems can replace the traditional navy fleet with the use of unmanned systems in targeting kill-chain ● Fleet guidance/management ● Secure communications ● Standardized solutions in the Naval

USVs. Karl Liavaag, Manager Business Development, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace

0925 – The relevance of Satellite Communications Monitoring – Using the example of the tracking of the shadow fleet ● The relevance of SatCom in maritime

environment ● Is Starlink the only relevant SatCom

technology nowadays? ● Shadow fleet monitoring using RF

emissions from vessels ● Datafusion and system integration for

situational awareness Tobias Rutz, Head of Product Management Satellite Intelligence, Rohde & Schwarz International GmbH

0925 – Shaping the future of underwater operations: from human precision to intelligent autonomy ● The Evolution of Italian Stealth

Swimmer Delivery Vehicles in the Drone Era

● Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Bridging Human Expertise and Intelligent Autonomy

● Next-Generation Compact Submarines: Advanced Design for the Future Undersea Domain

Enrico Pitzalid,Sales & Marketing Manager, Drass Group

0950 – From the Sea: USMC & NATO 21st century amphibious operations concept ● Current capabilities ● Lessons learned ● Future plans Colonel David B. Moore, Assistant Chief of Staff G-5 Plans , USMC Europe and Africa

0950 – Handling Challenges in today's maritime surveillance ● The challenges keeping a recognised

maritime picture in the entrance to the Baltic Sea

● Are AI and autonomous systems solving all our problems?

● Moving forward Commander Niels Pind, Commander of Naval Surveillance Unit, Royal Danish Navy

0950 –Lessons learnt from Exercise Counter Sabotage ● Developing civilian and military

cooperation for sabotage scenarios ● Countering sabotage and hybrid threats

Navy EOD Commandos ● Multilateral collaboration Commander Christian Couillault, Commander of Norwegian Navy EOD Commandos, Norwegian Navy

0950 – SIIPS: Transforming Maritime Surveillance and Subsea Infrastructure Protection ● Unified approach to maritime

surveillance that integrates ROV, AUV, and USV assets into a flexible system for seamless monitoring and rapid response across surface and subsea environments.

● Use of advanced edge and centralized AI to detect threats and anomalies in real time, enabling faster, more informed decisions while reducing operator workload in critical maritime zones.

● Resilient protection strategies for ports, bases, and vital infrastructure in challenging bandwidth and GPS conditions.

Alan Anderson, Subsea Robotics Product Manager, Oceaneering

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1015 – Morning coffee and networking Hosted by Babcock International Group

UNCREWED SYSTEMS FOR LITTORAL WARFARE

CUAS / ELECTRONIC WARFARE MINE WARFARE MARITIME SECURITY - SHADOW FLEETS AND HYBRID THREATS

1100 – Modernisation and technology integration at the Corpo de Fuzileiros ● Historical legacy and operational

realities ● Modernization and integration in action ● Outlook and future Pathways Lieutenant Commander Filipe Côrte-Real, Operational Logistics Department Head, Portuguese Marine Corp, Portuguese Navy

1100 – Integrated high power microwave weapons ● A low cost solution to the UAS threat ● Power consumption considerations Dr Johanna Rosenlind, Head of Department of Directed Energy Weapons and Energy Systems, Swedish Defence Research Agency

1100 – The shift to uncrewed systems - MCM and seabed warfare in contested waters ● FFI’s R&D of uncrewed naval systems

for data collection and infrastructure protection

● Utilising sonar data from underwater assets in maritime operations, including MCM and Seabed Warfare

● Advancing technologies to support the integration of new systems into operations

Dr Torstein Olsmo Sæbø, Principal Scientist, Norwegian FFI

1100 – Strengthening energy security - Lessons learnt from Estlink 2 cable damage ● Walk-through of the Christmas Day

incident; response and collaboration with the Finnish maritime authorities

● Repair campaign and its complexity ● Importance of interconnectors and

collaboration for energy security Kimmo Nepola, Head of Unit, HVDC & FACTS, Fingrid

1125 – Complete domain awareness though wide area, real time, hyperspectral sensing for UAS ● Generating context for autonomy ● Navigating degraded visual

environments ● Accelerating threat identification Simon Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Arkeus

1125 – From Data to Decisions: Advancing Maritime Domain Awareness Through Intelligence Fusion ● From Data to intelligence - Context

transforms data into intelligence, layering time, geography, and behavioural history, revealing actionable information.

● Intelligence Fusion in real-world applications - Case study on SKIPPER (IMO: 9304667). Showcasing Data integration through Theia, providing a MDA solution.

● Intelligence Fusion in real-world applications- Case study on ZHONG DA 79 (MMSI: 412469140) Vessel Loaded With Containerized Weapons | China

1125 – Modular and Expeditionary MCM and CUI inspections ● Modular and expeditionary needs for

MCM and CUI operations; ● Kraken Robotics LARS solutions for

KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonars;

● From legacy minehunters to 11 meter USV's: recent and upcoming demo’s

Martijn Wilbrink, Business Development Manager, Kraken Robotics

1125 – Countering Hybrid Threats against CUI – A vision for the future ● Risk based approach to establish MSA /

MSU ● Joint & Uncrewed operations ● Translating & expanding our knowledge

base to counter threats ● Standards, protocols & experimental

tactics for CUI protection ● The need for effectors Casper Bosschaart, Lead Advisor Seabed Security, TNO

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Martin Hoffborn, Government Account Executive, Planet

1150 – How AI can improve military decision support ● Strategic and structural implications ● AI Augmented targeting and intelligence

prioritisation ● Operational integration Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bovet-Emanuel, Researcher, Swedish Defence University Dr. Heiko Borchert, Co-Director, Defense AI Observatory, Bundeswehr University Hamburg

1150 – FSAF-PAAMS Programme ● A cooperative programme for Surface

Air-Defence based on ● the evolutive and adaptative family of

Aster missiles and cutting age systems ● A need of continuous evolutions and

renewal to face emerging threats and new technology challenges

Francis Celeste, Programme Manager FSAF-PAAMS Programme Division, OCCAR

1150 – Royal Navy Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Programme - Maritime Autonomous System (MAS) adoption – it’s not all about the tech ● Progress in the Royal Navy’s Mine

Hunting Capability Programme ● Facilitating broader organisational,

cultural and support changes to maximise exploitation of uncrewed systems

● Identifying critical steps to facilitate operational capability delivery

Jonathan Reed- Beviere, Mine Hunting Capability Programme Director, Royal Navy

1150 – ‘Tracking the shadow fleet’ - How the ‘Common Information Sharing Environment’ safeguards our critical undersea infrastructure ● Background information about the CISE

initiative ● Enhancing maritime security and

maritime domain awareness ● How CISE is contributing to countering

maritime threats Linda Bama, SeniorProject Officer, European Maritime Safety Agency

1215 – Lunch break and networking Hosted by Volvo Penta

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AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS

C4ISR COUNTERING UNDERWATER THREATS INTELLIGENCE GATHERING AND DISSEMENTIATION

1330 – Special Operations Developments in the Pacific: back to the future ● Autocratic regimes pursue subversion

or grey-zone activities ahead of and during conflict.

● Competing and thus deterring conflict is critical during this subversive phase. This and other key lessons can be drawn from the Indo-Pacific WWII context.

● Lessons for how the CCP might be deterred from initiating conflict in the Indo-Pacific need to draw upon these historical analogies (and others from the Cold War era), with appropriate nuance as to changes that come with today's digital age technologies.

● New methods of competing are opening an exciting space for what my colleagues and I describe as 'Unconventional Deterrence'. This presentation concludes with advancing some of these concepts.

Dr. Andrew Maher, Lecturer, University of New South Wales

1330 – How to enhance maritime surveillance in the Atlantic today with on-board AI and data and tomorrow with UAVs ● Points TBC

Lieutenant Commander Maxence Combas, Program Officer for the maritime surveillance aircraft, French Navy

1330 – Maritime unmanned systems: from vehicles to robotic organizations ● Background - Martec’s Law: Technology

changes exponentially, organizations change logarithmically

● MUS operations are becoming increasingly complex because of increasing numbers of robotic platforms, operators, crewed vessels, and interactions

● New forms of organization well beyond what is done today will have to be developed. This is beyond swarming. These organizations will inherit some aspects of human organizations, but will also exhibit novel dynamic structure and deliver compositional capabilities.

Professor Joao Sousa, Professor ECE Dept Head of Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory, Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory - INEGI

1330 – Panel Discussion: How do we build trust and enhance public-private partnerships between asset owners, the military and industry to best protect CUI? ● How do we incentivise participation and

collaboration? ● How do we ensure the seamless

aggregation and sharing of data for CUI protection?

● Should militaries, governments and asset owners be establishing frameworks?

Rear Admiral Paul Flos, Programme Director International Naval Material Cooperation, COMMIT

Michael Prutsch, Global Defence and Security Lead,Skyborn

Robert Marshall, Security Policy Advisor, Vodafone

Paul Merchant, Capability Manager - Security of Navigation, Stabilisation Advice and Training, UK Hydrographic Office

Piotr Czopek, Vice-President, Polish Wind Energy Association

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1355 – Breaking the Water Barrier ● Who we are ● CAV-X vs. the current standard

● Counter measures USV David M. Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, DSG Tec USA, Inc.

1355 – Top-Side Antenna Suite Optimisation ● The Top-side antenna suite problem set ● Challenges of current set-up ● RFoF data distribution and routing to

solve the Top-side antenna suite problem set

Andy Haslam, Director Business Development, PPM Systems Will Higham, Director, PPM Systems

1355 – Humans at depth: why the Military Diver still matters in an autonomous age ● Human divers remain operationally

decisive in complex, contested undersea environments where autonomy and AI lack judgement, adaptability and accountability.

● Autonomy and robotics should augment, not replace, the diver, extending endurance, situational awareness and decision-making through integrated life support, sensors and decision aids.

● Human-centred system design enables a more resilient, flexible and credible undersea capability than autonomous systems operating alone.

Peter Laughton MBE, Head of Military Diving, JFD

1420 - Future Force Design: Swedish Marine Battalion 2030 programme ● Sea mobile data centric systems for

increased firepower ● Enabling interoperability, movement and

dispersement ● Development through procurement in

close co-operation with the FMV Lieutenant Colonel Niklas Sundelin, CO Amphibious Warfare Department, Swedish Navy

1420- E-NACSOS Programme: Improve your ability to identify classify and track for enhanced situational awareness at sea ● Design of a first naval collaborative

standard based on real-time plot level data exchanges and fusion of tactical data provided by various sensors, enabling to share a superior tactical picture

● Novel protocol, interface and target architecture enabling to tackle asymmetric threats from the Anti-Air-Warfare / Air & Missile Defence domain

● Added value proved through relevant demonstrations in operational conditions

Didier Lepine, E-NACSOS Programme Manager, OCCAR

1420 - From foresight to warfight: NATO ACT’s approach for rapid capability delivery ● Innovation is more than just procuring

new tech: it is a capability in itself ● TFX Baltic showed we can deliver a

capability blueprint in under a year ● How did we do this? Counter-clockwise

approach, bringing in EDTs directly into the OpEX format

● Future of NATO Innovation Network Bart Hollants, Chairman - NATO Innovation, NATO Allied Command Transformation

1420 - Enabler in multi domain operations ● Data centric warfare ● USV in Counter UxV ops ● Lessons from OPX's (TF-X / REPMUS/

DYMS 25) Havar Oie, Senior Sales Director, Defence & Security, Maritime Robotics

1445 – Afternoon coffee break and networking

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COASTAL DEFENCE MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS PROTECTING SEA LINES OF COMMUNICATION

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS IN SEABED DEFENCE

1530 – SOFCOM BOLD MACHINA operational experimentation exercise ● Delivery platform supporting a culture of

innovation ● Testing technologies for operating in all

environments ● Fully Integrating BOLD MACHINA with

Dynamic Messenger Alberto Tremori PH.D, Scientist, NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

1530 – Royal Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Programme ● Collect, understand, exploit maritime

information ● Utilising advanced analytical capabilities Terry Gibson, Director RNMDA, Royal Navy

1530 – Strengthening naval operations and technological collaboration in Indo-Pacific ● Introduction to day to day operations in

Indo-Pacific ● Japan’s effort for collaboration between

operations and technology ● Expanding of the maritime battle space

going deeper and wider using uncrewed systems

Captain Genkai Oki, Chief of Systems Programs Section, Systems Programs Division, Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces

1530 – Subsea cable protection and seabed defence: an asset owner perspective ● Subsea cables are vital for global

connectivity and energy security ● How do we develop adequate situational

awareness to enhance protection for underwater assets?

● Asset owner perspectives for greater collaboration and meaningful action protect the undersea infrastructure

John Wrottesley, Executive Director, European Subsea Cable Association

1555 – Translating LL/LI from Unmanned ISR Operations in Ukraine to the maritime Domain ● Quantum Systems ISR Solutions in the

Domains Air, Sea, Land as well as Software

● Interoparable unmanned Systems in multi domain operations, connected through one Software Layer

Marius Wolter, Head of Governmental Sales, Quantum-Systems GmbH

1555 – Strengthening persistent maritime domain awareness for seabed protection with OPT’s unmanned systems and merrows AI-capable MDA solution ● Persistent, distributed maritime sensing

to protect critical seabed infrastructure ● Integration of PowerBuoy® and

WAM-V® USVs for long-dwell, unmanned surveillance

● Merrows AI-capable MDA solution delivering real-time awareness and threat detection

Jason Weed, SVP Commercial Sales, OPT

1555 – AUV Operational Efficiency in MCM and Critical Infrastructure Protection through Real-Time Multi-Sensor Information ● Real-time multi-sensor data on AUVs

enabling priority information at the time of data acquisition enabling faster, higher-confidence command and control decisions for MCM and critical subsea infrastructure routes.

● Providing information to autonomy systems enabling adaptive mission workflows reducing the need for multiple dives and lowering operational cost and risk across pipelines, fibres and key assets.

● How to transition from operations today to edge-based perception while maintaining human oversight.

Adrian Boyle, CEO, Cathx Ocean

1555 – Dual Use Technologies - The Reach Subsea Experience ● Reach Subsea’s extensive experience

with maritime technologies has led to adaptable dual use solutions, enabling efficient transition between commercial subsea inspection and critical defence applications

● The company’s remote operations framework and digital infrastructure, provide scalable solutions for both civilian and military customers, supporting rapid mission adaptation in multi-domain environments.

● By integrating commercial innovation with defence-grade requirements, we deliver sustainable, low-emission subsea operations and adaptable platforms enhancing operational flexibility

Thomas Mennerdahl, Group Technology Director, Reach Subsea

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1620 – Securing the littorals: Sweden's Coastal Defense Strategy ● Reactivation of the 32nd Coastal Missile

Defense Squadron ● Area denial and anti-access ● Future operations Captain Marko Petkovic, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Swedish Navy

1620 – Offshore wind as strategic military asset: Poland’s surveillance opportunity in the Baltic Sea ● Critical infrastructure protection

requirements ● Cooperation between offshore wind

sector and the military - how the offshore sector in Poland will support data acquisition

● Leadership role - Poland driving regional monitoring initiatives

Piotr Czopek, Vice-President, Polish Wind Energy Association

1620 – The underwater surveillance potential in Southeast Asia: a regional perspective ● Southeast Asia as the maritime

crossroads ● Regional underwater situational

awareness and concept ● Opportunities for future collaboration Captain Bagus Jatmiko PH.D, Head of Wargaming Centre of the Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College, Indonesian Navy

1620 – Task Force X Baltic: NATO's forward edge in Baltic Deterrence ● Deterring CUI vandalism in the baltic ● The route to autonomous maritime

dominance ● Industry partners and the technological

revolution Ivan Yordanov, CD&E and Innovation Programme Manager, NATO MARCOM

1645 – Chair’s summary Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1645 – Chair’s summary Lars Hedström, Strategic Advisor, Swedish Defence University

1645 – Chair’s summary Commodore (ret.) David Burton, Director NATO ASW Barrier, NATO

1645 – Chair’s summary Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1700 – 1900 Evening networking and drinks reception Hosted by NVL

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DAY THREE: THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2026 | PLENARY THEATRE

SEA POWER REIMAGINED: INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP FROM SURFACE TO SEABED From surface to seabed, the maritime domain is evolving fast. This day unites military, industry, and innovators to explore how emerging technologies, adaptive strategies, and public–private partnerships can drive the next wave of naval power. Through collaboration and innovation—from shipbuilding to seabed defence, this session explores the future of Sea Power.

0800 – Badge collection and registration SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE 0800 – Welcome coffee and networking SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

NAVY TECH SEABED DEFENCE

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Integrating emerging technologies is reshaping how modern naval forces operate and sustain themselves, enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and operational reach across surface and subsurface domains. This session examines how various actors are advancing these efforts.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR SEABED SECURITY

Public-private partnerships for seabed security bring together naval forces, industry, and asset owners to protect critical underwater infrastructure. By sharing data, capabilities, and innovation, these collaborations improve detection, resilience, and response to emerging threats.

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

0900 – Lessons learned from the Black Sea: Ukrainian Defence Innovation ● Lifting the blockade on the Ukrainian Grain Corridor ● Sea Denial doctrine against the Black Sea Fleet ● Learn as you fight: Research and development

integrated warfare ● Operation-based contract for procurement Oleksandra Azarkhina, Head of Defence Industries Initiatives, Economic Security Council of Ukraine

0900 – Panel discussion: ‘Countering hybrid threats’ - Developing effective public-private partnerships for critical infrastructure protection ● Strategic relationship between the Armed Forces and

asset owners ● How do we enhance overall maritime domain awareness

for effective deterrence? ● How do we ensure effective partnerships between the

public and private sectors? Captain Maciej Matuszewski, MOC Director Polish Maritime Component Command, Polish Armed Forces

Henrik Jonsson, Deputy Director General, Swedish Coast Guard

Commander Philip von Eberhardt, Project Officer Maritime Security, NATO Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters

0925 – US Navy Robotic and Autonomous Systems Employment in Europe and Africa ● Research and Development of Systems vs Employment ● Improving Acquisition Speed ● Allied Collaboration and breaking down barriers to RAS

employment ● Continuous future operations of unmanned systems to

fill gaps in allied defenses Rear Admiral Kelly Ward, Commander US Naval Forces EU-AF, Commander Task Force 66, US Navy

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0950 - Multi-domain operations, hybrid threats, and maritime security: Exail Drix solutions for critical national infrastructure protection and ISR ● Autonomous systems: Drix H-8, H-9, and O-16 deliver

advanced uncrewed surface vehicle capabilities for ISR and infrastructure protection.

● Operational excellence: High-precision navigation and multi-sensor integration ensure reliable performance in challenging environments.

● Versatile use: Ideal for safeguarding undersea assets and enhancing maritime domain awareness.

David Cunningham, Director Partnerships, Exail SAS

0950 – Multirole vessels as underwater capability: seabed defence and submarine rescue ● Multirole vessels can act as core underwater capability

platforms, enabling seabed defence while supporting diving, hyperbaric operations and submarine rescue from a single, flexible ship.

● JFD presents a joint approach to the Royal Swedish Navy’s future submarine rescue capability, with system replacement from 2026 based on the Polish Navies Ratownik multirole vessel.

● The solution demonstrates how integrated multirole platforms deliver resilient, sovereign and future-ready undersea capability without reliance on single-purpose vessels.

Thomas Ljungqvist, General Manager, JFD Sweden

1015 – Morning coffee and networking

SESSION 2 | NAVY TECH | EVOLVING THE WAYS WE OPERATE

SESSION 2 | SEABED DEFENCE | ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES AND FRAMEWORK FOR SEABED

DEFENCE

1100 – Fireside Chat: Future vision for uncrewed systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy - 7 operational focus areas ● Developing a clear vision for the future fleet and

operational concept ● Effective coupling of innovation with new operational

applications ● Bridging the gap between stakeholders in uncrewed

operations throughout the entire defence supply chain Dr Bas Buchner, Programme Director Maritime Uncrewed, Royal Netherlands Navy

1100 – SeaSEC Challenge Week - NNCC future direction for uncrewed systems ● Results from Challenge Week 2025 ● Capabilities to detect underwater threats to critical

infrastructure ● Plans for Challenge Week 2026 Carine van Bentum MSc, Director of SeaSEC, SeaSEC

1125- Deep Security: The EU Path to Protecting Critical Seabed Assets ● Future EU Seabed Protection initiative ● Joint future procurement to enhance underwater

maritime domain awareness ● Developing a coordinated approach to European

underwater security Stefano Cioni, Project Officer for the Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection Project, European Defence Agency

1150 – REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger 2025 - RETEX on use of light & portable AUVs in real conditions of MCM & ASW operations ● Interoperability & Integration into NATO C2 systems ● Air-to-Surface-to-AUV links ● Data analysis & reporting Rear-Admiral, 2S (Ret.) Eric Lavault, RTsys Advisor, RTsys

1150 – Emerging Technologies and Evolutions in Undersea Warfare ● MCM System of Systems ● Seabed Warfare ● Subsea Launch and Recovery, Deep Residency Eric Wirstrom, CAPT, USN (Ret.), Vice President, Sales & Business Development, Video Ray LLC., an AV Company Hunter Brown, Sr. Director, Solutions Architect, VideoRay LLC, an AV Company

1215 – Lunch and networking Hosted by HALO Innovations, Inc

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SESSION 3 | NAVY TECH | INNOVATIONS TO

SUPPORT SHIPBUILDING SESSION 3 | SEABED DEFENCE | RESILIENT BY

DESIGN

1345 – Norwegian Armed Forces in the High North ● Norway's maritime situation ● The current structure of forces and their operations ● Norway's long-term plan, including the Fleet Program of

2024 - Frigate replacement program Commander Tomas Albert Eugene Andersen, Senior Officer Plans and Structure, Norwegian Navy

1345 – Shell’s response to hybrid threats to subsea infrastructure ● Industry perspectives on malicious risks to critical undersea

energy infrastructure ● The focus of risk mitigation efforts and the sharing of

responsibilities between industry and governments Nick Smart, Regional Security Manager - Europe, CIS & SSA, Shell

1410 – Cable & pipe penetrations onboard to protect life & assets and the use of Roxtec's digital tools during to simplify the design and build process of Navy vessels ● Being at the forefront of passive fire protection ● EMC best practice design criteria and "How Naval

Defense engineers have moved from primarily being concerned about electromagnetic interference to working with HEMP Hardening and Tempest Countermeasures"

● 3D CAD integration and automated design updates of thousands of cable & pipe transits with online as-built documentation

Roger Johansson, Executive Vice President Business Area Marine & Offshore, Roxtec

1410 – Persistent real-time seabed monitoring with fibre optics ● CUI protection – removal of grey warfare ambiguity by

delivering 24/7 seabed situational awareness. ● Asset owners – A model for complete CUI monitoring that

adds value for CUI operators that is deployable NOW! ● Fibre Optic ASW barriers – Could the defence sector

benefit from 15 years of industrial fibre hydrophone deployment?

Dan Danskin . Commercial Manager-DAS, Alcatel Submarine Networks

1435 – European Combat Vessel ● What is the ECV? ● Omni approach to the project- Why to join ● Current status and way ahead Captain Spyros Mazarakis, EDA Project Officer for Naval Combat and Maritime Interdiction (NCMI), European Defence Agency

1435 – Securing the depths: Developing a multi-sensor system for underwater infrastructure protection ● Developing a multi-sensor system for maritime domain

awareness ● The transition from domain awareness to domain

understanding ● Establishing and developing partnerships through the

Security Operation centres region-wide Jeroen van Overloop, Advisor for North Sea and Maritime Security, Belgian Ministry of Mobility

1500 – Chair’s summary Vice Admiral (ret.) JanThörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1500 – Chair’s summary Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1510 – Conference closes

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2

3 – 5 FEBRUARY 2026 | GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN GOTHIA TOWERS

CONFERENCE PRODUCER’S INTRODUCTION

Navy Leaders are delighted to welcome you to the third edition of the Navy Tech conference, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 3–5 February 2026.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s conference arrives at a pivotal moment for global maritime forces as they navigate a rapidly evolving strategic landscape shaped by emerging technologies and shifting security dynamics.

Asymmetric and hybrid threats are accelerating the pace of naval innovation, driving the need for greater cross-domain integration. Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea have underscored the urgency of collaborative approaches to maritime domain awareness, the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and the incorporation of operational insights from autonomous systems. Key areas of focus include the application of AI for change detection, the advancement of littoral warfare capabilities, and strengthening coastal defence in contested maritime zones.

Navy Tech and Seabed Defence 2026 will offer an unmatched forum for naval officers, programme leaders, defence innovators, and asset owners to address these pressing challenges. The event will feature strategic keynotes, expert panel discussions, and a curated exhibition showcasing leading defence primes and pioneering SMEs from across the global defence ecosystem.

We welcome you to Gothenburg for a unique platform fostering bilateral and multilateral dialogue, and driving the next wave of technological innovation in maritime defence.

Thomas Gardner and Nicholas Stanig Conference Producers Navy Tech & Seabed Defence 2026

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‘SEASEC MINI CHALLENGE’ | HARBOUR PROTECTION CHALLENGE| MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2026

1200 - 1600 - SeaSEC ‘Challenge Day’ - Harbour Protection Exercise

● Meet the SeaSEC team and participate in a series of exercises involving UUVs and ROVs ● Harbour protection exercise - Utilise distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) to monitor and detect underwater threats

(UUVs and ROVs) ● An exclusive opportunity to engage with naval flag officers, industry and asset owners to decide how best to

protect critical undersea infrastructure Hosted by SeaSEC

Whilst attendance at this session is predominantly by invitation only, please contact the Navy Leaders team

if you wish to be present

PRE-EVENT PASS COLLECTION & DRINKS RECEPTION | MONDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2026

LOCATION: SEASONS RESTAURANT 1800 - 2000 – Pre-event pass collection, informal drinks reception

● Meet the Navy Leaders team and other conference delegates at our welcome drinks reception ● Collect your badges, conference guides and any other required information ● A relaxed and casual evening that will save you time at registration on Tuesday morning

1800 - 2200 – Exhibition set-up Hosted by Greensea IQ

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

Supported by the Swedish Navy and SeaSEC

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CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY ONE: TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2026 | PLENARY THEATRE

FROM SEABED TO SPACE: STRATEGIC COLLABORATION IN MULTI-DOMAIN WARFARE Uniting Heads of Navy, senior commanders, and industry leaders, the opening day of Navy Tech and Seabed Defence sets the stage for the future of maritime power. The first day will explore how allied collaboration, smart procurement, and cutting-edge innovation can redefine naval strategy—from mastering the seabed in multi-domain operations to countering hybrid threats.

0615 – 5km morning run from Gothenburg Gothia Towers reception0800 – Badge collection and registration

0800 – Welcome coffee Hosted by Raytheon UK

NAVY TECH SEABED DEFENCE

SESSION ONE | STRENGTHENING ALLIED NAVAL OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC

COLLABORATION Strengthening allied naval operations is the cornerstone of maritime strength in today’s complex world. Our first session focuses on future strategies, and developing new capabilities.

SESSION ONE | SEABED DEFENCE IN MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS

Seabed defence is becoming a game-changer in multi-domain operations, protecting the hidden but crucial infrastructure beneath the waves. This session will consider the threat environment and the multi-domain response

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

0900 –Future vision of the Swedish Navy ● Joining NATO ● Developing new capabilities ● Baltic Deterrence Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Commander of the Navy, Swedish Navy

0900 – Leading the fight - SJFHQ role in NATO and allied operations ● Intro to SJFHQ and JEF ● Current threat environment and ongoing operational

initiatives ● How JEF complements and supports NATO and allied

operations in the North Atlantic and High North Major General Tom Bateman CBE, Commander of Standing Joint Forces HQ, Standing Joint Forces HQ

0925 – Re-defining strategic collaboration in multi-domain warfare ● Technology and data: The complexities of integrating the

proven with the novel, the crewed with the uncrewed and the existing with the future

● Collaborating – across industries, with allies and across domains

● Delivering with pace for assured scalability Murray Thomson, Office of the Group Chief Technology and Information Office, BAE Systems

0925 – Emerging UUV and Sensor Technologies for Defensive and Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) ● Introduction to UUV and acoustic monitoring

technologies for SSW ● Experimental results from SeaSEC 25, ANTX 25, and

REPMUS 25 ● Path forward for undersea effectors for offensive

SSW Thomas W. Altshuler, Ph.D., Senior VicePresident, Global Maritime Defense Strategy and Business Development, Teledyne Technologies

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0950 – The Finnish Navy: Total Defence ● The Finnish Naval Defence Strategy ● Defence as part of the Alliance ● Cooperation as Force Multiplier Rear Admiral Tuomas Tiilikainen, Commander of the Navy, Finnish Navy

0950 – Deterring hybrid threats: the synchronization and orchestration of operations in a contested environment striving for multi-domain capability ● Operating in a contested maritime environment ● Dealing with emerging threats and the shadow fleet ● Delivering a coordinated multi-domain response Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum, Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1015 – Morning coffee and networking Hosted by Indra Sistemas, S. A.

1100- Minister of Defence Forum: Panel Discussion

Minister Pål Jonson, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, Swedish Ministry of Defence

Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish Ministry of Defence

SESSION 2 | NAVY TECH | ADVANCING PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES FOR

MULTI-DOMAIN NAVAL INTEGRATION Advancing procurement strategies is key to building an integrated, mulit-domain naval force. Innovations that respond to evolving threat environments are crucial in sustaining a tactical advantage. This session will consider the procurement challenges of end users and current industry solutions.

SESSION 2 | SEABED DEFENCE | MULTINATIONAL COLLABORATION AND

POLICY DEVELOPMENT Seabed defence demands strong multinational collaboration and clear policy development. Coordinated responses to Seabed threats ensure a unified and effective approach to safeguarding this vital domain. This session considers how senior naval leaders are integrating with allies to protect CUI.

1125– Acquisition Lex Ukraine ● Dynamics ● Reflections ● Way Ahead Rear Admiral Fredrik Linden, Director Naval Systems, Swedish Defence Material Administration

1125 – Future plans for UK seabed warfare capabilities ● Overview of current UK policy ● Atlantic Bastion for underwater and seabed warfare ● The need for collaboration with industry and allies Andy Liddell, Head of Maritime Uncrewed and Offshore Assets, UK MoD DE&S

1150 – The importance of information dominance ● The challenges posed by a denser ‘fog of war’ in

increasingly complex environments ● Tightening the OODA Loop to make faster, better, and

more secure decisions ● Exploiting proven, available COTS technology to gain

operational advantages Rear Admiral Paddy McAlpine CBE RN (Ret.), Senior Military Advisor, Thinklogical

1150 – Integrating technology and assured autonomy with cutting-edge digital networks to secure the underwater battlespace ● Leveraging the supplier ecosystem to bring the best

technology to create layered capabilities and mass ● Blending crewed and uncrewed platforms in to assured

solutions ● Using secure digital networks to drive agile and trusted

decision making for military advantage Tim O’Neill, Campaign Lead – Subsea, Digital Intelligence, BAE Systems

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1215– Innovations in Canadian naval capabilities for the high north ● Remote and autonomous air, surface and subsurface

systems ● Persistent surveillance and the challenges in the North ● Criticality of interoperability with other elements and

allies Rear Admiral Jason Armstrong, Head of Naval Capability, Royal Canadian Navy

1215– Protection of underwater infrastructure in the Baltic ● Leading NATO’s response to hybrid threats ● Lithuania’s response to hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea ● Current initiatives, projects and collaboration with asset

owners Captain Tadas Jablonskis, Commander of the Navy, Lithuanian Navy

1240– Lunch and networking Hosted by DSG TEC USA

SESSION 3 | NAVY TECH | MAXIMISING OPERATIONAL EFFECT UTILISING UNCREWED

SYSTEMS Maximising operational effect through uncrewed systems is redefining naval power, extending reach, precision, and adaptability across every domain, while acting as a force multiplier. This session explores how Navies are adopting uncrewed systems to tackle new challenges.

SESSION 3 | SEABED DEFENCE | COUNTERING HYBRID THREATS IN THE UNDERSEA DOMAIN

Countering hybrid threats in the undersea domain is a growing challenge as adversaries blend cyber attacks, sabotage, and stealth tactics. Protecting vital infrastructure demands sharper detection, stronger coordination, and rapid response. This session delves into solving this problem from different perspectives; Military, Asset Owners, and Industry.

1410– Introduction by Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish Ministry of Defence

Building the future-ready fleet: Priorities for the Royal Danish Navy ● Fleet renewal ● Technology integration - manned ships combined with

unmanned ships ● Readiness for high-intensity operations Rear Admiral Søren Kjeldsen, Commander of the Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Navy

1410 – NATO’s Approach to Baltic Sentry and Maritime Security in the Baltic Sea ● NATO is increasing its understanding and strengthening

cohesion in the Baltic Sea ● Sweden and Finland’s inclusion in the Alliance has

strengthened capabilities and cohesion. ● Baltic Sentry remains effective in deterring maligned

actions in the Baltic Sea Commodore Sean Williams, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, NATO MARCOM

1435– Going above 2% defence spending: The future of the Royal Danish Navy ● New vessel procurement ● Testing and developing unmanned systems ● Integration of new technology Commodore Claus Lundholm Andersen, Director of Naval Program, Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation

1435– Uncrewed systems: reality and rapid adoption ● Recap on SeaSEC ● UxVs: folder against reality ● Rapid adoption: how to do it together with industry Rear Admiral Paul Flos, Programme Director International Naval Material Cooperation, COMMIT

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1500– Enablers (and Blockers) to Rapid Scale Up of Maritime Unmanned Systems (MAS) ● The rise of the hybrid fleet ● Rapid scale up of MAS ● Capability gaps – crossing the chasm from useful

concept to field proven capability. Ed Cheesman, BD Director, Defence & Security, Teledyne Marine

1500– The Hidden Domain: Geo-data Intelligence for Securing Underwater Infrastructure ● Master your subsea zone: How advanced Geo-data and

risk-based monitoring protect vital interests and detect emerging threats.

● Achieve strategic resilience: Why seabed mapping, underwater infrastructure surveillance, and data fusion are decisive for operational superiority.

● Forge effective partnerships: Building trust and collaboration between defence and industry to secure critical infrastructure.

Hompe Heijmerink, Director Maritime Security and Surveillance (EUAF), Fugro

1525 – Afternoon coffee and networking

SESSION 4 | NAVY TECH | ADAPTING NAVAL STRATEGIES TO EVOLVING THREAT

ENVIRONMENTS Adapting naval strategies is crucial in an unpredictable world. As new strategies, and tactics reshape conflict, navies must embrace innovation and partnerships to remain resilient. This session explores how Navies are collectively responding to evolving threats.

SESSION 4 | SEABED DEFENCE | ENHANCING INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION FOR

MARITIME SECURITY Enhancing inter-agency collaboration is at the heart of effective seabed security, where military, government, and industry efforts must converge. This session looks at how different agencies are sharing new tech and approaches to tackle the current threats to CUI.

1610 – The Hybrid Navy: A strategic imperative for modern naval power ● Why the RN is rapidly transitioning to a Hybrid Navy ● What the RN vision for a Hybrid Navy looks like ● How the RN will implement the Hybrid Navy vision Captain Mohayed Magzoub OBE, Head of Force Development, Royal Navy

1610– EU’s approach to protecting CUI ● EU initiatives to protect and enhance maritime security ● Enhancing resilience: through detection, response,

recovery and deterrence ● Countering hybrid threats Dr Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and Deputy to the Director for Security and Defence Policy, European External Action Service (EEAS)

1635– Autonomous airpower for distributed and resilient naval operations ● VTOL unmanned systems offer a practical path to

dispersion ● Combat proven Hivemind enables aircraft to complete

missions under jamming and comms degradation. ● Platforms provide maritime ISR, targeting support, and

payload flexibility ● Autonomous VTOL airpower gives commanders more

launch points, more persistence, and more resilience Chris Brinkley, SR Director, International Business & Strategy, Shield AI

1635– AUVs as force multipliers in seabed warfare ● Mature Fuel Cell Technology extends covert operations

duration and range. ● Ability to hover and station keep enables deposition on

and recovery of payloads from the seabed. ● Autonomy fills the naval recruitment gap resulting from

inverted population pyramids in Western societies. Konrad Mech, Director of Sales, Cellula Robotics

1700– From the baltic to the battlespace: Sweden’s research-driven approach to naval defence innovation ● Naval complexities in the high North: opportunities and

pitfalls ● Is there a secret sauce to new capabilities: the

integration of science, technology and innovation ● Understanding the future will need a stronger bond

between war fighters and scientists Dr Jens Mattsson, Director General, Swedish Defence Research Agency

1700– The German Navy’s perspective on the challenges of NATO’s Northern Flank ● The Northern Flank: Demanding areas of operations,

distinct aims and shared priorities ● Current situation on NATO’ Northern Flank - a German

perspective ● Key capabilities and technological priorities for Arctic

and sub-arctic operations ● Future outlook: the German Navy’s priorities Captain Alexander Dubnitzki, Division Head of Strategy and Policy, German Navy

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1725– Chairman's closing remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1725– Chairman’s closing remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1730 – 1900 Evening networking and drinks reception Hosted by Greensea IQ

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE WORKSHOPS

Navy Leaders are delighted to offer, bespoke, invitation only meetings and workshops to a select group of Navy Tech and Seabed Defence 2026 attendees. These run concurrently to our main content programme in our exclusive private workshop rooms. Whilst attendance at these sessions is predominantly by invitation only, please contact the Navy Leaders team for consideration if you wish to join one.

MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

1800 - 1930 Navigating regional threats with autonomous maritime capabilities: insights for NATO partners

NATO’s Northern European region faces an increasingly complex maritime landscape. The Baltic Sea, North Atlantic, and Arctic approaches contain dense commercial traffic, extensive offshore energy infrastructure, sensitive undersea cables, and persistent gray-zone activity. Maintaining reliable maritime domain awareness across these waters requires a level of endurance, coverage, and operational resilience that traditional crewed fleets were not designed to provide on their own. This session examines how autonomous surface systems can address these specific regional challenges through practical, field-proven applications. Drawing on recent operations with the Danish Armed Forces—where autonomous platforms achieved over 90% uptime in one of the most demanding operating areas in Europe—as well as multi-year deployments with US 4th Fleet, we will outline the operational factors that enable reliable, persistent maritime coverage at scale. Topics will include the technical distinction between true autonomy and remote-control systems, the importance of reliable “get-home” capability, and how renewable power endurance affects cost per mile monitored. We will also discuss hybrid fleet concepts that combine crewed ships with autonomous assets and the advantages of fully managed and fleet-supported service models for rapid adoption and risk reduction. The presentation will highlight recent advances in payload integration—such as towed arrays and passive RF sensors—and explore how these capabilities can support regional missions including infrastructure protection, ASW cueing, interdiction support, and persistent situational awareness. The session will include a panel as well as a tabletop scenario to illustrate how these approaches apply to real operational challenges in the Baltic and North Atlantic.

Matthew Woody, Director of International Defense Programs, Saildrone

CAPT (ret.) Andrew Hertel, Sr. Director Navy Programs, Saildrone CAPT (ret.) Brian Connon, VP Ocean Mapping, Saildrone

Robert Kleist, European Managing Director, Saildrone

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TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0715 - 0845 Applying lessons from Ukraine to the maritime domain

A private briefing on lessons from Ukraine applicable to the operation of Autonomous Systems in Maritime domain, drawing on our experience of TEKEVER's platform operating continuously in Ukrainian service since 2022. The session will cover both operational lessons and how TEKEVER has applied our agile engineering model to solve user problems based on continuous feedback.

Ed Hosking, Head of Futures and Concepts, Tekever

Private Workshop Room Theatre B

1045 - 1215 Designing for Change: Building USV Systems for prototype warfare

This workshop session explores how navies can move from traditional fleets to future-ready operations by adopting USV technology through a prototype warfare approach. Rather than treating autonomy as a one-off acquisition, the session focuses on how to grow and continuously adapt a USV capability as technology, threats and tactics evolve. We will outline a technology evolution path that avoids the common trap of buying “yesterday’s requirements” which results in dead-end, shelved platforms when procurement cycles lag behind operational reality. Using territorial water patrolling as a use case, we explore how software-defined capability enables rapid adaptation in “prototype warfare,” supports interoperability across platforms, allowing to retrofit existing vessels, re-use shelved assets, and gradually introduce autonomy without committing to full-fleet replacement. The discussion will touch upon how to navigate the regulatory red tape while ensuring trust and reliability without full MIL compliance through structuring low-risk trials and prototype deployments. Participants from operations, procurement, policy, and engineering are invited to join the session to map these technical building blocks onto their own doctrine, concepts of operation, and acquisition pathways, and see how a prototype warfare mindset can de-risk decisions while accelerating the transition to an affordable, scalable future navy. About MAHI: MAHI provides a modular maritime autonomy stack for USVs and crewed vessels – built to integrate fast, scale across fleets, and stay upgradeable over time.

Pieter-Jan Note, Co-founder & CEO, MAHI Jules Werner, Business Development Director, MAHI

Seasecure: Belgium’s future-ready shield for critical maritime infrastructure

This interactive session will focus on Seasecure, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the protection, monitoring, and resilience of Belgium’s vital and critical maritime infrastructure. The platform will bring together advanced sensor networks, autonomous and remotely operated surface and subsea vehicles, AI-enabled data fusion and an open, scalable system architecture. This integrated approach will provide a continuous, real-time picture of activity above and below the waterline, enabling earlier detection of anomalies, improved situational awareness, and faster, coordinated response. Through a close collaboration between GEOxyz, Elia, Fluxys, the Federal Government, and Belgium’s wider innovation ecosystem via De Blauwe Cluster, Seasecure will create a unique public-private environment in which operational expertise, cutting-edge technology, and strategic requirements will reinforce one another. The initiative will enhance the resilience of offshore energy infrastructure, subsea cables and pipelines, port operations, navigation routes, and coastal installations. In addition to strengthening security and operational continuity, Seasecure will stimulate research, accelerate technological development and open new pathways for dual-use innovation. By building a trusted, interoperable and future-proof framework, SeaSecure will support Belgium’s ambition to play a stronger, more autonomous and more collaborative role within the broader European maritime security landscape.

Mr. Erwin Leys, Director GEOxyz & GEOdefensea, GEOxyz

Mr. Jeroen Van Overloop, Head of Maritime Intelligence Centre, Belgium Ministry of Mobility

RADM Carl Gillis , Advisor to the Belgian Chief of Navy, Belgium Navy

Mrs. Lieselot Noppe, Program Manager, GEOxyz

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1230 - 1400 Persistent autonomous effects for seabed and near-shore defence: enhancing detection,

response, and resilience in contested maritime zones

As hybrid undersea threats accelerate and critical subsea infrastructure becomes a primary target for adversaries, maritime forces require autonomous systems capable of delivering persistent, low-signature effects across the seabed and near-shore battlespace. This session examines how Greensea IQ’s core technologies—high-precision navigation, autonomous mission execution, multi-sensor fusion, and resilient over-the-horizon C2—enable reliable operations in GPS-denied, high-turbulence, and acoustically cluttered environments. Drawing on recent developments in autonomous seabed vehicles and intelligent edge processing, the briefing will outline new operational concepts for seabed surveillance, threat detection, payload placement, and infrastructure protection. This session will include open discussions about lessons from real-world deployments, integration pathways with NATO C2 frameworks, and how persistent autonomous presence can expand domain awareness, reduce operator risk, and deliver decisive standoff capability against modern undersea sabotage and intrusion threats. Attendees will review real-world deployments, provide operational feedback, and take part in collaborative problem-solving around current and emerging undersea threats.

Luis Mejia, Senior Solutions Manager, Greensea IQ Dennis Doan, Product Manager for EOD systems,

Greensea IQ

Forcit standard sea mine ecosystem

With more than 100 years of experience, FORCIT DEFENCE, part of the Forcit Group, is one of the leading suppliers of Insensitive Munition Defence Systems for Naval and Land domains. FORCIT DEFENCE’s Naval Systems designs and supplies smart sea mines for Anti-Access and Area Denial (A2/AD) maritime operations.

FORCIT DEFENCE has been developing, designing, and manufacturing Influence Sea mines since 1980’s. The BLOCKER™ and FLOUNDER™ Smart Influence Sea Mines are part of FORCIT DEFENCE’s Sea Mine family, all of which are equipped with the most advanced multi-domain Target Detection System. In this session you will learn more about the Forcit Standard Sea Mine Ecosystem which includes:

● Sea Mines ● Algorithm Development and Simulation

Environment – Research System ● Minelaying Planning, Execution and Analysis

System ● Testing and Maintenance Equipment

In addition, you will learn about typical Delivery Project, including Training Phase, Delivery Phase and Service Phase. Peter Hakala. Business Area Naval, FORCIT Defence

1415 - 1545 How can DNV’s approach to commercial autonomous vessels be applied in a naval context?

A discussion about common challenges and solutions

Autonomous vessels are transforming the way the maritime industry assesses navigation and control systems. New technologies perform tasks previously performed by humans, requiring a different approach to the verification of these systems. This session addresses how novel technologies are assured and approved using the AROS framework for commercial vessels and discuss how this framework can be applied to the unique demands of the Naval segment. The framework begins by establishing the core functional requirements and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards. Central to this methodology is evaluating equivalent safety, which ensures that any innovative designs or systems maintain a level of protection equal to or greater than that of conventional vessels.

Are Jørgensen, Senior Principal Engineer, DNV Mariah Kurtinaitis Joukes, Senior Engineer, DNV

Maritime resilience: designing the future naval ecosystem

An advanced workshop for senior Naval professionals exploring the present and future of hybrid fleet orchestration. Together, we’ll analyze real-world scenarios and test how manned and unmanned assets can operate as a joint and adaptive force, gradually integrating autonomy into existing CONOPS without disrupting what already works. The session offers a mutual thinking process on how today’s solutions can be adapted to evolving threats alongside new capabilities, laying the groundwork for a more resilient, future-ready naval ecosystem. About the company: Skana Robotics builds autonomous maritime vessels and develops the operational tools that enable autonomous fleet management and deployment, across a wide range of missions.

Mr. Idan Levy, Co-Founder & CEO, Skana Robotics Mr. Idan Hazan, Co-Founder & CPO, Skana Robotics

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1600 - 1730 SEA BEYOND: IAI-ELTA’s innovative naval sensors

suite for the future maritime domain

This private briefing will open a forward-looking discussion on how emerging technologies, AI-driven capabilities, and advanced sensing solutions are shaping the next era of maritime operations. The session will highlight how modern navies are overcoming today’s operational challenges through smarter systems, enhanced situational awareness, and predictive insights. Drawing on lessons from recent naval conflicts, the briefing will demonstrate how technological innovation is redefining readiness and maritime security. It will also provide an exclusive look into IAI-ELTA’s evolving portfolio of proven, next-generation radar and surveillance solutions designed to support future mission demands.

Eyal Zohar, Head of Marketing and Business Development - Naval Systems IAI/ELTA Systems

Ltd.

The role of large UUVs in active underwater defense: A new CONOP for the Baltic Sea

This briefing will detail a simulated mission in the Baltic Sea demonstrating an innovative Concept of Operations (CONOP) for detecting and neutralizing threats (submarines and AUVs). It draws on operational experience with the BlueWhale Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) performing ASW roles in the Baltic Sea, to demonstrate future detection and deterrence strategies.

Captain (Navy, Ret.) Udi Erell, Naval Specialist, BlueWhale Team, IAI/ELTA Systems Ltd.

Naval Warfare and Critical Underwater Infrastructure Protection (CUIP) with Maritime Unmanned Systems

Giving the participants information about “Why we need UxVs in Naval Warfare and CUIP? (Change in the conduct of Naval Ops)”. With the advance of technology, robotic systems & AI is also taking place in Armed Forces more than ever. UxVs are changing the conventional warfare to a new dimension, playing a crucial role in modern warfare. Aiming to create a confident solution for UxVs and to reflect the ASELSAN’s approach to the participants, we will show and recommend end-users the architecture, main and mission payloads, general concepts in Naval Warfare areas by using the experience that we have gained through the process. This presentation will show and give idea to the end-users and the industry to develop and navigate such systems in the field. We hope that our approach may eventually contribute to the development of better systems and strategies.

Barış Bilgili (Ret. Captain (N), Aselsan Eyüp Emre Cabbaroğlu (Ret. Captain (N), Aselsan

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WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0745 - 0845

Stealth at Sea: Acoustic Signature Control during Design and Construction for Modern Frigates

This workshop will explore the key methodologies for keeping under control the reduced acoustic signatures on Navantia frigates, allowing for accurate definition of design measures to achieve the required performance while

maintaining an optimum balance between investment and performance goals in this critical area.

Mr. Carlos García San Gabino, Engineering Technical Authority, Head of Special Projects, Navantia

0900 - 1030

Reinventing Public-Private Partnerships for Securing Undersea Infrastructure

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring how defence, public stakeholders and industry can work together to protect critical undersea assets. Discover new ways to make faster, smarter decisions, driven by Geo-data, remote technology and industry

expertise. Together. Faster. Redefined.

Hompe Heijmerink, Director Maritime Security and Surveillance (EUAF), Fugro

1045 - 1215

The relevance of Satellite Communications Monitoring in the naval domain – Deep Dive Session Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the future of satellite communications in maritime operations. We will discuss the relevance of SatCom for connectivity at sea and examine whether Starlink is truly the dominant technology or just one of many options. The session will also cover innovative approaches to shadow fleet monitoring through RF emissions from vessels. Furthermore, we will dive into data fusion and system integration strategies that enhance situational awareness in complex maritime environments. Engage with experts, share insights, and discover cutting-edge solutions shaping the maritime communication monitoring landscape.

Tobias Rutz, Head of Product Management for R7S Satellite Monitoring Solutions, Rohde & Schwarz International GmbH

1230 - 1400

Innovations in naval asymmetric warfare and inland strike Naval warfare has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, marked by unconventional engagements across the Black, Red, and Mediterranean seas. Traditional warships—once dominant symbols of maritime power—now face growing vulnerability in asymmetric conflict scenarios and diminishing effectiveness in roles such as inland strike. This briefing will explore the evolving challenges confronting modern navies and highlight Rafael’s cutting-edge innovations in maritime protection and strike capabilities. Participants will gain strategic insights into solutions ranging from advanced amphibious platforms to next-generation systems for major surface combatants, showcasing how Rafael is redefining operational resilience and lethality at sea.

Boris Katsman, Head of Business Development & Marketing, Naval Warfare Systems Directorate, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems

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1415 - 1545 AI-Driven mission-critical operations workshop

This interactive session will demonstrate how AI-powered maritime intelligence can enhance detection, investigation, and operational decision-making across underwater and seabed-domain challenges. Participants will work through hands-on scenarios related to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, state-level threat, and complex maritime risk environments. The workshop will highlight how Windward’s platform supports mission-critical workflows, enabling faster insights, improved situational awareness, and operational readiness for defense and security organisations.

Jonathan Fletcher,Sales Director - Government, Europe, Windward Andy Euston, Solution Engineering Team lead (Public sector), Windward

Noam Rabinovitch, Product Marketing Manager for Government & Public Sector, Windward

1600 - 1730

Securing the seabed: Integrated sensor networks and energy solutions for underwater defence

This session will provide an in-depth look at advanced subsea technologies, specifically autonomous seabed platforms engineered for extended missions and designed to protect critical underwater infrastructure and offshore assets. We will examine how sensor arrays, pressure-tolerant electronics, and secure telemetry systems enable persistent monitoring and rapid threat detection in complex maritime environments. The discussion will include system architecture for modular seabed nodes, integration with NATO-standard communication protocols, and our holistic approach to mission resilience. We will review operational performance during trials in the Baltic and North Sea, focusing on data integrity under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, and outline future enhancements for AI-driven anomaly detection and secure data transmission. Lessons learned from recent deployments in high-latency environments will also be shared.

Marcel Rothenbeck, Head of Navy Projects, Develogic GmbH

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THURSDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2026 | PRIVATE WORKSHOP ROOM

0900 - 1030

Results from Helsing sea trials to inform operational use cases

● This interactive workshop and discussion will present results gathered at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Centre (BUTEC) during recent sea trials

● Using the real-world insight gained into SG-1 Fathom’s reliability, and the performance of the LURA onboard AI System, different operational concepts, including the relevance for Nordic and Baltic conditions and challenges, will be discussed

● Attendees will be presented with the findings and take part in a discussion on the implications for operational use

● Further insights will be shared about the next steps, already underway, in testing, evaluating, and deploying the system

Edward Timpson, Chief Engineer Maritime, Helsing Matt Osler, Senior Director Maritime Programmes, Helsing

1045-1215

From surveillance to self-defence: Counter-UAS for multirole vessels Rapidly shifting maritime threat environments in the Baltic Sea and across critical North Sea access routes are forcing surface combatants to deliver credible air defence, conduct routine security operations, and protect key subsea and coastal infrastructure, all from a single, cost-effective multirole platform. Low-cost, highly manoeuvrable uncrewed systems are now employed to probe naval defences, disrupt mine countermeasures and surveillance missions, and threaten the security of essential sea lines of communication. These tactical realities make the integration of robust counter‑air capabilities into vessel design an urgent priority, without sacrificing the versatility and affordability that multirole platforms must provide. In this interactive session, Leonardo will present operationally grounded insights into embedding Counter-UAS capabilities as a cornerstone of flexible multirole architectures. Through focused discussion, continuous Q&A, and 3D simulations, participants will explore how integrated sensor suites, advanced combat management systems, and layered defensive effectors are brought together into coherent architectures to counter asymmetric threats, safeguard platform survivability, and preserve operational agility.

Eleonora Manconi, Naval Product Marketing Expert, Leonardo

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DAY TWO | WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2026 | CONFERENCE THEATRES A, B, C, D

0615 – 5km morning run from Gothenburg Gothia Towers reception

0800 – Badge collection and registration

0800 – Welcome coffee

THEATRE A SURFACE TECHNOLOGY

THEATRE B COMMUNICATIONS, DATA AND

NETWORKS

THEATRE C UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY

THEATRE D SEABED DEFENCE

This session will explore the advancement of surface technology, specifically focusing on its functionality and adaptability for amphibious and coastal defence operations in the littoral realm.

This session delves into the importance of communications and networks in the maritime sphere. As threats and adversaries evolve, ISR, satellite communications, and electronic warfare need to keep pace not just to defend but to go on the offensive.

In association with

This session will consider how technology is changing how we fight under the waves. Evolving threat environments, from Mine to Seabed Warfare, require equally innovative solutions, so that Navies can anticipate, defend, and respond.

In association with

This session will focus on the multi dimensional aspect of seabed defence. In particular, the necessity of collaboration between different types of actors. End-Users, asset owners, and industry must work together to counter shadow fleets, hostile actors and protect CUI.

In association with

In association with

0850 – Chair’s introduction Vice Admiral (ret.) JanThörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0850 – Chair’s introduction Lars Hedström, Strategic Advisor, Swedish Defence University

0850 – Chair’s introduction Commodore (ret.) David Burton, Director NATO ASW Barrier, NATO

0850 – Chair’s introduction Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

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SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS AT SEA INTELLIGENCE NETWORKS OPERATIONAL EXPERIMENTATION

DUAL-USE INNOVATIONS FOR UNDERSEA AND OFFSHORE PROTECTION

0900 – Spanish Navy future plans for amphibious operations ● Expeditionary flexibility through modular

forces ● Integration of emerging technologies ● Interoperability and NATO readiness Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Hernández, Division Head Plans and Policies, Spanish Marine Corps, Spanish Navy

0900 – Space, Photonics and Quantum Communication – ScyLight in a Nutshell ● Learn about the current objectives of

ESA Optical and Quantum Satcom Programme

● Understand the current civilian market perspective and the paradigm shift triggered using photons instead of electrons

● Our current projects and opportunities for partnerships in our Member States

Christopher Vasko, Optical and Quantum Innovation Engineer, European Space Agency

0900 – Lessons from the War in the Black Sea ● Unique insight into the maritime conflict

in the Black Sea ● What nations may need to make

themselves more ready for warfighting. ● Seeking industry solutions to these

modern problem sets. Commodore Steven Banfield MBE, Co-leader Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, Royal Navy

Commodore Thomas Andersen, Co-leader Maritime Capability Coalition for Ukraine, Norwegian Navy

0900 – Panel Discussion: How do we utilise the innovations in the private sector to best protect CUI? ● The growing threat landscape to

undersea infrastructure ● How can emerging technologies

developed for civilian uses be leveraged for CUI protection?

● How do we develop effective frameworks for collaboration?

Rowan Davison, Government and Defence Sector Lead, EXA Infrastructure

David Appelberg, Director, Marine Technology Centre of Sweden Oskar Frånberg, Research Director, Marine Technology Centre of Sweden

Alasdair Wilkie, Chairman, Atlantic Cable Repair and Maintenance Agreement

+ Renauld Hock, Team Leader, Directorate-general for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) of the European Commission

Dan Collins, Head of Agentic Systems, EMEA, Invisible Technologies

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0925 – How the unmanned systems can replace the traditional navy fleet with the use of unmanned systems in targeting kill-chain ● Fleet guidance/management ● Secure communications ● Standardized solutions in the Naval

USVs. Karl Liavaag, Manager Business Development, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace

0925 – The relevance of Satellite Communications Monitoring – Using the example of the tracking of the shadow fleet ● The relevance of SatCom in maritime

environment ● Is Starlink the only relevant SatCom

technology nowadays? ● Shadow fleet monitoring using RF

emissions from vessels ● Datafusion and system integration for

situational awareness Tobias Rutz, Head of Product Management Satellite Intelligence, Rohde & Schwarz International GmbH

0925 – Shaping the future of underwater operations: from human precision to intelligent autonomy ● The Evolution of Italian Stealth

Swimmer Delivery Vehicles in the Drone Era

● Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles: Bridging Human Expertise and Intelligent Autonomy

● Next-Generation Compact Submarines: Advanced Design for the Future Undersea Domain

Enrico Pitzalid,Sales & Marketing Manager, Drass Group

0950 – From the Sea: USMC & NATO 21st century amphibious operations concept ● Current capabilities ● Lessons learned ● Future plans Colonel David B. Moore, Assistant Chief of Staff G-5 Plans , USMC Europe and Africa

0950 – Handling Challenges in today's maritime surveillance ● The challenges keeping a recognised

maritime picture in the entrance to the Baltic Sea

● Are AI and autonomous systems solving all our problems?

● Moving forward Commander Niels Pind, Commander of Naval Surveillance Unit, Royal Danish Navy

0950 –Lessons learnt from Exercise Counter Sabotage ● Developing civilian and military

cooperation for sabotage scenarios ● Countering sabotage and hybrid threats

Navy EOD Commandos ● Multilateral collaboration Commander Christian Couillault, Commander of Norwegian Navy EOD Commandos, Norwegian Navy

0950 – SIIPS: Transforming Maritime Surveillance and Subsea Infrastructure Protection ● Unified approach to maritime

surveillance that integrates ROV, AUV, and USV assets into a flexible system for seamless monitoring and rapid response across surface and subsea environments.

● Use of advanced edge and centralized AI to detect threats and anomalies in real time, enabling faster, more informed decisions while reducing operator workload in critical maritime zones.

● Resilient protection strategies for ports, bases, and vital infrastructure in challenging bandwidth and GPS conditions.

Alan Anderson, Subsea Robotics Product Manager, Oceaneering

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1015 – Morning coffee and networking Hosted by Babcock International Group

UNCREWED SYSTEMS FOR LITTORAL WARFARE

CUAS / ELECTRONIC WARFARE MINE WARFARE MARITIME SECURITY - SHADOW FLEETS AND HYBRID THREATS

1100 – Modernisation and technology integration at the Corpo de Fuzileiros ● Historical legacy and operational

realities ● Modernization and integration in action ● Outlook and future Pathways Lieutenant Commander Filipe Côrte-Real, Operational Logistics Department Head, Portuguese Marine Corp, Portuguese Navy

1100 – Integrated high power microwave weapons ● A low cost solution to the UAS threat ● Power consumption considerations Dr Johanna Rosenlind, Head of Department of Directed Energy Weapons and Energy Systems, Swedish Defence Research Agency

1100 – The shift to uncrewed systems - MCM and seabed warfare in contested waters ● FFI’s R&D of uncrewed naval systems

for data collection and infrastructure protection

● Utilising sonar data from underwater assets in maritime operations, including MCM and Seabed Warfare

● Advancing technologies to support the integration of new systems into operations

Dr Torstein Olsmo Sæbø, Principal Scientist, Norwegian FFI

1100 – Strengthening energy security - Lessons learnt from Estlink 2 cable damage ● Walk-through of the Christmas Day

incident; response and collaboration with the Finnish maritime authorities

● Repair campaign and its complexity ● Importance of interconnectors and

collaboration for energy security Kimmo Nepola, Head of Unit, HVDC & FACTS, Fingrid

1125 – Complete domain awareness though wide area, real time, hyperspectral sensing for UAS ● Generating context for autonomy ● Navigating degraded visual

environments ● Accelerating threat identification Simon Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Arkeus

1125 – From Data to Decisions: Advancing Maritime Domain Awareness Through Intelligence Fusion ● From Data to intelligence - Context

transforms data into intelligence, layering time, geography, and behavioural history, revealing actionable information.

● Intelligence Fusion in real-world applications - Case study on SKIPPER (IMO: 9304667). Showcasing Data integration through Theia, providing a MDA solution.

● Intelligence Fusion in real-world applications- Case study on ZHONG DA 79 (MMSI: 412469140) Vessel Loaded With Containerized Weapons | China

1125 – Modular and Expeditionary MCM and CUI inspections ● Modular and expeditionary needs for

MCM and CUI operations; ● Kraken Robotics LARS solutions for

KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonars;

● From legacy minehunters to 11 meter USV's: recent and upcoming demo’s

Martijn Wilbrink, Business Development Manager, Kraken Robotics

1125 – Countering Hybrid Threats against CUI – A vision for the future ● Risk based approach to establish MSA /

MSU ● Joint & Uncrewed operations ● Translating & expanding our knowledge

base to counter threats ● Standards, protocols & experimental

tactics for CUI protection ● The need for effectors Casper Bosschaart, Lead Advisor Seabed Security, TNO

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Martin Hoffborn, Government Account Executive, Planet

1150 – How AI can improve military decision support ● Strategic and structural implications ● AI Augmented targeting and intelligence

prioritisation ● Operational integration Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bovet-Emanuel, Researcher, Swedish Defence University Dr. Heiko Borchert, Co-Director, Defense AI Observatory, Bundeswehr University Hamburg

1150 – FSAF-PAAMS Programme ● A cooperative programme for Surface

Air-Defence based on ● the evolutive and adaptative family of

Aster missiles and cutting age systems ● A need of continuous evolutions and

renewal to face emerging threats and new technology challenges

Francis Celeste, Programme Manager FSAF-PAAMS Programme Division, OCCAR

1150 – Royal Navy Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Programme - Maritime Autonomous System (MAS) adoption – it’s not all about the tech ● Progress in the Royal Navy’s Mine

Hunting Capability Programme ● Facilitating broader organisational,

cultural and support changes to maximise exploitation of uncrewed systems

● Identifying critical steps to facilitate operational capability delivery

Jonathan Reed- Beviere, Mine Hunting Capability Programme Director, Royal Navy

1150 – ‘Tracking the shadow fleet’ - How the ‘Common Information Sharing Environment’ safeguards our critical undersea infrastructure ● Background information about the CISE

initiative ● Enhancing maritime security and

maritime domain awareness ● How CISE is contributing to countering

maritime threats Linda Bama, SeniorProject Officer, European Maritime Safety Agency

1215 – Lunch break and networking Hosted by Volvo Penta

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AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS

C4ISR COUNTERING UNDERWATER THREATS INTELLIGENCE GATHERING AND DISSEMENTIATION

1330 – Special Operations Developments in the Pacific: back to the future ● Autocratic regimes pursue subversion

or grey-zone activities ahead of and during conflict.

● Competing and thus deterring conflict is critical during this subversive phase. This and other key lessons can be drawn from the Indo-Pacific WWII context.

● Lessons for how the CCP might be deterred from initiating conflict in the Indo-Pacific need to draw upon these historical analogies (and others from the Cold War era), with appropriate nuance as to changes that come with today's digital age technologies.

● New methods of competing are opening an exciting space for what my colleagues and I describe as 'Unconventional Deterrence'. This presentation concludes with advancing some of these concepts.

Dr. Andrew Maher, Lecturer, University of New South Wales

1330 – How to enhance maritime surveillance in the Atlantic today with on-board AI and data and tomorrow with UAVs ● Points TBC

Lieutenant Commander Maxence Combas, Program Officer for the maritime surveillance aircraft, French Navy

1330 – Maritime unmanned systems: from vehicles to robotic organizations ● Background - Martec’s Law: Technology

changes exponentially, organizations change logarithmically

● MUS operations are becoming increasingly complex because of increasing numbers of robotic platforms, operators, crewed vessels, and interactions

● New forms of organization well beyond what is done today will have to be developed. This is beyond swarming. These organizations will inherit some aspects of human organizations, but will also exhibit novel dynamic structure and deliver compositional capabilities.

Professor Joao Sousa, Professor ECE Dept Head of Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory, Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory - INEGI

1330 – Panel Discussion: How do we build trust and enhance public-private partnerships between asset owners, the military and industry to best protect CUI? ● How do we incentivise participation and

collaboration? ● How do we ensure the seamless

aggregation and sharing of data for CUI protection?

● Should militaries, governments and asset owners be establishing frameworks?

Rear Admiral Paul Flos, Programme Director International Naval Material Cooperation, COMMIT

Michael Prutsch, Global Defence and Security Lead,Skyborn

Robert Marshall, Security Policy Advisor, Vodafone

Paul Merchant, Capability Manager - Security of Navigation, Stabilisation Advice and Training, UK Hydrographic Office

Piotr Czopek, Vice-President, Polish Wind Energy Association

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1355 – Breaking the Water Barrier ● Who we are ● CAV-X vs. the current standard

● Counter measures USV David M. Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, DSG Tec USA, Inc.

1355 – Top-Side Antenna Suite Optimisation ● The Top-side antenna suite problem set ● Challenges of current set-up ● RFoF data distribution and routing to

solve the Top-side antenna suite problem set

Andy Haslam, Director Business Development, PPM Systems Will Higham, Director, PPM Systems

1355 – Humans at depth: why the Military Diver still matters in an autonomous age ● Human divers remain operationally

decisive in complex, contested undersea environments where autonomy and AI lack judgement, adaptability and accountability.

● Autonomy and robotics should augment, not replace, the diver, extending endurance, situational awareness and decision-making through integrated life support, sensors and decision aids.

● Human-centred system design enables a more resilient, flexible and credible undersea capability than autonomous systems operating alone.

Peter Laughton MBE, Head of Military Diving, JFD

1420 - Future Force Design: Swedish Marine Battalion 2030 programme ● Sea mobile data centric systems for

increased firepower ● Enabling interoperability, movement and

dispersement ● Development through procurement in

close co-operation with the FMV Lieutenant Colonel Niklas Sundelin, CO Amphibious Warfare Department, Swedish Navy

1420- E-NACSOS Programme: Improve your ability to identify classify and track for enhanced situational awareness at sea ● Design of a first naval collaborative

standard based on real-time plot level data exchanges and fusion of tactical data provided by various sensors, enabling to share a superior tactical picture

● Novel protocol, interface and target architecture enabling to tackle asymmetric threats from the Anti-Air-Warfare / Air & Missile Defence domain

● Added value proved through relevant demonstrations in operational conditions

Didier Lepine, E-NACSOS Programme Manager, OCCAR

1420 - From foresight to warfight: NATO ACT’s approach for rapid capability delivery ● Innovation is more than just procuring

new tech: it is a capability in itself ● TFX Baltic showed we can deliver a

capability blueprint in under a year ● How did we do this? Counter-clockwise

approach, bringing in EDTs directly into the OpEX format

● Future of NATO Innovation Network Bart Hollants, Chairman - NATO Innovation, NATO Allied Command Transformation

1420 - Enabler in multi domain operations ● Data centric warfare ● USV in Counter UxV ops ● Lessons from OPX's (TF-X / REPMUS/

DYMS 25) Havar Oie, Senior Sales Director, Defence & Security, Maritime Robotics

1445 – Afternoon coffee break and networking

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COASTAL DEFENCE MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS PROTECTING SEA LINES OF COMMUNICATION

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS IN SEABED DEFENCE

1530 – SOFCOM BOLD MACHINA operational experimentation exercise ● Delivery platform supporting a culture of

innovation ● Testing technologies for operating in all

environments ● Fully Integrating BOLD MACHINA with

Dynamic Messenger Alberto Tremori PH.D, Scientist, NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

1530 – Royal Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Programme ● Collect, understand, exploit maritime

information ● Utilising advanced analytical capabilities Terry Gibson, Director RNMDA, Royal Navy

1530 – Strengthening naval operations and technological collaboration in Indo-Pacific ● Introduction to day to day operations in

Indo-Pacific ● Japan’s effort for collaboration between

operations and technology ● Expanding of the maritime battle space

going deeper and wider using uncrewed systems

Captain Genkai Oki, Chief of Systems Programs Section, Systems Programs Division, Operations and Plans Department, Maritime Staff Office, Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces

1530 – Subsea cable protection and seabed defence: an asset owner perspective ● Subsea cables are vital for global

connectivity and energy security ● How do we develop adequate situational

awareness to enhance protection for underwater assets?

● Asset owner perspectives for greater collaboration and meaningful action protect the undersea infrastructure

John Wrottesley, Executive Director, European Subsea Cable Association

1555 – Translating LL/LI from Unmanned ISR Operations in Ukraine to the maritime Domain ● Quantum Systems ISR Solutions in the

Domains Air, Sea, Land as well as Software

● Interoparable unmanned Systems in multi domain operations, connected through one Software Layer

Marius Wolter, Head of Governmental Sales, Quantum-Systems GmbH

1555 – Strengthening persistent maritime domain awareness for seabed protection with OPT’s unmanned systems and merrows AI-capable MDA solution ● Persistent, distributed maritime sensing

to protect critical seabed infrastructure ● Integration of PowerBuoy® and

WAM-V® USVs for long-dwell, unmanned surveillance

● Merrows AI-capable MDA solution delivering real-time awareness and threat detection

Jason Weed, SVP Commercial Sales, OPT

1555 – AUV Operational Efficiency in MCM and Critical Infrastructure Protection through Real-Time Multi-Sensor Information ● Real-time multi-sensor data on AUVs

enabling priority information at the time of data acquisition enabling faster, higher-confidence command and control decisions for MCM and critical subsea infrastructure routes.

● Providing information to autonomy systems enabling adaptive mission workflows reducing the need for multiple dives and lowering operational cost and risk across pipelines, fibres and key assets.

● How to transition from operations today to edge-based perception while maintaining human oversight.

Adrian Boyle, CEO, Cathx Ocean

1555 – Dual Use Technologies - The Reach Subsea Experience ● Reach Subsea’s extensive experience

with maritime technologies has led to adaptable dual use solutions, enabling efficient transition between commercial subsea inspection and critical defence applications

● The company’s remote operations framework and digital infrastructure, provide scalable solutions for both civilian and military customers, supporting rapid mission adaptation in multi-domain environments.

● By integrating commercial innovation with defence-grade requirements, we deliver sustainable, low-emission subsea operations and adaptable platforms enhancing operational flexibility

Thomas Mennerdahl, Group Technology Director, Reach Subsea

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1620 – Securing the littorals: Sweden's Coastal Defense Strategy ● Reactivation of the 32nd Coastal Missile

Defense Squadron ● Area denial and anti-access ● Future operations Captain Marko Petkovic, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Swedish Navy

1620 – Offshore wind as strategic military asset: Poland’s surveillance opportunity in the Baltic Sea ● Critical infrastructure protection

requirements ● Cooperation between offshore wind

sector and the military - how the offshore sector in Poland will support data acquisition

● Leadership role - Poland driving regional monitoring initiatives

Piotr Czopek, Vice-President, Polish Wind Energy Association

1620 – The underwater surveillance potential in Southeast Asia: a regional perspective ● Southeast Asia as the maritime

crossroads ● Regional underwater situational

awareness and concept ● Opportunities for future collaboration Captain Bagus Jatmiko PH.D, Head of Wargaming Centre of the Indonesian Naval Command and Staff College, Indonesian Navy

1620 – Task Force X Baltic: NATO's forward edge in Baltic Deterrence ● Deterring CUI vandalism in the baltic ● The route to autonomous maritime

dominance ● Industry partners and the technological

revolution Ivan Yordanov, CD&E and Innovation Programme Manager, NATO MARCOM

1645 – Chair’s summary Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1645 – Chair’s summary Lars Hedström, Strategic Advisor, Swedish Defence University

1645 – Chair’s summary Commodore (ret.) David Burton, Director NATO ASW Barrier, NATO

1645 – Chair’s summary Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1700 – 1900 Evening networking and drinks reception Hosted by NVL

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DAY THREE: THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2026 | PLENARY THEATRE

SEA POWER REIMAGINED: INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP FROM SURFACE TO SEABED From surface to seabed, the maritime domain is evolving fast. This day unites military, industry, and innovators to explore how emerging technologies, adaptive strategies, and public–private partnerships can drive the next wave of naval power. Through collaboration and innovation—from shipbuilding to seabed defence, this session explores the future of Sea Power.

0800 – Badge collection and registration SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE 0800 – Welcome coffee and networking SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

NAVY TECH SEABED DEFENCE

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Integrating emerging technologies is reshaping how modern naval forces operate and sustain themselves, enhancing situational awareness, decision-making, and operational reach across surface and subsurface domains. This session examines how various actors are advancing these efforts.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR SEABED SECURITY

Public-private partnerships for seabed security bring together naval forces, industry, and asset owners to protect critical underwater infrastructure. By sharing data, capabilities, and innovation, these collaborations improve detection, resilience, and response to emerging threats.

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Vice Admiral (ret.) Jan Thörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

0855 – Chair’s opening remarks Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

0900 – Lessons learned from the Black Sea: Ukrainian Defence Innovation ● Lifting the blockade on the Ukrainian Grain Corridor ● Sea Denial doctrine against the Black Sea Fleet ● Learn as you fight: Research and development

integrated warfare ● Operation-based contract for procurement Oleksandra Azarkhina, Head of Defence Industries Initiatives, Economic Security Council of Ukraine

0900 – Panel discussion: ‘Countering hybrid threats’ - Developing effective public-private partnerships for critical infrastructure protection ● Strategic relationship between the Armed Forces and

asset owners ● How do we enhance overall maritime domain awareness

for effective deterrence? ● How do we ensure effective partnerships between the

public and private sectors? Captain Maciej Matuszewski, MOC Director Polish Maritime Component Command, Polish Armed Forces

Henrik Jonsson, Deputy Director General, Swedish Coast Guard

Commander Philip von Eberhardt, Project Officer Maritime Security, NATO Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters

0925 – US Navy Robotic and Autonomous Systems Employment in Europe and Africa ● Research and Development of Systems vs Employment ● Improving Acquisition Speed ● Allied Collaboration and breaking down barriers to RAS

employment ● Continuous future operations of unmanned systems to

fill gaps in allied defenses Rear Admiral Kelly Ward, Commander US Naval Forces EU-AF, Commander Task Force 66, US Navy

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0950 - Multi-domain operations, hybrid threats, and maritime security: Exail Drix solutions for critical national infrastructure protection and ISR ● Autonomous systems: Drix H-8, H-9, and O-16 deliver

advanced uncrewed surface vehicle capabilities for ISR and infrastructure protection.

● Operational excellence: High-precision navigation and multi-sensor integration ensure reliable performance in challenging environments.

● Versatile use: Ideal for safeguarding undersea assets and enhancing maritime domain awareness.

David Cunningham, Director Partnerships, Exail SAS

0950 – Multirole vessels as underwater capability: seabed defence and submarine rescue ● Multirole vessels can act as core underwater capability

platforms, enabling seabed defence while supporting diving, hyperbaric operations and submarine rescue from a single, flexible ship.

● JFD presents a joint approach to the Royal Swedish Navy’s future submarine rescue capability, with system replacement from 2026 based on the Polish Navies Ratownik multirole vessel.

● The solution demonstrates how integrated multirole platforms deliver resilient, sovereign and future-ready undersea capability without reliance on single-purpose vessels.

Thomas Ljungqvist, General Manager, JFD Sweden

1015 – Morning coffee and networking

SESSION 2 | NAVY TECH | EVOLVING THE WAYS WE OPERATE

SESSION 2 | SEABED DEFENCE | ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES AND FRAMEWORK FOR SEABED

DEFENCE

1100 – Fireside Chat: Future vision for uncrewed systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy - 7 operational focus areas ● Developing a clear vision for the future fleet and

operational concept ● Effective coupling of innovation with new operational

applications ● Bridging the gap between stakeholders in uncrewed

operations throughout the entire defence supply chain Dr Bas Buchner, Programme Director Maritime Uncrewed, Royal Netherlands Navy

1100 – SeaSEC Challenge Week - NNCC future direction for uncrewed systems ● Results from Challenge Week 2025 ● Capabilities to detect underwater threats to critical

infrastructure ● Plans for Challenge Week 2026 Carine van Bentum MSc, Director of SeaSEC, SeaSEC

1125- Deep Security: The EU Path to Protecting Critical Seabed Assets ● Future EU Seabed Protection initiative ● Joint future procurement to enhance underwater

maritime domain awareness ● Developing a coordinated approach to European

underwater security Stefano Cioni, Project Officer for the Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection Project, European Defence Agency

1150 – REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger 2025 - RETEX on use of light & portable AUVs in real conditions of MCM & ASW operations ● Interoperability & Integration into NATO C2 systems ● Air-to-Surface-to-AUV links ● Data analysis & reporting Rear-Admiral, 2S (Ret.) Eric Lavault, RTsys Advisor, RTsys

1150 – Emerging Technologies and Evolutions in Undersea Warfare ● MCM System of Systems ● Seabed Warfare ● Subsea Launch and Recovery, Deep Residency Eric Wirstrom, CAPT, USN (Ret.), Vice President, Sales & Business Development, Video Ray LLC., an AV Company Hunter Brown, Sr. Director, Solutions Architect, VideoRay LLC, an AV Company

1215 – Lunch and networking Hosted by HALO Innovations, Inc

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SESSION 3 | NAVY TECH | INNOVATIONS TO

SUPPORT SHIPBUILDING SESSION 3 | SEABED DEFENCE | RESILIENT BY

DESIGN

1345 – Norwegian Armed Forces in the High North ● Norway's maritime situation ● The current structure of forces and their operations ● Norway's long-term plan, including the Fleet Program of

2024 - Frigate replacement program Commander Tomas Albert Eugene Andersen, Senior Officer Plans and Structure, Norwegian Navy

1345 – Shell’s response to hybrid threats to subsea infrastructure ● Industry perspectives on malicious risks to critical undersea

energy infrastructure ● The focus of risk mitigation efforts and the sharing of

responsibilities between industry and governments Nick Smart, Regional Security Manager - Europe, CIS & SSA, Shell

1410 – Cable & pipe penetrations onboard to protect life & assets and the use of Roxtec's digital tools during to simplify the design and build process of Navy vessels ● Being at the forefront of passive fire protection ● EMC best practice design criteria and "How Naval

Defense engineers have moved from primarily being concerned about electromagnetic interference to working with HEMP Hardening and Tempest Countermeasures"

● 3D CAD integration and automated design updates of thousands of cable & pipe transits with online as-built documentation

Roger Johansson, Executive Vice President Business Area Marine & Offshore, Roxtec

1410 – Persistent real-time seabed monitoring with fibre optics ● CUI protection – removal of grey warfare ambiguity by

delivering 24/7 seabed situational awareness. ● Asset owners – A model for complete CUI monitoring that

adds value for CUI operators that is deployable NOW! ● Fibre Optic ASW barriers – Could the defence sector

benefit from 15 years of industrial fibre hydrophone deployment?

Dan Danskin . Commercial Manager-DAS, Alcatel Submarine Networks

1435 – European Combat Vessel ● What is the ECV? ● Omni approach to the project- Why to join ● Current status and way ahead Captain Spyros Mazarakis, EDA Project Officer for Naval Combat and Maritime Interdiction (NCMI), European Defence Agency

1435 – Securing the depths: Developing a multi-sensor system for underwater infrastructure protection ● Developing a multi-sensor system for maritime domain

awareness ● The transition from domain awareness to domain

understanding ● Establishing and developing partnerships through the

Security Operation centres region-wide Jeroen van Overloop, Advisor for North Sea and Maritime Security, Belgian Ministry of Mobility

1500 – Chair’s summary Vice Admiral (ret.) JanThörnqvist, Former Chief of Joint Operations, Swedish Armed Forces

1500 – Chair’s summary Lieutenant General (ret.) Hans Werner-Wiermann, Former Head of the NATO Critical Undersea Infrastructure Coordination Cell, NATO HQ

1510 – Conference closes

Page 25 of 25 Draft Agenda - Subject to Changes

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