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INVITATION

‘European Counter-UAS Readiness:

Strategic Awareness and Capability Development Seminar (EU-CAP)’

Strategic and Operational Levels Brussels, Belgium, 25-26 November 2026

(Activity number 26-27/SEM/1)

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC), in cooperation with the Ukrainian Boryviter Centre of Excellence, is pleased to organise the seminar “European Counter-UAS Readiness: Strategic Awareness and Capability Development (EU-CAP)”, to be held in Brussels on 25–26 November 2026.

The rapid evolution and proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is creating increasingly complex challenges for both defence and internal security. Recent operational experience has demonstrated how quickly UAS threats evolve and how Counter-UAS approaches need to adapt in response.

Drawing directly on recent Ukrainian operational experience and contributions from Ukrainian experts, the seminar will examine the evolving UAS threat and Counter-UAS responses, from detection and mitigation challenges to preparedness, capability development and civil-military coordination. Particular attention will be given to lessons identified from Ukraine and their relevance to the European security and defence context.

The seminar will combine expert contributions with structured discussions, providing participants with an opportunity to examine current challenges, identify capability gaps and priorities, and exchange perspectives on the development of effective Counter-UAS responses.

The seminar is open to decision-makers and high-level staff at strategic and operational levels, in both civilian and military domains, strategic and capability planners, operational commanders, military doctrine developers and relevant officials from defence, internal security, law enforcement, civil protection, border and maritime security, and critical infrastructure protection.

We are pleased to invite nominations of suitable candidates for participation in the seminar. Further details are provided in the attached Administrative Instructions and draft programme.

We look forward to welcoming the selected participants to Brussels.

Brussels, 15 September 2026

Fergal O’Regan

Head of the

European Security and Defence College Annexes

A. Course administrative instructions B. Draft programme

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Annex A

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

‘European Counter-UAS Readiness:

Strategic Awareness and Capability Development Seminar (EU-CAP)’

Brussels, Belgium, 25–26 November 2026

Target audience: The seminar is open to decision-makers and high-level staff at strategic and operational levels, in both civilian and military domains, strategic and capability planners, operational commanders, military doctrine developers and relevant officials from defence, internal security, law enforcement, civil protection, border and maritime security, and critical infrastructure protection.

How to apply and deadline: Applications from EU Member States, EU institutions, bodies and agencies are to be submitted via the ESDC secure internet system ENLIST, by designated nominators, no later than 5 November 2026. A list of ENLIST nominators can be retrieved from the ESDC website. Registration is only final upon confirmation by the ESDC Secretariat.

Participants should not make travel or accommodation arrangements before receiving confirmation of acceptance.

Date and venue: The seminar will take place in Brussels, Belgium, from 25 to 26 November 2026 (Wednesday 09:00 to Thursday approximately 17:15). A networking dinner is planned for the evening of 25 November. Further details on the venue will be provided to selected participants.

Format: Participation is in person only; no hybrid participation will be available. The seminar will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule to provide a trusted environment for open discussion.

Language: The working language will be English, without interpretation.

Costs: There is no tuition fee. Sending authorities are responsible for participants' travel, accommodation and meal costs.

Liability and insurance: In case of medical emergencies, participants’ own and/or institutional medical insurance must cover all costs. The organisers do not provide health or accident insurances for participants.

Dress code: Business attire for both civilian and military participants.

Additional information: Further information on the programme, venue and practical arrangements will be forwarded via email directly to selected participants following confirmation.

Point of contact Ana Nave Training Manager | European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Email: [email protected]

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Annex B

DRAFT PROGRAMME

European Counter-UAS Readiness: Strategic Awareness and Capability Development Seminar (EU-CAP)

Brussels, Belgium, 25–26 November 2026

Wednesday 25 November 2026 (09:00–17:15)

Welcoming remarks and opening speech

What role should Counter-UAS play in the future security and defence architecture? What effects do we need to create, and how do we build and institutionalise those capabilities?

Coffee break

Defence Industry and R&D Priorities:Building a responsive Capability

Lunch break

C-UAS Interoperability, Standardization, and Procurement

Streamlining acquisition pathways and ensuring joint/allied cross-domain compatibility.

Coffee break

Closing Remarks & Wrap-up

Networking dinner

Thursday 26 November 2026 (09:00–17:15)

Opening Remarks & Agenda for Day 2

Defence & Security Architecture: C-UAS Operations, Integration, Allocation, and Synchronisation

Coffee break

Personnel Policy, Education, Training Systems, and Organization for C-UAS

Lunch break

Structure, Management, and Command & Control (C2) of C-UAS Assets

Operational Lessons Learned and Real-Time Adaptation to Evolving Threat Tactics

Common Scenario, Conclusions and Way Ahead