Driven by the UK Strategic Defence Review and the European Defence Agency's commitment to UxS, this dynamic conference brings together global, S&T leaders and military operators to shape the future of UGVs and UAS.
As the global security landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the need for smarter, faster, and more resilient defence technologies has never been more urgent.
Today's rapidly evolving threat environment is driving increased demand for next-generation capabilities in uncrewed aerial and ground systems.
Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems 2025 will explore cutting-edge developments in air and land platforms, along with system-of-systems technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, which are transforming the future of defence operations.
Collocated with the
Defence Transformation conference, the event will welcome over 250 global technical leaders from defence, government, and industry, providing a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and collaborate on accelerating uncrewed and autonomous capabilities.
Main Themes Include
- The Operational Integration of Uncrewed Systems: Examine how UAS and UGVs are being deployed in real-world missions, with focused case study analysis on their integration, effectiveness, and evolving role in modern operations.
- AI, Autonomy, and the Digital Backbone: Assess how digital infrastructure enables autonomy and situational awareness, while addressing challenges such as data security, interoperability, and resilience in complex environments.
- Collaboration, Interoperability, and Future Force Design: Focus on the importance of allied cooperation, cross-domain integration, and standardization to ensure uncrewed systems can operate seamlessly across platforms and nations.
Benefit of Attending
- Gain Operational Perspectives from the Field: Learn how UGVs and UAVs are being used in real-world missions through case studies and expert briefings. Understand the practical challenges, successes, and evolving roles of uncrewed systems in modern defence operations.
- Showcase Your Innovative Technology to Military Decision-Makers: Present your uncrewed or autonomous solution to a targeted audience of defence leaders and end-users. Position your technology at the centre of discussions shaping future capability development.
- Keep Pace with Rapid Technological Change: Stay informed on fast-moving developments in autonomy, AI, and digital infrastructure. Understand how continuous innovation is reshaping the landscape—and why staying ahead requires constant engagement and analysis.
- Network with Global Defence and Technology Leaders: Network with military leaders, government stakeholders, and industry experts working directly with UGVs, UAVs, and autonomous technologies. Build relationships that drive collaboration, innovation, and procurement opportunities.
Conference Chair:
- Major General James Illingworth, Former Director of Land Warfare, British Army
Speakers 2025:
- Major General Alex Turner *subject to final confirmation, Director Army Futures, British Army
- Brigadier General Michael B. Janisch, Director, Armaments and Defence Technology Agency, Austrian Armed Forces
- James Gavin, Head, Future Capabilities Group, DE&S
- Dr Jack Watling *subject to final confirmation, Senior Research Fellow, Land Warfare, RUSI
- Colonel James Howard, Portfolio Leader - Land Combat Vehicles, DE&S - UK MOD
- Colonel Simon Pope, Commander, UAS Group, UK MoD
- Colonel Jan Mazal, Chief of the Military Robotics Department, Czech Defense University
- Ross Mckenzie, UAS Portfolio Lead, Joint Capability Group, Defence Investment, NATO HQ
- Colonel Brian Merkl, Unmanned Systems Division Chief, US Army
- Colonel Kevin Easter, Deputy Director, Army Aviation, US Army
- Captain Artur Varanda, Project Officer, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, CEMTEx, Portuguese Army
- Arbo Probal, UxS and C-UxS Program Manager, Force Transformation Command, Estonian Air Force - Fighter Squadron
- Sean Bittick, C-UAS and Capability Development Officer, NATO
- Dwayne Hynes *subject to final confirmation, Chief, Foreign Intelligence Technology, U.S. Army – HQDA
- Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Casanova, Autonomous Weapons Systems Capacity Officer, French Army HQ
- Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Hicks, SO1 Robotic and Autonomous Systems, British Army
- Lieutenant Colonel Jon Hipkins, SO1 Operations, Joint Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Office (JCO)., UK Ministry of Defence
- Luke Gallantree, Senior Principal Systems Engineer, The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Nicholas Valentine, Lead Engineer – Human Machine Teaming, DE&S - UK MoD
Industry Speakers:
- Paul Clayton, Director of Industrial Partnerships, Milrem Robotics
- Roman Tkachenko, Chief Business Development Officer, Tencore
- Steen Bisgaard, Founding Director, GaardTech
Please fill in your name and email to receive the Conference Agenda of this event.
Venue
Copthorne Tara Hotel
Scarsdale Pl, Kensington, W8 5SY
London, UK
Tel: +44 207 937 7211
Group Rate: We have partnered with HotelMap to offer discounted rates at nearby hotels. The reservation link will be available soon.
Please note: We will never recommend, approve or appoint any third-party rooming service to act on our behalf. Please be extremely wary if you are approached by any such companies. We will always endeavour to negotiate the best available rates for you so please use the Hotel´s website link provided.
