2023 Agenda
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Day 1
October 31, 2023
Morning Coffee & Registration
Transforming Joint Enablers for Future All Domain Warfare
Garry Reid SESSenior Advisor for Publicly Available Information, Open Source Integration CenterDefense Intelligence Agency
- Enhancing situational awareness and decision-making with advanced analytics and AI
- Leveraging digital technologies to improve C4ISR data collection, processing, and dissemination
- Challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into C4ISR systems
- The role of digital twins and modeling and simulation in C4ISR system design and testing
- Advancements in machine learning and natural language processing for C4ISR applications
- The role of cloud computing in digital transformation and AI adoption
Alexis BonnellChief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities DirectorateUS Air Force Research Laboratory
- Transformative Technologies: Exploring how the US Air Force Research Laboratory is leveraging emerging technologies to enhance C4ISR capabilities
- Strategic Vision: Gaining insights into the strategic vision of the Digital Capabilities Directorate and how it aligns with the evolving landscape of C4ISR in ensuring superior information dominance
- Collaborative Partnerships: Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between the Air Force Research Laboratory and industry, academia, and other defense organizations to drive innovation and address future challenges
- Shaping the Future: shaping the future of C4ISR through leadership, technology integration, and fostering a culture of innovation within the US Air Force Research Laboratory
Coffee Networking Break
William ‘Mac’ McHenryDirector, Partnership and StrategyDefense Innovation Unit
Mark RushtonDirector DevelopmentVITEC
Tatum PooleDirector of Activity Based Intelligence (ABI)Lockheed Martin Space
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Raymond PalumboFormer Director for Defense IntelligenceUS Department of Defense
- How does Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR fit into the larger strategic framework of the military?
- What unique challenges does Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR pose for the military, and how are they being addressed?
- How can Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR enhance operational effectiveness in diverse environments?
- What are the benefits of using a Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR approach to counter asymmetric threats, and how does it differ from traditional approaches?
- What role does technology play in enabling Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR, and what are some of the most promising technologies that are being developed to support this approach?
- How can the military ensure that the various components of Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR work together seamlessly, and what strategies are being developed to promote inter-service cooperation?
- What are the potential limitations of Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR, and how can these be addressed?
- How does Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR support the military’s mission to protect national security and achieve strategic objectives?
- How can Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR be used to deter potential adversaries and prevent conflict?
- What role do allies and partners play in Mosaic Warfare and Integrated ISR, and how can cooperation be improved to enhance overall effectiveness?
Air Cdre James BeckAssistant Chief of Staff Capability StrategyRoyal Air Force
- Overview of the RAF’s ongoing efforts to digitize ISR systems and enhance data management and sharing
- Discussion of the RAF’s approach to achieving a system of systems for ISR, including the use of cloud-based computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
- Examination of the technological advancements that will be required to successfully implement a system of systems for ISR, such as advanced sensors, advanced data analytics, and high-speed networks
- Overview of the progress that has been made to date on the RAF’s digital transformation journey and the successes that have been achieved
- Discussion of the challenges and risks associated with implementing a system of systems for ISR, such as cybersecurity and interoperability with other military branches and allied nations
- Assessment of the expected impact of the RAF’s digital transformation efforts on ISR capabilities and the ability to meet current and future mission requirements
Lunch and Networking
panel discussion
The War in Ukraine: Assessing C4ISR Requirements in Highly Contested Operating Environments
Tom GrassoChief Global Strategy OfficerQintel
Air Cdre James BeckAssistant Chief of Staff Capability StrategyRoyal Air Force
Samuel BendettResearcherCenter for Naval Analyses
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Raymond PalumboFormer Director for Defense IntelligenceUS Department of Defense
- How has the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the need for a more integrated approach to all domain warfare?
- What were some of the key challenges that Ukraine faced in responding to hybrid warfare, and what lessons can be learned from its experience? How important is the cyber domain in all domain warfare, and what strategies have been developed to ensure that it is effectively integrated into military operations?
- What role can cyber capabilities play in deterrence and how can they be used to prevent conflict? How can cyber operations be integrated with other domains to achieve operational objectives?
- What are some of the emerging threats in the cyber domain and how can the military adapt to meet these challenges? What are some of the ethical and legal considerations associated with cyber operations, and how can these be addressed
- How can the military work with other agencies and partners to develop a more effective all domain approach to conflict? What are the implications of the lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine for the future of all domain warfare, and how can the military prepare for future conflicts in this new operating environment?
- What lessons have been learned in the Ukraine conflict to date that could provide new ways to use cyber capabilities in support of military operations? Are there actions US industry should take today to enable new cyber capabilities based on these lessons learned?
Afternoon Coffee & Networking
AI-Enabled Predictive Environmental Intelligence: Gaining The All Domain High Ground In The 21st Century
Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Tim Gallaudet PhDCEOOcean STL Consulting, LLC
- Environmental intelligence: Superior knowledge of the current and forecast physical environment can be a deciding factor in warfighting across every domain at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels
- All domain autonomy: Drones, LEO constellations of smallsats, and global networks of fixed, distributed, and mobile sensors are delivering near-real-time knowledge of weather, ocean, terrain and spaceconditions at high-definition temporal and spatial resolutions
- AI-enabled predictive analytics: Next generation numerical models and analytical applications leveraging advanced AI, ML, and generative AI have the potential to provide high-precision decision support for critical warfighting applications such as sensor settings, route optimization, timeline development, and platform and weapon selection
- Increasing private sector innovation: By taking advantage of the growth in contactor owned, contractor operated (COCO) environmental data-as-a-service (DaaS) and software-as-a-service (SaaS) capabilities, the Joint Force can take the high ground in understanding and exploiting knowledge of the physical battlespace in all domains
Dr. Cagatay SoyerAlliance Future Surveillance & Control Project ManagerNSPA
- Enhanced situational awareness: The NATO Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (NASAC) program aims to enhance the alliance’s situational awareness by providing advanced airborne surveillance and control capabilities, including radar and communication systems, to member nations
- Improved interoperability: The program is designed to improve the interoperability of NATO member nations’ airborne capabilities, enabling them to work together more effectively in joint operations and better respond to emerging security challenges
- Next-generation technology: NASAC is expected to be based on next-generation technology, including advanced sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, which will enable NATO to maintain a strategic advantage in the rapidly evolving global security environment
Day 2
November 1, 2023
Morning Coffee & Registration
Building a Digital Backbone and a Resilient Network For C4ISR
Lieutenant General Dimitri HenryDirector for IntelligenceJ2 US Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Enhancing Intelligence Collection and Analysis through C4ISR Capabilities
- Improving Situational Awareness and Decision Making through Effective Information Sharing
- Strengthening Collaboration and Integration between Intelligence and Operations
- Addressing Emerging Challenges to Ensure Continuous Intelligence Support to Joint Operations
Rear Admiral Susan Bryer JoynerDeputy Director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computer/ Cyber Systems J-6Joint Staff
- Interoperability in a Multidomain Environment: Exploring strategies to ensure seamless communication and information sharing across diverse military domains.
- Incorporating AI and Machine Learning: How the integration of AI and ML technologies enhances decision-making within C4ISR.
- Cybersecurity Resilience: Addressing the evolving cyber threats and the methods to bolster C4ISR systems’ security.
- Future-Proofing C4ISR for Joint Operations: Insights into modernization efforts and the roadmap for sustaining joint operational superiority
Graham PlasterDirectorNautilus
Alex BerkeHead of Public SectorSayari
Ed YouDirectorNational Counterintelligence Service,
US Department of Defense
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Raymond PalumboFormer Director for Defense IntelligenceUS Department of Defense
- It is widely acknowledged that utilizing big data and AI can greatly enhance operational success in defense. Therefore, armed forces have prioritized the integration of data-driven capabilities to improve complex decision- making. What can the defense industry learn from other sectors in maximizing the value of data? Can adopting cloud and AI capabilities help break down barriers of disparate data sources and accelerate mission insight?
- What are the main obstacles in delivering these capabilities in defense that match commercial organizations? How can we ensure that AI and ML technologies are deployed to Warfighters at a faster pace?
- What can the defense industry learn from adjacent sectors in this regard? How can we expedite acquisition to build the digital infrastructure and leverage the benefits of AI/ML-enabled solutions?
- How should data management transform to minimize silos and guarantee accessibility?
Matt RoperChief Joint, Intelligence, Surveillance and ReconnaissanceNCIA
- Importance of Accurate and Timely Intelligence for Effective Decision Making
- Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Enhance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Capabilities
- Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Interoperability and Data Sharing Among Different Systems
- Developing Future ISR Capabilities to Address Evolving Threats and Challenges
Coffee Networking Break
Graham PlasterDirectorNautilus
- Nautilus: Pioneering C4ISR Innovation: Explore how Nautilus is at the forefront of driving innovation within C4ISR, emphasizing rapid development and acquisition of cutting-edge technologies
- Agile Procurement Practices: Delve into Nautilus’ agile procurement strategies designed to streamline acquisition processes, shorten development cycles, and enhance the delivery of critical C4ISR capabilities
- Interoperability and Integration: Discover how Nautilus prioritizes interoperability and integration, ensuring that C4ISR systems seamlessly work together to provide comprehensive situational awareness and mission effectiveness
- Human-Centred Design: Uncover Nautilus’ approach to human-cantered design, emphasizing user feedback and involvement in the development process, resulting in C4ISR solutions that are user-friendly and operationally effective
Aleksandr HmaraHead of InnovationUkrainian Armed Forces
- Enhancing Situational Awareness: Implementing advanced C4ISR technologies to gain real-time situational awareness in complex operational environments.
- Modernizing Communication Infrastructure: Upgrading communication systems and networks to enable secure and reliable communication across all military branches.
- Building Robust Cyber Defense: Developing and implementing cyber defense strategies to protect critical military networks and information from cyber threats.
- Interoperability and Partnership: Collaborating with international partners and allies to establish interoperable C4ISR systems for effective joint operations
Lunch and Networking
Matt GeorgeChief Executive OfficerMerlin Labs
- Leveraging AI for Unmanned Systems: Exploring how AI-driven technology is transforming the capabilities of unmanned systems and improving their performance in critical military operations.
- Enhancing Situational Awareness: LearnING how autonomous systems are being used to gather and process real-time data, providing military leaders with a comprehensive view of the battlefield.
- Streamlining Logistics and Supply Chains: Discover innovative approaches to using autonomous systems in logistics and supply chain management to improve efficiency and reduce operational risks.
- Security and Ethical Considerations: Address the critical discussions surrounding the security, ethical, and legal aspects of deploying autonomous systems in military contexts.
Matt GeorgeChief Executive OfficerMerlin Labs
John GoolgasianPresidentSeerist Federal
- What are the key drivers of innovation in C4ISR capability? How can we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among stakeholders in the C4ISR community, and what role do partnerships and collaborations between industry, government, and academia play in driving innovation?
- How can we ensure that the innovation of C4ISR capabilities aligns with the needs of end-users and supports mission objectives? What are the most promising areas of innovation in C4ISR, and what factors need to be considered in the evaluation and adoption of new technologies and systems?
- What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating emerging technologies such as AI/ML, unmanned and autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics into C4ISR capability? How can we address the technical, regulatory, and ethical considerations of these technologies, and what impact will they have on the workforce and organizational culture of the C4ISR community?
Afternoon Coffee & Networking
Each roundtable will be led by a subject matter expert, who will facilitate honest discussions between the key stakeholders in each field. Each roundtable leader will summarize the main findings and present them to the audience. The roundtables will take place in the main plenary session room.
- MOSAIC WARFARE
- ENHANCING AIRBORNE ISR CAPABILITIES
- AI/ML TECHNOLOGIES FOR C4ISR
- INTEGRATING UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS TECHNOLOGIES
- STRENGTHENING NETWORK RESILIENCE & DIGITIZATION
- ACHIEVING INFORMATION SUPERIORITY THROUGH DATA
How does the concept of mosaic warfare change the traditional paradigm of ISR in joint operations? What new capabilities and technologies are required to support this approach, and how do they impact the roles and responsibilities of different services and agencies involved in ISR? How can joint operations leverage the distributed nature of mosaic warfare to improve situational awareness and decision making? What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating multiple sources of information and data from different platforms, sensors, and networks into a common operational picture?
What emerging technologies or capabilities hold the most promise for enhancing airborne ISR capabilities? How can these technologies be integrated into existing systems, and what challenges need to be addressed to fully realize their potential? How can we balance the need for persistent ISR with the need for mobility and flexibility in airborne platforms? What new platform designs or modifications are needed to support both requirements, and how can they be optimized for different mission scenarios and environments?
What new capabilities and efficiencies can AI/ML bring to C4ISR? How can we address the challenges of data management and integration in the context of AI/ML technologies for C4ISR? What strategies and tools are needed to collect, process, and analyze large volumes of data from diverse sources, and how can we ensure the accuracy and integrity of this data? What are the implications of AI/ML technologies for C4ISR on the human element of decision-making? How can we balance the benefits of automation and augmentation with the need for human judgement and oversight in complex operational environments?
How can we ensure safe and effective integration of unmanned and autonomous technologies into existing systems and operations? What are the technical, regulatory, and operational challenges and what new standards and guidelines may need to be developed? What are the most promising applications of these technologies? What are the implications of unmanned and autonomous technologies on the workforce and human-machine teaming? How can we ensure that they are used to compliment and enhance human skills and decision-making, and what training and education programs are needed to support this transition?
How can we strengthen the resilience of networks in the face of emerging threats? What are the best practices for network design, operation, and maintenance to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of mission-critical operations? How can digitization and automation be leveraged to enhance network resilience and efficiency? What are the benefits and risks of these technologies, and what types of missions and operations are best suited for their implementation? What are the implications of network resilience and digitization on the workforce and organizational culture?
How can we achieve information superiority through effective data management and utilization? What are the key challenges and opportunities of harnessing data to gain insights and make informed decisions, and what types of tools and technologies are needed to support this effort? What are the best practices for collecting, processing, and analyzing data in the context of achieving information superiority? How can we ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and security of data, and what types of governance and oversight mechanisms are needed to safeguard data privacy and ethics?