What is Apex Defense?

Apex Defense is a dynamic defense technology event that unites warfighters, acquisition professionals, startups, small and medium businesses, investors and industry leaders to tackle operational challenges from the seabed to space.

The mission is to accelerate the delivery of high-impact, mission-critical solutions to U.S. warfighters and allied forces, addressing urgent needs with near-term solutions.

To do this, Apex Defense puts the requirements of the warfighter at the spine of the program, within an environment that’s built for collaboration and action-orientated dialogue. 

2026 Mission Sets

SUSTAINING FORCES IN A CONTESTED AND DISPERSED THEATRE OF OPERATIONS

ADVANCING INTEROPERABILITY AND INTEGRATION OF AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS FOR MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS

DETECTING, IDENTIFYING AND DEFEATING LOW-COST, RAPIDLY PROLIFERATING UXS THREATS TO INFRASTRUCTURE, PERSONNEL AND MANOEUVRE FORCE

GAINING AN EDGE AND WINNING AUTONOMOUS WARFARE

GENERATING COMBAT POWER INSIDE THE ENEMY'S WEAPONS ENGAGEMENT ZONE

COUNTERING AGAINST NEXT-GEN UNDERSEA THREATS AND PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

FIGHTING IN A CONTESTED EMS AND RETAINING ACCESS TO SPACE-BASED CAPABILITIES

PROTECTING DEPLOYED FORCES AND HOMELANDS FROM ADVANCED AIR AND MISSILE THREATS

MISSION-CRITICAL
The warfighter is at the spine of the program, with action-orientated discussion to tackle urgent operational challenges
NEAR-TERM
Engage directly with key decision-makers and operators who are actively seeking technologies for immediate deployment in the field
DEFENSE TECH
An environment designed for innovators and cutting-edge technology companies to connect with DOW and the broader defense ecosystem

2025 CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDED

Warm Up Conversations

Priming conversations ahead of Apex Defense editions, keep updated across a broad range of challenges attached to defense innovation.

THE ORGANIZERS OF APEX

Clarion Defense, known for hosting renowned international military and industry events such as DSEI introduce a US-focused engagement, Apex Defense – designed to facilitate improved interaction among operators, policymakers, and technologists to ensure US and Allied Forces Stay Ahead of the Curve.

Apex Defense is delivered in collaboration with the Hudson Institute and the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology – experts in the implications of emerging technologies for defense strategy and military operations.