2026 CONTRIBUTORS
INDUSTRY LEADERS AT APEX DEFENSE
Our 2025 program of speakers and contributors brought together an incredible line-up of operators, industry and government leaders, technical experts and innovators. You can view spotlights from 2025 below alongside recordings from key sessions to view in full.
Experts shaping defense innovation and technology exploitation will be in the room at Apex Defense 2026.
Our contributors represent a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, investors and decision-makers, driving impactful advancements in U.S. and Allied defense technology and trade.
Register your interest to be part of the speaking roster in January.
2026 Mission Sets
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Sustaining forces in a contested and dispersed theatre of operations
- AI / ML
- Autonomous Systems
- Cyber
- Data Processing
- Edge Computing
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Operational Energy
- Sensor & Data Fusion
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Advancing interoperability and integration of autonomous systems for multi-domain operations
- AI / ML
- Autonomous Systems
- Communications
- Cyber
- Edge Computing
- EW & Jamming
- Secure Autonomy
- Sensor & Data Fusion
- Theatre Analysis & Mission Planning
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Detecting, identifying and defeating low-cost, rapidly proliferating uncrewed system
- AI / ML
- Autonomous Systems
- C-UXS
- EW & Jamming
- Kinetic Defeat
- Non-kinetic Defeat
- Radars
- Sensor & Data Fusion
- Threat Identification
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Gaining an edge and winning autonomous warfare
- AI / ML
- Autonomous Systems
- C2 & Battle Management Systems
- Cyber
- Edge Computing
- EW & Jamming
- Radars
- Secure Autonomy
- Sensor & Data Fusion
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Fighting in a contested EMS and retaining access to space-based capabilities
- AI / Machine Learning (ML)
- Communications
- Cyber
- Edge Computing
- Electronic Warfare (EW) & Jamming
- Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) & Inertial Navigation System (INS)
- Space Technology
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Generating combat power inside the enemy's weapons engagement zone
- Assured Communications
- Autonomous Systems
- C2 & Battle Management Systems
- Cyber
- Electronic Warfare (EW) & Jamming
- Munitions
- Sensor fusion
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Countering next-generation undersea threats and protecting critical infrastructure
- AI / ML
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- C2
- Radar & Sonar
- Sensor & Data Fusion
- UAS
- USV
- UUVs
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Protecting deployed forces and homelands from advanced air and missile threats
- AI / ML
- C2
- Cyber / EW
- Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD)
- Kinetic Defeat
- Munitions
- Non-Kinetic Defeat
- Radar
- Sensor & Data Fusion
- Space Technology
2025 CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDED
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Dr Meggan Schoenberg
Principal Director for Integrated Network System of Systems,
(ASD CT), (OUSD(R&E))
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Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow and Director,
Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute
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Margaret Palmieri
Deputy Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Officer,
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
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Lindsey Sheppard
Director, Advanced C2 Accelerator,
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
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Dr. Amy Henninger
Director, Innovation & Technology Strategy,
DHS Science and Technology Directorate
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Jerry Carter
Vice President of Business Development, Integrated Mission Systems,
L3Harris Technologies
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Captain Dave Stoner
Deputy Director for Weapons and Sensors N96C,
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Surface Warfare
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Dave E. Tremper
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Acquisition Integration and Interoperability,
Office of the Secretary of Defense
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Dr. Thomas Rondeau
Principal Director for FutureG & 5G,
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
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Nicholas Hasko
Principal Deputy Advisor Office of the AUKUS Senior Advisor,
U.S. Department of State
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Melissa Johnson
Acquisition Executive & Director, SOF Acquisition, Technology & Logistics,
United States Special Operations Command