Confronting the Threat of UAS from the Homeland to the BattlefieldAugust 19 - 20, 2025 | Washington DC
Main Day 2
Day 2
8:00 - 8:55
EST
Registration and Networking
8:55 - 9:00
EST
Chair's Opening Remarks
9:30 - 10:00
EST
DOT&E'S CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF CUAS TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGY
The Honorable Dr. Douglas Schmidt -
Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), The Office of the Director,
Department of Defense
- Evaluation Criteria: Define the key metrics and methodologies employed by DOT&E to assess the effectiveness and reliability of CUAS technologies in diverse operational environments.
- Emerging Threats: Analyze the evolving landscape of UAS and identify emerging threats, including swarm tactics, stealth capabilities, and advanced payloads, to inform CUAS development and testing priorities.
- Interagency Collaboration: Explore avenues for enhanced collaboration between DOT&E, defense agencies, industry partners, and international allies to foster innovation, share best practices, and accelerate the deployment of effective CUAS solutions.
The Honorable Dr. Douglas Schmidt
Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), The Office of the DirectorDepartment of Defense
10:00 - 10:30
EST
HARNESSING THE POWER OF DIRECTED ENERGY: ADVANCEMENTS IN CUAS TECHNOLOGIES
Kirklin Williams -
Test and Evaluation Lead, Directed Energy Prototype Office, Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office,
US Army
- Highlights DEPO's role within RCCTO in driving research, development, and prototyping efforts to push the boundaries of DE-CUAS capabilities.
- Discuss best practices and strategies for the deployment and integration of DE-CUAS solutions into existing defense architectures
- .Address challenges related to interoperability, logistics, training, and sustainment, and provide insights into overcoming these obstacles to maximize the operational effectiveness of DE-CUAS systems.
Kirklin Williams
Test and Evaluation Lead, Directed Energy Prototype Office, Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology OfficeUS Army
10:30 - 11:00
EST
Morning Coffee and Networking Break
11:00 - 11:30
EST
SAFEGUARDING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE ERA OF UNMANNED THREATS
Corey Hinderstein -
Principal Deputy Administrator,
National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy
- Insights into emerging threats: Explore case studies and recent interactions to assess the diverse of risks posed to critical infrastructure, enabling proactive threat mitigation strategies.
- Strategic risk assessment and mitigation: Discuss risk assessment methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize mitigation efforts.
- Risk management: Discuss implementation of risk assessment frameworks to mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with UAS threats to critical infrastructure.
- Regulatory compliance: Navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing UAS operations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Corey Hinderstein
Principal Deputy AdministratorNational Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy
11:30 - 12:00
EST
RADIO FREQUENCY- CYBER C-UAS: CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANCED TOPICS- BY D-FEND SOLUTIONS
Glenn McArthur -
Business Development Manager,
D-Fend Solutions
- Next Generation C-UAS Approaches and Capabilities across Sectors for the Most Challenging and Sensitive Environments
- Mission Critical Requirements for Evaluation
- Evolving drone threats as reflected in the most recent incidents across sectors, including urban and border environments, critical infrastructure sites and multiple homeland security scenarios.
- Traditional Legacy C-UAV technology challenges and technological innovations to overcome the constraints and protect personnel, assets, and sites
- Optimized operational deployments and configurations for varied use cases, scenarios, and sectors, including the need for extreme on the go mobility and flexibility
- Openness, integration, and the emerging optimal layered and escalating defense concept
- Control, Safety, and the Quest for Continuity
12:00 - 12:30
EST
MITIGATING CYBER SECURITY RISKS PRESENTED BY UAS: CASE STUDY AND LESSONS LEARNED
Scott Parker -
Branch Chief, Advanced Threats Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA),
Department of Homeland Security
Scott Parker
Branch Chief, Advanced Threats Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)Department of Homeland Security
12:30 - 13:30
EST
Networking Lunch
13:30 - 14:00
EST
INTERCEPTION TACTICS: INTERCEPTING & DISABLING UNAUTHORIZED DRONES
- Interception Techniques: Insights into interception strategies deployed by the US Army to detect and neutralize hostile drones. How the US Army integrates sensors, air defense systems, and other assets to do this task effectively.
- Adaptive Response Measures: Highlight the importance of adaptive response measures to counter UAS threats. Lessons learned and current approach to evolving their tactics as adversaries continue to evolve theirs.
- Training and Doctrine: How the US Army keeps its operators up to speed with the evolving threat that is UAS. Training methodologies, simulation exercises, doctrinal frameworks that are employed to prepare operators while minimizing risks.
14:00 - 14:30
EST
SAFEGUARDING CRITICAL AIRSPACE: CUAS STRATGEGIS FROM THE WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Amir Edwards -
Special Operations Divison Commander,
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
- Overview of CUAS strategies and operations by the Metropolitan Washing Airports Authority to mitigate UAS threats and protect critical airspace.
- Insights into MWAA’s approach to CUAS, including detection technologies, response protocols, collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and integration with broader airport security frameworks.
- Sharing lessons learned and best practices from MWAA’s experience in CUAS operations and airspace security
- Practical recommendations and actionable insights for attendees to enhance their own CUAS strategies.
Amir Edwards
Special Operations Divison CommanderMetropolitan Washington Airports Authority
14:30 - 15:00
EST
COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES TO UAS SECURITY FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE
Ryan Berry -
Manager, UAS Security Division,
Federal Aviation Administration
- Overview of the partnership between the FAA and CISA in safeguarding critical infrastructure and public gatherings.
- Strategies for critical infrastructure stakeholders, stadium owners, and public event organizers to enhance UAS security.
- Discussion on operational challenges and limitations when operating without direct government intervention.
15:00 - 15:30
EST
Afternoon Networking and Coffee
15:30 - 16:00
EST
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN CUAS: EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS AND ADAPTING TO EVOLVING THREATS
Theodore Reddinger -
C-UAS Program, System Integration and Monitoring (DS/SSI/SIM), Diplomatic Security Service,
Department of State
- Introduce The Diplomatic Security Service’s approach to developing, maintaining, and enhancing C-UAS capabilities.
- Examine unique operational strategies for DSS. Cover key aspects like threat detection, response protocols, and international partnering abroad.
- Explore methods for evaluating and adapting technologies to improve effectiveness while addressing an evolving threat and regulations.
Theodore Reddinger
C-UAS Program, System Integration and Monitoring (DS/SSI/SIM), Diplomatic Security ServiceDepartment of State
16:30 - 18:00
EST
TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR C-UAS OPERATIONS: BUILDING EXPERTISE AND CAPABILITY
David Shank -
Former Commandant, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School,
US Army
Jarred D. Pennington - Branch Chief, Unmanned Systems Security Branch, Federal Protective Service, Department of Homeland Security
Jennifer Smith , M.Ed - Deputy Director, Joint Counter-small Unmanned Systems University, US Army
Dr. Cynthia Patterson - Chief of Academics, Joint C-sUAS University, US Army
- Curriculum Development and Training Programs: Discuss the importance of developing comprehensive training curricula and programs for CUAS operations.
- Simulated Training Environments: Highlight the benefits of using simulation technologies to provide a realistic and immersive training experience.
- Continuing Education and Professional Development: Highlight the importance of continuing education and professional development opportunities for maintaining expertise and capability in CUAS ops.
Jarred D. Pennington
Branch Chief, Unmanned Systems Security Branch, Federal Protective ServiceDepartment of Homeland Security
Jennifer Smith , M.Ed
Deputy DirectorJoint Counter-small Unmanned Systems University, US Army
