Confronting the Threat of UAS from 
the Homeland to the Battlefield
August 19 - 20, 2025 | Washington DC 
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David Shank

Former Commandant, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School US Army

David E. Shank is a U.S. Army veteran with over 30-years of leadership experience, having commanded at the executive level. He led Soldiers as the Chief Executive Officer in multiple capacities during garrison and combat operations. As his final assignment, David served as the Chief Executive Officer to the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery, responsible for publishing doctrine, organizational structure, training, materiel decision making, and leader development. He possesses extensive global operations experience with over 35 nations in complex and dynamic environments. David is recognized in the U.S., European, and Middle Eastern Air and Missile Defense communities for his expertise and contributions. He is an expert in strategic level planning, leader development, team building, program and supply chain management. David graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, earned a Master of Science Degree in Military Studies from the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army Senior Service College. He has served as a guest speaker and panel member at numerous missile defense conferences and symposiums worldwide. David currently serves as an Independent Consultant supporting a variety of integrated air and missile defense programs and initiatives. He is an advisory board member to Citadel Analytics (UK) Ltd., and the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, and resides in Florida, USA

Main Day 1

9:00 KICKOFF PANEL DISCUSSION: THE WAY FORWARD ON CUAS AUTHORITIES

  • Legal Frameworks: Insights into the diverse legal frameworks governing CUAS operations.
  • Policy Challenges: Discuss the complex policy challenges around CUAS Authorities
  • Operational Realities: Discuss the complexities of integrating CUAS capabilities into existing defense and security frameworks.

10:00 PANEL DISCUSSION: DOJ CUAS AUTHORITIES AND AQUISITION / PROCUREMENT

  • Legal Frameworks: Insights into the diverse legal frameworks governing CUAS operations.
  • Policy Challenges: Discuss the complex policy challenges around CUAS Authorities
  • Acquisition and Procurement: Discuss the acquisition and procurement processes of your office and what you are looking for in the near future.

13:30 FIRESIDE CHAT: NAVIGATING KINETIC CAPABILITES AND PROCUREMENT TRENDS IN CUAS DEFENSE

  • Explore current landscape of kinetic solutions for CUAS, including trends in technology development, development strategies, and effectiveness in mitigating UAS risks. 
  • Analyze the prevailing trends and challenges in CUAS procurement, acquisition strategies, vendor selection criteria, and budgetary considerations. 
  • Anticipate what we need to be prepared for in the realm of CUAS. Considering advancements in UAS technology, regulatory developments, and the evolving threat landscape. Strategies for enhancing readiness and agility to be prepared for future CUAS defense needs effectively. 

14:00 FIRESIDE CHAT: EXPANDING INTEGRATED AIR DEFENSE TO THE TACTICAL EDGE

·        Small unit formation role and how to empower small unit defense.

·        Role of kinetic options in tactical Counter-UAS

·        Enhanced capabilities stemming from real-time digital collaboration and integration.

15:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: COUNTER-DRONE OPERATIONS IN URBAN ENVIROMENTS: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

  • Detection and Identification Challenges: Examine the limitations of existing technologies in urban settings, such as buildings, electromagnetic interference, noise, etc. Explore innovative solutions for improving detection and identification capability in such environments.
  • Mitigation Strategies and Regulatory Considerations: Discuss the legal and ethical implications of deploying kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures in populated areas. Importance of coordinating with local authorities
  • Urban Environment Dynamics: Explore issues such as limited air space, high population density, complex terrain, which can affect detection, tracking, and interception.

Main Day 2

16:30 TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR C-UAS OPERATIONS: BUILDING EXPERTISE AND CAPABILITY

  • 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.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining David.

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