Assistant Chief Patrol Agent J. Michael Douglas

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent (ACPA) J. Michael Douglas has served in the United States Border Patrol for 17 years. During his career he has served in multiple U.S. Border Patrol areas of operation in support of border enforcement efforts. He was selected to join the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG) where he was responsible for carrying out operations for SOG teams on a national and international level as well as managing personnel on deployments, operational strategies, and training. Additionally, ACPA Douglas led Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Force Modernization Branch, responsible for the acquisition and provision of innovative use-of-force solutions to fill identified capability gaps in both CBP and DHS law-enforcement operational environments through extensive requirements development, market research, testing and evaluation, legal/policy reviews, and large-scale procurements; positively impacting CBP’s mission readiness as well as increasing the safety of CBP’s 40,000 plus officers and agents. Currently, ACPA Douglas is leading CUAS and SUAS training efforts for CBP’s law enforcement personnel.

Brian Fishpaugh

Mr. Brian Fishpaugh was appointed as the National Intelligence Manager (NIM) for Military Integration in August 2023. Mr. Fishpaugh is the DNI’s principal advisor and senior representative for leading the Intelligence Community’s (IC’s) mission management of intelligence related to military equities, focusing on aerial, ground, surface, and subsurface unmanned systems; unidentified anomalous phenomenon; advanced weapons; hardened and deeply buried targets; intelligence on threats to U.S. Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3); and assisting with Department of Defense operational and intelligence integration.
On a Joint Duty Assignment from the U.S. Air Force, his prior positions in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) were as the Deputy NIM for Russia, Europe, and Eurasia and the Deputy NIM for Aviation. Prior to this assignment, he served as a Senior Analyst/Program Manager in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and was responsible for an annual $100-million-dollar Joint Hard Target Strategy.
Other previous assignments include the Deputy Director/Senior Analyst of the Headquarters, U.S. Air Force A2D (Strategy, Plans, Doctrine, and Force Development Division), where he led analytical policy efforts in the initial U.S. Air Force’s Program of Analysis. In 2015/2016, he deployed as a Senior Analyst for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation INHERENT RESOLVE at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait where he led the analysis of Russian/Syrian military operations, Islamic State in Iraq and Syria Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations, and the integration of key multi-national intelligence cell partners. Prior to that deployment, he was the Senior Intelligence Representative to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s (CSAF) Strategic Studies Group (SSG), and co-led the 10-person cell reporting directly to the CSAF on the U.S. Air Force’s prioritized strategic issues. Working closely with sister services, the Interagency, and “think tanks” (the Brookings Institution, the Heritage Foundation, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Center for a New American Security), he was the SSG Lead for the U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy Air Sea Battle, the U.S. Air Force’s Director for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force-tasked, RAND Corporation-produced Libya Air War After Action Report, and was also responsible for the U.S. Air Force’s Innovation Cells during the Strategic Choices and Management Review, and final Quadrennial Defense Review.
Earlier career assignments include Senior Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Southern Command Commander’s Innovation Cell, Senior Air Analyst in the Air Force Intelligence Analysis Agency, Air and Air Defense Analyst at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, and an Air Tactics Analyst at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
Mr. Fishpaugh is a 38-year Air Force Civilian Intelligence Analyst and a Defense Intelligence Senior Leader since 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Maryland; a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations from Troy State University; is a graduate of the USAF Air War College; the Senior Executive Fellowship Program at the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government; and the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership in a Democratic Society. He has received numerous individual and team awards including two Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Awards, a Department of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, two Director of National Intelligence Intelligence Professional Awards (one for Intelligence Integration in 2010 and one for Mission Integration in 2020), and a Joint Service Commendation Award for his work while deployed to Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

Brigadier General Kazimierz Dynski

Kazimierz Dynski earned his commission from the Radar Engineering Military School. He is graduated from the National Defence University and the Air War College.
He started his career in Air Defence as a targeting officer up to A3 Division Chief of the POLAF HQ. He served as A7 Division Chief at the CC Air HQ Ramstein and J7 Deputy Chief the General Staff of the PAF, Deputy Chief of Staff - J3 Division Chief of the GENCOM and Director of the National Military Standardization Committee. He was assigned as commander of the 3rd Air Defence Brigade.

Captain (Ret.) Dariusz Wichniarek

CAPTAIN (Navy) Ret. Dariusz Wichniarek is a director of Business Development in Advanced Protection Systems in Gdynia, Poland. He is a retired officer of the Naval Special Operations Forces, former commander of the Naval Special Operations Unit “Formoza”. He graduated from the Military Academy (Engineering) in Wroclaw, the University of Technology in Gdansk, the Naval Academy in Gdynia, the Joint Special Operations University at Hurlburt Field (now Tampa), the National Defense University in Washington, DC, and the Naval War College in Newport, RI, USA.
CAPT Dariusz Wichniarek was appointed to numerous positions in the Polish Navy and Special Operations Forces: a platoon leader in the Military Diving Center in Gdynia, a commander of the Combat Diving Group, an underwater demolition and weaponry systems
officer, a senior specialist of the Naval Special Operations Department in the Navy HQ in Gdynia. In 2007 he was appointed a head of the Operational Planning Department in the newly created Polish Special Operations Forces Command HQ (POL SOFCOM). In 2009 he became a commander of the Naval Special Operations Unit “Formoza” (NSOU). In the years 2013/2014, as the first Pole, he served on the chief of staff position in the newly created NATO Special Operations Component Command in Afghanistan (NSOCC-A). From 2015 to 2018 he performed his duties as a director of the Strategy and Defense Planning Department in the Ministry of the National Defense in Warsaw, Poland. After retirement in 2018 he has held managerial positions in business, focusing on business development, protection and defense concepts, and implementation of modern technologies in security systems of critical infrastructure.
CAPT Dariusz Wichniarek completed numerous specialist courses in the country and abroad, which include: combat diving course, underwater demolitions course, special warfare course, parachute course, NATO Combined Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command Staff Officer Course, NATO CJFSOCC Operational Planning Course, Security Stability Transition and Reconstruction Course, Special Operations Combating Terrorism Course, NSOCC-A Staff Course, ISAF SOF Predeployment Training.
His awards include: a gold medal "For Merit for National Defense," silver medal "Armed Forces in the National Service ", "Star of Afghanistan", "Non-Article 5 NATO Medal", US medal "The Legion of Merit ".

Colonel Adam M. Miller

Colonel Miller is the Deputy Director for the Army’s Directed Energy Prototype Office, within the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). He leads and advises the development, integration, testing, and fielding of multiple laser weapon systems in support of Joint, Army, and Combatant Command priorities. He is a graduate of the US Army War College, Carlisle, PA.

He received his commission in the Air Defense Artillery from Ohio University in 2001. His initial assignment was in the 3rd Battalion, 62d Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, NY where he served as platoon leader and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2004, Colonel Miller was assigned to 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, Republic of South Korea (later Fort Lewis, WA) where he served as assistant operations officer and battalion logistics officer. In 2007, he assumed command of Foxtrot Company, 3d Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson, SC.

His follow-on assignments include: Program Integrator for Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Paladin Integrated Management System, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) BAE Systems, York, PA; Program Manager at United States Forces Command-Afghanistan (USFOR-A), DCMA-Afghanistan; Chief of Programs, DCMA New Cumberland, New Cumberland Army Depot, PA; Assistant Product Manager for PATRIOT Advanced Capability Three (PAC-3), Huntsville, AL; Assistant Product Manager for Integrated Air & Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) Modernization, Huntsville, AL; Department of the Army System Coordinator for Counter-Rocket, Artillery, & Mortar (C-RAM), Pentagon; Special Assistant to the Director of the Army Staff, Executive Communication and Control, Office of the Army Chief of Staff, Pentagon; Product Manager, Integrated Fires Mission Command Software, Huntsville, AL; Executive Officer to the Director of the RCCTO and later Project Manager, Counter-small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) High Energy Lasers, RCCTO, Huntsville, AL.

Colonel Miller holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Clemson University. Other education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course, Short Range Air Defense Officer Course, Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, Command and General Staff College, and multiple Army Acquisition courses.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He wears the Army Parachutist Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge.

He and his family reside in Madison, AL.
 

Colonel Chris Labbé

From Québec City, Québec, Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Labbé joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2005, attending the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

After completing Aerospace Engineering Officer training in 2011, he joined the project team responsible for bringing the CC130J Hercules into service as a System Engineering Officer and subsequently transferred to the Weapon System Management office.

He was posted to 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario in 2015 where he performed the duties of Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Officer as well as Operations Officer at 424 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron. During his five years supporting Search and Rescue (SAR), LCol Labbé had to opportunity to participate in multiple SAR operations including as an Air Task Force Commander for a major search.
Deploying to the 609th Air Operations Center of the United States Air Force in 2018, he contributed to coalition operations in Southwest Asia by fulfilling the duties of Chief of Air Tasking Order Coordination and Master Air Attack Planner.

Employed in the Royal Canadian Air Force Headquarters from 2021 to 2024, he served as the Director of Air and Space Programmes managing the Force Development coordination and capital investment portfolios, as well as spearheading Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capability development.
In July 2024, LCol Labbé moved to the office of the Chief of Combat Systems Integration as the first Head of the Canadian Joint C-UAS Office.

LCol Labbé holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Ottawa. He has completed the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff Programme Advanced Joint Warfighting Studies stream, obtaining a Master’s of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.
LCol Labbé is married to a serving Canadian Armed Forces officer, and they have two lovely children.
 

Colonel Glenn A. Henke

Colonel Glenn Henke serves as the 46th Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery, Chief of Air Defense Artillery, and Deputy Commanding Officer of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His prior assignment was as the Military Deputy Director, Joint Counter-sUAS Office (JCO) in the Pentagon.
Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, COL Henke entered active duty in 1997 after graduating from Seattle University. As a lieutenant, he served as an Avenger/Stinger platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division and aide to the XVIII Airborne Corps Chief of Staff. As a captain, he served in the 1st Infantry Division as Assistant S-3, Operations Officer for Task Force Falcon in Kosovo, battalion S-3, and battery commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
Following battery command, COL Henke served with the TRADOC Capability Manager for Ballistic Missile Defense in Arlington, VA, the 82nd Airborne Division Chief of Future Plans in Afghanistan, battalion executive officer at Fort Bragg, and on a Joint Test in support of NORAD and USNORTHCOM.
COL Henke commanded 1-43 ADA at Fort Bliss, then served as G-3 for the 32d AAMDC. As a colonel, he served as the Missile Defense Division Chief for CFC & USKF, commanded the 35th ADA Brigade in South Korea, and served as the Deputy Commanding Officer for 32d AAMDC.
COL Henke holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Seattle University, a Master of Arts in International Security Studies from Kansas State University, a Master in Military Art and Science from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a graduate of the ADA Officer Basic Course, the Armor Captains Career Course, CGSOC, SAMS, and the Army War College.
COL Henke’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, with campaign and service medals for Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and the Global War on Terror. COL Henke is a master rated parachutist and holds the Army Basic Space Badge.
COL Henke married Katherine Anselmo from Spokane, Washington, in 1997, and they have two teenage daughters.

Colonel Guy Yelverton

Colonel Guy Yelverton, III was commissioned a Field Artillery Officer upon graduation from Texas A&M University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering. After completion of the Field Artillery Basic Course, Colonel Yelverton was assigned as the Fire Support Officer for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th US Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood, Texas. He next served as the Fire Direction Officer and then Platoon Leader for Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, after which he was selected to serve as the Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General, Test and Experimentation Command, Ft. Hood, Texas. After attending the Captain’s Career Course, he served as the Battalion Fire Direction Officer for 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery. Colonel Yelverton then assumed
command of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery on 19 June 2001. Bravo Battery was recognized as runner-up for the 2002 Henry Knox Award (best battery in the Army). Upon relinquishing command in 2003, he moved to Fort Belvoir to serve as the Battalion S3 for the USAG Headquarters Battalion. In 2005, he was selected to join the Army Acquisition Corps and attend Advanced Civil Schooling where he earned a Master of Arts degree with Honors in Computer Resource Information Management from Webster University. He was then assigned as the Strategic Planning Division Chief for the Ballistic Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency, Army Evaluation Center, Army Test and Evaluation Command. Colonel Yelverton next served as an Assistant Product Manager for Soldier Precision Targeting Devices in PEO Soldier. He next deployed to Afghanistan as the Executive Officer and Chief of Acquisition and Contracts for Task Force Biometrics, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435. Colonel Yelverton was next selected as a Department of the Army Systems Coordinator for Program Executive Officer Missiles and Space and the Space and Missile Defense Command in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. He was next selected as a Special Assistant to the Director of the Army Staff in the Executive Communications and Control for the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army and later selected to serve as a Special Assistant and Acquisition Advisor to the Vice Chief of Staff, Army. Colonel Yelverton was the Product Manager of the Re-designed Kill Vehicle program at the Missile Defense Agency. He previously served as the Project Manager for Strategic and Operational Rockets and Missiles at PEO Missiles and Space. He is currently assigned as the Project Manager for Integrated Fires and Rapid Capability Office at PEO Missiles and Space and also serves as the acting Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management. Colonel Yelverton’s military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (Commandant’s List), Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course (Honor Graduate), Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Army Acquisition Basic Course (Distinguished Graduate), Intermediate Contracting Course (Honor Graduate), Intermediate Level Education, the Acquisition Intermediate Qualification Course, the DAU Program Manager’s Course, and the Air War College with Academic Distinction. Colonel Yelverton’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, the ISAF NATO Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Basic Space Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. He has also received the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and the Noble Patron of Armor awards.

Colonel Shaun S. Conlin

Colonel Tony Behrens

Colonel Tony Behrens serves the Executive Director for the Guam Defense System Joint Program Office, Headquarters, Department of the Army in Huntsville, Alabama. His chief responsibility is to lead and synchronize the Joint Force and Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) enterprise to support the defense of Guam. A career Air Defender, COL Behrens spent the last decade influencing strategic and national Joint Fires and IAMD priorities, requirements, operational concepts, capability development, integration and warfighter advocacy from various positions, to include Army Capability Manager for Army Air & Missile Defense Commands (Army Futures Command); Director, Army Fires Capabilities Development & Integration Directorate (Army Futures Command); Deputy Director, Joint Integrated Air & Missile Defense Organization (Joint Staff, Pentagon), and Senior Advisor to the Air & Missile Defense Cross Functional Team (Army Futures Command). In 2017, COL Behrens developed the Army’s initial vision for the Multi-Domain Task Force. At the Joint Staff, COL Behrens contributed to policy decisions and the strategy to equip and integrate Ukrainian air defenses by advising national and operational leaders. He also led the Joint IAMD enterprise in support of Air & Cruise Missile Defense of the Homelands and the Defense of Guam by developing a process to synchronize and prioritize global joint IAMD requirements. COL Behrens first commanded in combat as a battery commander of the Army’s newest Patriot advanced capability in 2002-2003. He has since commanded and led staffs in combat in support of multiple named operations. His service at the JPO will culminate over 30 years in uniform.

Colonel Yuka Nakazato

Colonel Yuka Nakazato serves as Air and Space Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in the US. She is the first woman to serve as a defense attaché to the US for Japan. She has made her career as a Weapon control officer responsible for air defense operations in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force with 20 years of service. She graduated Air Command Staff Course at the US Air Force University in Montgomery, Alabama and she has over 10 years of experience working related to Japan-U.S. defense cooperation.

C-UAS Hub

David Goldstein

Mr. David Goldstein graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) with a Bachelors and Masters of Mechanical Engineering in 2007 and from Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison, NJ) with a Masters of Business Administration in 2014. He has spent his entire career at US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ and has developed ballistic C-sUAS systems for the last decade. He is the lead for C-sUAS at Armaments Center and a co-chair of the Tri-Service Counter-Swarming Working Group.

David W. Morrison

David W. Morrison is the Vice-President of Surveillance Radars for Weibel Scientific, North America. Since retiring from the U.S. Army in June of 2017 after 32 years of service, David has worked in the Defense Industry in various Strategy and Business positions (GDMS, Raytheon) supporting vehicle and systems integration for ISR and EW systems. David is a former Army Military Intelligence Officer with experience in the Army, Special Operations, and Joint Intelligence. He has led at every echelon from Battalion to Theater Army Service Component as the Senior Intelligence Officer (S2/G2/J2). He has multiple Combat deployments: Combat Jump into Panama during Operation JUST CAUSE; two deployments into Bosnia during Operation JOINT GUARDIAN for the hunt of Persons Indicted for War Crimes (PIFWICSs); a myriad of deployments into Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as Ranger Task Force S2, CJTF-76 J2 (10th Mountain Division), and CJSOTF J2; the invasion of Iraq and follow-on deployments during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; and culminating his career as the JSOC J2 for critical National mission sets and finally as the US Army Pacific G2 as the Army Senior Intelligence Officer for the Indo-Pacific Theater.

DJ Smith

DJ Smith is a Technical Surveillance Agent for the Virginia State Police and has worked in the area of Covert Technical/Tactical Surveillance for almost 30 years. Several areas of specialty are GPS Installs, Video-Audio Clarification, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), Title III Intercepts, Mesh-Node Camera Deployments, Technical/Tactical Lock Bypass & Safe Penetration including GSA locks & containers, Cellular Tracking and Geo-Locating, Covert Audio/Video deployments, sUAS & Counter UAS deployment operations to name a few.

In the area of sUAS and Counter UAS Operations:

• He is the Unmanned Aerial Systems Program Coordinator for sUAS & Counter UAS operations for the Virginia State Police
• He serves on the Virginia Safe and Secure Commonwealth Sub-Panel dealing with UAS/Counter UAS implementation and legislative issues for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Has served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on various technologies for the DHS office of Electronic Surveillance, Law Enforcement Technology Board (SPAWARS Atlantic & Saver program).
• As a representative of the Virginia State Police, he is a stakeholder on the Mid-Atlantic UAS Partnership group (Google Wing) at Virginia Tech for Commercial/Enterprise UAS deliveries.
• He has served on the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate First Responder Robotic Operational System Test (FFROST) assessment & evaluations of sUAS for Public Safety.
• He has presented and moderated discussions at: Semi-Annual Counter UAS Summit in Washington DC, AUVSI Xponential, Commercial UAV Expo, Center for Innovative Technology and various agencies across the US.
• He also provides technical advice to legislative groups in Washington, DC assisting in getting the legislative carve-outs for SLTT agencies to obtain sUAS mitigation technology.
• He is also licensed part 107 pilot and has been flying sUAS for over 13 years.
   

Dr Craig Robin

Dr Daniel Guillette

Daniel Guillette is an Electronics Engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory's High Power Electromagnetics Division. He joined AFRL as a student in 2011 before becoming a full-time employee in 2014. He received his B.S. and M.S. In Electrical Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 2012 and 2014, and his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico in 2022. Dr. Guillette has held a number of jobs in his 12 years at AFRL most notably as the THOR System Principal Investigator.
 

Dr Donald Shiffler

Dr Kimberly Sablon

Dr. Kimberly Sablon is the Principal Director for Trusted AI and Autonomy at the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)). In this role, she oversees AI/ML and autonomy research activities across the DOD enterprise. She also has responsibility for shaping the strategic direction for integrated AI and autonomy with an emphasis on trust and responsible decision making. Previously, Dr. Sablon served as the Army’s S&T Director – setting strategic direction and with responsibility and oversight of $2.6B per year budget. She also served as the Director for Basic Research in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology where she was responsible for formulating and defending selected basic research budgets, programs, plans, priorities and investments to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and to Congress. Dr. Sablon received a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of Arkansas in 2009. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to nine scientific and technical books.

Dr Shankha Mallick

Dr. Shankha Mallick is the Chief Operating Officer of SKYCOPE, a global leader in advanced
RF-based counter-UAS technology. He oversees strategic operations, product innovation, and
international partnerships, driving the development of AI-powered RF systems that can detect,
identify, and track over 450 UAV models—including most of the COTS, MOTS, DIYs, and
FPVs— ALL in a compact, wearable form. His leadership has solidified SKYCOPE’s reputation
as a global frontrunner in drone defense technology.
Dr. Mallick holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of British
Columbia (UBC) and has previously served as faculty at UBC and the Bangladesh University of
Engineering and Technology. With 23 IEEE publications, three book chapters, and a patent, he
is a recognized expert in RF AI, C-UAS technologies, and wireless communications.

Dr Tom Driscoll

Tom Driscoll is a technologist, inventor, and entrepreneur with a drive to advance the art of the possible. Currently, Dr. Driscoll serves as Founder and CTO of Echodyne, the Seattle startup bringing breakthrough radar capability to meet commercial, and defense needs across autonomy, security, and intelligence markets. Prior to Echodyne, Tom was Managing Director of the Metamaterials Commercialization Center, the technology incubator which launched the words first metamaterials-enabled ventures. Dr. Driscoll is a named inventor on over 100 patents, has co-founded five startups, and served on the board of directors of four. Tom holds a PhD in physics from UCSD, a B.S. in Physics from Harvey Mudd

Erik Grant

Mr. Erik Grant is the Vice President for the Counter Uncrewed Systems (C-UxS) Solutions Division at CACI. Mr. Grant oversees a team of 250+ program managers, engineers, and technologists developing sophisticated systems to detect and defend against unmanned system threats. Mr. Grant’s division develops the Skytracker™ portfolio of C-UxS systems which provides industry leading detection, tracking, identification, deterrence, and defeat of unmanned systems to multiple U.S. Government organizations. SkyTracker™ systems employ radio frequency (RF), radar, and electro optical / infrared (EO/IR) sensors, automated command and control software, and sophisticated electronic defeat techniques to protect critical U.S. Government installations. His division also designs, develops, manufactures, and sustains other tactical SIGINT / electronic warfare (EW) systems for various Department of Defense (DoD) organizations.
He joined CACI in October 2020 as the Chief Engineer for the Advanced Solutions Group (ASG) which focuses on end-to-end space system solutions, critical space and launch infrastructure sustainment and operational support, specialized mission expertise, collection/mission management, mission processing, rapid prototyping, agile development, threat detection/mitigation, data fusion, RF/signal exploitation, activity-based intelligence, data visualization tools, and analytics. Mr. Grant provided technical oversight of engineering activities across the operating group, focusing on the development of innovative solutions to challenging customer problems. He was promoted to Vice President and assumed responsibility for the ASG C-UxS Solutions Division in August 2021.
Prior to joining CACI, Mr. Grant spent 16 years at Raytheon Technologies in multiple business and engineering leadership roles. During his time at Raytheon, Mr. Grant blended technical acumen and strategic business development experience to capture and execute complex technology development programs. As a Raytheon Engineering Fellow Mr. Grant served in several senior technical leadership positions including Chief Engineer for the Defense and Civil Solutions business area and Technical Director for the Mission Support and Modernization product line and before that the Intelligence Processing and Exploitation business area. Mr. Grant received certifications as a strategic capture manager and as a program manager.
Prior to his time at Raytheon, Mr. Grant worked for CAE-Link, Lockheed Martin, and Orincon Corporation in various engineering leadership roles and supported multiple Intelligence Community and Department of Defense programs.
Mr. Grant earned his B.S. degree with Honors in Aerospace Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Science from the Pennsylvania State University.

Garry P. Bishop, SES

After a multi-decade career of service to the nation, Mr. Garry P. Bishop was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in December 2022 and appointed DOT&E Deputy Director for Land and Expeditionary Warfare. In this capacity, he is responsible for the oversight and adequacy of operational test and evaluation for land force capabilities, including ground vehicles and platforms, rotary-wing aviation, tactical unmanned aerial systems, command, control and communications systems, force protection systems, and artillery, mortars and missiles. Mr. Bishop was commissioned at the United States Military Academy in May 1985 as a lieutenant in Armor. During his 27 years of distinguished Army service, he held numerous key assignments, including: Armored Company Commander during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm; Executive Officer, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division; Commander, 1-37 Armor Regiment during its 15-month Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment in Baghdad and Karbala; and Aide de Camp, United States Security Coordinator, Israel-Palestinian Authority (later, Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command). These critical experiences continue to inform his warfighter-centric approach to operational test and evaluation. Following his retirement in the grade of colonel, Mr. Bishop chose to continue supporting national defense by joining DOT&E as a civilian military analyst and interdisciplinary engineer. During his 10 years in this position, Mr. Bishop was responsible for the evaluation of most land-based ground combat systems. He also led development of a new Department of Defense Instruction for test and evaluation, which encompasses developmental, operational, and integrated test and evaluation. In addition, he developed DOD’s Test and Evaluation Guidebook and was instrumental in crafting the 2022 DOT&E Strategy Update and its implementation plan. Mr. Bishop is a native of Philadelphia. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from New Mexico State University, and a Master of National Security Strategies from the National Defense University. His many awards and decorations include the Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.

Gus Anderson

Jeffrey Starr

Jeffrey Starr is the Chief Marketing Officer at D-Fend Solutions, a leading global provider of RF-cyber counter-drone solutions for sensitive and challenging environments. Jeffrey is a frequent writer, speaker, and evangelist on next generation C-UAS/counter-drone technology topics. He has authored numerous articles and has been interviewed on the topic in many professional, technical, trade and news publications. Jeffrey brings a record of generating new defense and security technology adoption with thought leadership, visionary strategies, and insightful direction for rapid and sustained growth. Jeffrey has served in CMO and executive roles for fast growing companies in the security, public safety, defense, compliance, and risk management sectors – including AlgoSec, Cellebrite, Verisk 3E, Magic Software Enterprises and Amdocs. Jeffrey also served as General Partner at Mission Ventures Venture Capital and as an Analyst at Booz Allen.

Julie Balduf

Ms. Balduf is the Deputy Chief of the CUAS Base Defense Branch for AFCENT, working within the CENTCOM AOR to ensure our bases have the appropriate CUAS for their given threats. She and her team lead a bi-weekly TS CUAS/CLACM VTC that is always looking for more participation to help define the threat and determine the gaps in coverage and defeat capabilities. She works extensively with numerous outside agencies to ensure the entire community of interest is tied together on the same path. Prior to her current position, Ms. Balduf graduated from the Air Force Academy and was an Air Battle Manager, serving in Germany (NATO), Korea and CONUS. In addition, she finished her active duty time at Shaw, working for AFCENT in the Personnel Recovery Branch, Airfields and C2 Branch and as the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Kirs Brost

Larry Satterfield

Larry Satterfield served as an airborne electronic warfare officer in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to Iraq, Qatar, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Turkey, and Japan. He spent two years as a liaison to the Department of State, developing international C-UAS policy, before retiring in 2021. Larry has been a part of BlueHalo’s international sales team since February 2023.

Lieutenant Colonel Josh Mickle

Lieutenant Colonel Mickle is an infantry officer who has served in various roles since graduating from RMC in 2005. His experience spans Platoon and Company Command, Military Instruction, project management, operational analysis, and capability development. He has participated in several operational deployments, including OP SLIPPER, VIC FIRES ASSIST, PARAPET and RESOLUTE.
Over a twenty-year career, he has received several recognitions for his contributions to Army and Defence. In 2015, he received an Army Bronze Commendation for designing Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group contribution to OP RESOLUTE. In 2018, he received an Army Silver Commendation for his leadership as a company commander. In 2022, during a posting to VCDF Executive as an operational analyst, he was part of a team who received a VCDF group gold commendation for their contribution to improving Joint Force Interoperability.
Lieutenant Colonel Mickle has experience in the Land 400 phase 3 acquisition program for Army’s future infantry fighting vehicle in which he is currently working in the Army’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO), where developed a new road map for an improved culture of innovation and agile thinking in the Army to align with the Chief of Army’s vision for enterprise innovation. As the lead for Army Innovation, he sponsored the Army MakerSpace program as Army’s innovation collaboration software and Army Innovation Day. He is a conduit to the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) to represent Army’s interests in pursuing emerging technologies from Australian industry and academia.
Lieutenant Colonel Mickle is currently the Project Lead for Land 156, Army’s accelerated Counter Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems project responsible to deliver cutting edge technology solutions to protect deployed forces from the threat of drones and autonomous systems.
Lieutenant Colonel Mickle is a Capability and Technology Management College graduate with a Masters of Business and a Masters of Capability Management. He is also a qualified Test and Evaluation practitioner, experienced Operational Analysis practitioner and a Certified Practicing Project Manager with the Australian Institute of Project Management.
Lieutenant Colonel Mickle is married to his wife of 14 years Katey, and has two children Harriet (10) and Wallace (8) at primary school in Canberra.

Lieutenant Colonel Rudiger Rauch

Assistant Branch Chief Strategy and Operations Directorate I 6, C-sUAS, NATO Biometrics, Data Protection Military Intelligence, Federal Ministry of Defense, Germany
Lieutenant Colonel Rudiger Rauch was born on May 08th 1968 in Harderberg near Osnabrueck Lower Saxonia.
1988 Airforce Basic Training Essen-Kupferdreh
1992 67. Officercourse Airforce Officerschool Fuerstenfeldbruck
1994 Electronic Warfare Officer Course Airforce Technical School Lechfeld
1994 - 2000 Electronic Warfare Officer (Duty Officer COMINT, Platoonleader)
Signal Sector D, Berlin-Gatow
2000 - 2002 Electronic Warfare Officer, Desk Officer
German Airforce Command A3Va, Cologne
2002 - 2003 Electronic Warfare Officer, Desk Officer
Strategic Reconnaissance Command, Directorate Future Development, Equipment Department, Rheinbach
2003 - 2006 Sector Commander
3./COMINT Bn 911, Stadum
2006 - 2009 Teaching Staff Officer Airforce
Strategic Reconnaissance School, Flensburg
2009 - 2012 J3 and Deputy Commander
COMINT Bn 911, Stadum
2012 - 2013 Deputy Commander and J3
Signal Analysis Center 91, Flensburg
2013 - 2014 Group Leader 4 Technical Analysis and Head of COMINT Department
Bundeswehr SIGINT Technical Analysis Center (BwSTAC), Hof
05/2014 – 07/2018 Assistant Branch Chief for the authorised representative FMOD within the Paliamentary Inquiry Council, SME SIGINT
FMOD Berlin
08/2018 – 10/2018 Assistant Branch Chief Strategy and Operations Directorate II 4, EUTM MLI
FMOD Berlin
11/2018 – 07/2019 Assistant Branch Chief Strategy and Operations Directorate I 1, C-sUAS, NATO Biometrics, Data Protection Military Intelligence FMOD, Berlin
07/2019 –
today Assistant Branch Chief Strategy and Operations Directorate I 6, C-sUAS, NATO Biometrics, Data Protection Military Intelligence
FMOD, Berlin

Lieutenant Commander Phillip Durand

LCdr Phillip Durand joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 2003. After graduating from RMC, he was posted to HMCS Athabaskan as a Bridge Watchkeeper, then as the ship’s Navigating Officer. In 2011, LCdr Durand return to RMC as a Squadron Commander, where he concurrently completed his Masters in Disaster Management. In 2013, he was posted to HMCS Montreal as the ship’s Combat Officer, in which he oversaw several different missions, including the At-Sea Demonstration for MTMD. In 2016, he was posted to Ottawa in various roles, including positions at Strategic Joint Staff, CFINTCOM and at the Director of Naval Requirements.

Maarten van den Oever

Maarten van den Oever was born in 1985 in the Netherlands. His BEng he obtained in the topic of cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum usage. He received his Masters degree in electrical engineering with specialization remote sensing and telecommunications from the Delft University of Technology in 2012 with a thesis on Space-Based FMCW SAR Systems. After working on instrument pre development the European Space Agency and on EW systems at the Dutch research agency NLR he moved to the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA). Since 2021 he supports the Joint ISR Centre on Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Navigational Warfare (NAVWAR). Currently he is involved in the development of STANREC 4869 to promote interoperability in the counter UAS domain.

Magnus Wallmark

Major Andrew Durfee

MAJ Andrew F. Durfee is currently assigned to JPEO Armaments and Ammunition and PM Maneuver Ammunition Systems, where he serves as the Assistant Product Manager (APM) for PdM Medium Caliber focusing on rapidly producing proximity munitions for a C-UAS solutions. MAJ Durfee’s prior acquisition experience includes APM for PdM Terrain Shaping Obstacles, and graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School. Prior to his Acquisition career, MAJ Durfee served as a HHC Commander deployed to Iraq, and a Light Infantry commander with the 1-506IN BN, 101st ABN DIV. Additionally he served as a Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader and HHC Executive Officer while supporting the Army’s Network Integration Evaluation at Fort Bliss, TX.

Major Jason Dempsey

Maj Dempsey commissioned in May 2005. He is a former CH-53E pilot and Air Support Control Officer. He served as the lead integrator at the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab for sUAS and CUAS from 2014-2017. Since 2020, he has been the Ground Based Air Defense and CUAS Capabilities Integration Officer at Capabilities Development Directorate. Maj Dempsey has deployed to Djibouti, Belize, Afghanistan, Ethiopia and on the USS Boxer as part of the 13th MEU. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business from Longwood University and a Masters Degree in Business from Marshall University.

Major Michel K.C. Koopman

The Major Michel Koopman has been an FP officer for twenty years, the first four years as an ground defense force platoon commander. Then followed different functions as an training officer for ground defense forces and basic military personnel, in the same area’s he then did two tours as a Captain.
After a short staff tour he became an FP officer within the Army staff of an GBAD unit. At the last post before his current task, as an C-UAS program manager, he was Squadron Commander of the 640 Sqn at Airbase Volkel. Throughout the years he has been deployed to Afghanistan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Mali and Jordan. He’s married with Sabine and has 1 daughter of 9 years (Senna) and 1 dog (Stacey) and lives in the southern part of Holland. (Brabant)
 

Mario Behn

Mario Behn is working at the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA). He supports the Joint ISR Centre on Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and Navigational Warfare (NAVWAR) as a German Voluntary National Contribution (VNC). Immediately before, he was the German National Technical Expert (NATEX) for IAMD/AirC2. He is a graduate from the German Federal Civil Service Academy (Senior Track in Defence Technology and Procurement) and holds two Master degrees (Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, USA & Business Administration, Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Germany).

Maxwell L. Cooper

Max is currently serving as the Assistant Deputy for Weapons and Sensors in the Surface Warfare Directorate of the OPNAV staff (OPNAV N96C). His duties include planning for and managing the development of requirements for future weapons and sensors while sustaining existing systems, ensuring the continued lethality of the surface fleet. His portfolio includes 38 different lines of effort totaling over $21B. Other assignments within the OPNAV staff include Assistant Deputy for Operations, Maintenance and Modernization (OPNAV N96G) and Ship Inactivation Manager on the CNO’s Integrated Warfare staff (OPNAV N9I).
Prior to arriving at OPNAV, Max served as the Chief of Staff for Surface Warfare (SEA 21) within the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), where he managed operations in support of the Navy’s surface ship maintenance and modernization programs, inactive ships disposal and transfer, foreign military sales fleet support, and surface training systems development. He also served as the Pre-Commissioning Manpower, Personnel, and Training Project Manager in PMS 339, Surface Training Systems, where he developed and executed manning and training plans for new construction platforms across the PEO Ships portfolio.
Max served on the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Ships) and OPNAV N96, Surface Warfare staffs, including serving as the Navy’s liaison to the Missile Defense Agency to ensure alignment between MDA, DASN (Ships), and OPNAV N96 in the development and fielding of the Navy’s afloat and ashore Ballistic Missile Defense capability in support of the European Phased Adaptive Approach.
Max holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security Studies with a focus in Terrorism and Middle Eastern Studies from American Military University, Bachelors of Arts degrees in History and Religion from the University of Rochester, and is an MIT Seminar XXI National Security Fellow. He was commissioned an officer in the United States Navy in 2003 through the University of Rochester Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He served on USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and at the Military Sealift Command.

Michael Torphy

Mr. Torphy has served over 19 years in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and currently oversees its UAS and Counter-UAS operational programs, among other initiatives. Prior to reporting to Redstone Arsenal in late 2021 to lead this new unit, he directed manned and unmanned aviation operations in the Los Angeles field office. In previous roles, he managed enterprise technology projects and led the FBI’s aviation security program in Washington, DC. Earlier in his career, he conducted national security and violent crime investigations in the New York and Portland field offices.

Mike Powell

Mike Powell is the CUAS Executive Director at ICR, Inc., with more than 30 years of experience in delivering advanced force protection technologies to the Department of Defense (DoD).
At ICR, Mike’s primary mission is to deploy the company’s military-grade, best-in-class Cyber Takeover and Passive Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) solutions to enable advanced air littoral defense.
Mike’s career is defined by pioneering innovations, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to saving lives through advanced CUAS solutions.
A proactive leader, Mike’s expertise includes DoD capture management, strategy, market entry, and product management. Throughout his career, he has successfully secured large contract awards and fostered collaborations with the DoD, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and industry partners.
As a subject matter expert on Counter Drone Technology, Mike has championed life-saving innovations and strengthened force protection capabilities that have proven crucial to deploying warfighter protection systems for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and industry.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Mike was awarded the esteemed "Innovator of the Year" award in 2014 from the state of Arizona for his work in force protection and border security.
 

Oren Poleg

Oren Poleg, US VP of Strategy and Business Development at Sentrycs and Founder and President of Cedar Strategies, is a renowned expert in navigating complex business, political, and regulatory landscapes to drive strategic growth across industries. With a distinguished career, Oren previously served as President & CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries North America, where he led U.S. operations, fostered government and industry partnerships, and advanced strategic acquisitions and sales. His prior roles include Vice President for Strategy & Business Development at Rafael USA, where he achieved groundbreaking milestones in the U.S. defense market. A former Executive Naval Officer in the IDF and a diplomat, Oren combines deep expertise in defense, aerospace, and international business. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Rob Helweg

Rob Helweg joined in 1992 the new formed Airmobile Brigade and was deployed in 1994 to Srebrenica in former Joegoslavia. After this tour he stayed as an reservist till present time as an warrant officer. In 2023 the Royal Netherlands Airforce (RNLAF) contracted him as an civilian on the Counterdrone program. During 2024 he is also deploying drone (UAS) within the RNLAF. At the Airmobile Brigade he is working on the same progams.
He’s married with Myrna and has 1 son of 16 year old and a daughter of 12 years and lives in the southern part of the Netherlands in the city Dordrecht.
 

Robert “Bob” Hribar

Robert “Bob” Hribar is the Acquisition and Technology Deputy Division Chief for the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Office (JCO). Bob served in a variety of program management and acquisition positions in the Department of the Defense and the General Services Administration. Bob is a retired Army officer, who served 22 years, including wartime service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the United Stated Military Academy, a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma City University, and a Program Management Professional certification.

Robert Woodall

Robert Woodall served in US Army Infantry and Special Operations as an UAS/CUAS operator from 2017-2022, deploying to Afghanistan. He has been with BlueHalo for two years, travelling to Ukraine on three separate occasions.

Ryan Berry

Ryan Berry is currently the Senior Advisor for Aviation Security to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Security Branch, while also serving as a FAA liaison. In this role he provides advisement on a variety of aviation security related factors and serves as a subject matter expert on UAS and C-UAS efforts. Previously, Mr. Berry was the manager of the UAS Security Division within FAA’s Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH).

Prior to joining the FAA, Mr. Berry served as a subject matter expert in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense-Policy, Homeland Defense Integration, helping to develop and improve the counter-UAS coordination process between DoD and the FAA. Mr. Berry also served for 11 years in the US Navy as a tactical naval flight officer in the EA-6B Prowler conducting afloat flight operations supporting US and coalition partners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Mr. Berry is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and holds a MA in International Security from George Mason University, a MBA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Bachelors in History from Virginia Tech.
 

Sarah J. Parker

Sarah Parker serves as the Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Capability Area Lead (CAL) for the Technology Development Directorate (TDD) of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC). The AMD Capability Area Lead serves as the primary representative for AMD Science and Technology (S&T) activities for all of DEVCOM and the primary representative for AvMC to the AMD Cross Functional Team, PEO Missiles and Space and various Program Offices.

Ms. Parker has served numerous assignments that provided oversight, guidance and direction for a variety of technology development initiatives for the U.S. Army. Her expertise is in infrared sensor and seeker development and system integration. She recently led a radar seeker development and system integration as chief engineer for a seeker-based missile program. She has also led several initiatives within the AvMC to investigate swarming missile and counter swarm UAS technologies.

As the DEVCOM AvMC AMD CAL, Ms. Parker sets the strategic direction for AvMC AMD S&T, leads the DEVCOM C-UAS Community of Practice, and oversees the AMD portfolio of missile interceptor, air defense radar and fire control technology developments in support of AMD modernization priorities.

She completed both her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and her Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Ms. Parker has accomplished Level III certification in Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering (SPRDE) and is an Army Acquisition Corp member. She resides in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband, Tony and three children, Andrew, Olivia and Levi.
 

Sean Bittick

Sean Bittick is the C-UAS and Capability Development officer for the Innovation, Hybrid, & Cyber (IHC) Division at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He contributes to the evolution of the Defence Against Terrorism and Asymmetric Threats Programme of Work (DAT POW) and its role within the IHC Division. He serves as Secretary for the C-UAS Working Group (to include updating the Terms of Reference, Doctrine development, and the Programme of Work), and liaises with internal and external C-UAS stakeholders. His formational experiences derived from service in the United States Armed Forces at the Tactical, Operational, and Strategic levels within the Air Force’s Security Forces career field as well as service out of uniform with the United States’ Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO). Sean holds a Master of Arts Degree in European and Eurasian Studies from the George Washington University.

Second Lieutenant Ruben Hasselman

Lieutenant joined the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and has actively participated in the C-UAS program since then. Currently stationed at RNLAF headquarters, his primary responsibility involves planning and conducting C-UAS operations within the RNLAF. His main focus is preparing the force by education and training courses. He also involved in concept development and experimentation with the latest generation of C-UAS systems, as well in the implementation of proven C-UAS concepts.

Squadron Leader Hugo Morris

Squadron Leader Morris joined the RAF Regiment in 2000. His first assignment was as a Flight Commander on 26 Squadron with operational deployments to Op RESINATE SOUTH in Kuwait and Op TELIC I in Iraq. In 2004, he was posted to RAF Honington as the Ground Defence Training Officer and Officer Commanding the Nuclear Accident Response Team. After a second Op TELIC tour commanding an Iraq Department of Border Enforcement Training Team, in September 2006 Morris was amongst the first Bowman Signals Officers and assigned to 3 Squadron. During 3 Squadron’s Op HERRICK deployment in southern Afghanistan, Morris concurrently commanded a Rifle Flight and Support Weapons Flight.
On return from Afghanistan Morris joined the Bowman Training and Advisory Group (Joint), responsible for converting 3 Commando Brigade and 16 Air Assault Brigade units to the Bowman communication system. This role required a four-month deployment embarked on HMS Ocean whilst on attachment to 40 Commando Royal Marines. Following an extended Op HERRICK (LANSBURY) Afghanistan tour with UK Special Forces and the Security and Intelligence Agencies at the end of his Bowman role, in January 2012 Morris was posted to the Joint Counter-Terror Training and Advisory Team as the Pakistan High-Threat Team Leader on Op MONOGRAM
Returning from two years in Pakistan in January 2014, Morris was posted to the Full Spectrum Coordination Cell in London, a joint Ministry of Defence and Security and Intelligence Agency body for whom he spent a year in the United States as Liaison Officer. Promoted to Squadron Leader in November 2015 whilst in the United States, Morris returned to the UK in January 2016 for his first OF3 tour as the Close Combat and C-UAS Capability Development staff officer at Air Command. In November 2018 he was assigned to the Defence Portfolio & Approval Secretariat as the Air Desk Officer, during which time Morris deployed for eight months with UK Special Forces on Op BLANCA in Afghanistan in a high-threat mentoring capacity. In October 2022 Morris returned to the CUAS world as SO2 C-sUAS in Army HQ Programmes Directorate, responsible for the delivery of Land GBAD Project 6.
Morris is married to Caroline, a consultant Transplant physician, and they have a son, Rufus, aged 8.

Stefanus Coetzer

Stephan Kraschansky

Stephan Kraschansky, the Managing Director of AARONIA Austria, a subsidiary of AARONIA AG Germany, has a global portfolio overseeing military, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure clients; At the age of 33, Mr. Kraschansky currently manages a Team of C-UAS experts in Austria. His professional journey and educational background are deeply rooted in his service as an EW & C-UAS Officer with the Austrian Armed Forces. Furthermore, he assumed command of Austria's sole Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Element. During his tenure, he successfully led more than a hundred C-UAS operations, which included safeguarding high-profile events like the G20 Summit 2022, Austria's European Council Presidency and providing C-UAS support for Europe's largest air show, AIRPOWER.

Vijay Srinivas