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Loitering Munitions USA
April 7 - April 8, 2025
Loitering Munitions USA

The Loitering Munitions USA Conference is a first of its kind forum built exclusively to be the Leading Forum for Military Education and Training on Loitering Munitions Programs

With insights from senior leadership, operators & acquisition professionals from across the entire US DOD, and welcoming perspectives from key international allies, attendees will hear directly from those pioneering LM development and integration in one dedicated forum across two days.

Whether as a speaker, industry partner or delegate, we look forward to welcoming you to this vital gathering in April 2025.

Attendees will be able to:

  • Streamline their own development with unprecedented insight into the US DOD's most advanced Loitering Munitions programs
  • Make more informed acquisition decisions based on operational learnings from the front lines
  • Witness the cutting edge in industry capabilities and pose questions directly to their manufactures

 To discuss your involvement as a sponsor contact Nick Jordacijevic, Sponsorship Sales Manager on (+1) 646 829 0804 or Nick.Jordacijevic@saemediagroup.com

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Brigadier General Cain Baker

Brigadier General Cain Baker

Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team, US Army Futures Command
Colonel Anthony Gibbs

Colonel Anthony Gibbs

Project Manager Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army
Colonel Shane Riley

Colonel Shane Riley

Unmanned Systems / Launched Effects Director , Oklahoma National Guard
Colonel Timothy Bronder

Colonel Timothy Bronder

Program Executive Officer - Fixed Wing, Special Operations Force Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command
Mr Andrew Evans

Mr Andrew Evans

Director,, US Army ISR Task Force
Mr Justin Croutch

Mr Justin Croutch

Cross Functional Team Integrator, US Army Yuma Proving Ground
Mr Tony Garcia

Mr Tony Garcia

Director of Munitions Technologies, OUSD (R&E), ASD (S&T)

Brigadier General Cain Baker

Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team, US Army Futures Command
Brigadier General Cain Baker

 Brig. Gen. Cain Baker is from Fayetteville, GA and a graduate from Auburn University. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Aviation Branch in 1996.
Baker’s assignments have included Platoon Leader positions in both 2nd Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division. While assigned to the 101st Airborne, Baker served as the Division G3 Air in support of Task Force Falcon IIIA, Kosovo. Baker was assigned to 1-227th Aviation Regiment “First Attack,” Fort Cavazos (Formerly Fort Hood), Texas as the Assistant Operations Officer during the initial invasion of Iraq and assumed multiple commands, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following command, Baker served as an observer Controller at the National Training Center Fort Irwin, CA.
Baker served in the 3-101st Aviation Regiment as the Battalion Executive Officer and then the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade Operations Officer (S3), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Battalion Commander of the 1-227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Baker served as the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Commander, 1st Cavalry Division while also deploying to Europe. Baker served as the Principal Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense from 2018 to 2021. Baker recently served as the Deputy Commanding General for Support, 25th Infantry from 2021 to 2023.
Baker is married and has three daughters.

Brigadier General David Phillips

Program Executive Officer, Aviation , US Army
Brigadier General David Phillips

 BG David Phillips currently serves as the Program Executive Officer at Program Executive Office Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Prior to his most recent assignment, he was the Project Manager for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
BG Phillips’ previous assignments include the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment at both Fort Bragg and Fort Polk as an armed reconnaissance platoon leader and staff officer, and the 82d Airborne Division as a staff officer, headquarters company commander, and attack helicopter company commander in the 82d Combat Aviation Brigade.
After completing the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School, BG Phillips served as an experimental test pilot at the Army’s Flight Test Directorate and the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, and in multiple test and acquisition assignments with USSOCOM. Prior to his assignment at PEO Aviation, BG Phillips served as the Program Executive Officer for Rotary Wing, USSOCOM, Special Operations Forces Acquisition Technology and Logistics at MacDill Air Force Base.
BG Phillips is a graduate of the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics. He holds Masters Degrees in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University, and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
His military education includes the Army Aviation Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, the Cavalry Leader’s Course, the Jumpmaster Course, the Command and General Staff College, the Defense Systems Management College Executive Program Managers Course, and the U.S. Army War College. BG Phillips is qualified in several military, experimental, and FAA certified aircraft.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Lima

Training Developer, Ammunition Warrant Officer, US Army Ordnance School
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Lima

 Chief Warrant Officer Four Michael Lima is a native of Huntington, New York. He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1999 and was appointed as an Army warrant officer in 2011. Michael Lima has served in a variety of operational and institutional positions.

CW4 Lima’s most recent assignment was as a training developer with Ordnance Training Development Division. Assigned to HHC 59th Ordnance Brigade, the Ordnance Corps and School under Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. In addition, he was selected as a Training With Industry Fellow with Raytheon Missile & Defense, Tucson. Arizona. His previous assignments include Group Munitions Officer for 10th Support Group, Okinawa, Japan; Senior Warrant Officer Advisor for 6th Ordnance Battalion, Camp Carroll, South Korea, Brigade Ammunition Officer, 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, and Brigade Ammunition Officer, 88th Brigade Support Battalion, Fort Johnson, Lousiana.

He served in various technical roles such as: Accountable Officer (Stock Record Officer) for 10th Support Group, Okinawa, Japan; and Accountable Officer (Stock Record Officer) for 52nd Ordnance Company, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

Mike Lima is a graduate of the Ammunition Warrant Officer Basic/Advanced courses, Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education (WOILE), and both phases of the Warrant Officer Senior Service Education (WOSSE). His civilian education includes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot certification with an instrument rating. He holds a doctorate in business administration and a master’s degree from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies.

CW4 Lima’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and a Basic Aviation Badge as well as several other service medals and ribbons. He is the recipient of the Honorable Order of Samuel Sharpe

Colonel Anthony Gibbs

Project Manager Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army
Colonel Anthony Gibbs

 COL Anthony Gibbs, a native of Davisville, Missouri, received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in May, 1997. In his first assignment, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Battalion Adjutant in 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), at Fort Carson, Colorado. He then commanded both Alpha Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Task Force 1-501 Airborne (Geronimo), in Fort Richardson, Alaska, deploying while the Alpha Company Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. Following company command, COL Gibbs served as an Infantry Branch Career Manager at the Army Human Resources Command in Alexandria, Virginia, responsible for professional development and assignments for all Senior (post-company command) Infantry Captains.
In 2009, COL Gibbs transitioned into the Army Acquisition Corps and was initially assigned as a Contingency Contracting Officer with the 632nd Contingency Contracting Team at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After another deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he served as the Operations Officer for the 904th Contingency Contracting Battalion and Mission Contracting Office – Fort Knox.
In 2012, COL Gibbs was assigned as Assistant Product Manager, Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems, and subsequently served as Executive Officer for Program Executive Office, Ground Combat Systems in Warren, Michigan. In 2014, he moved to Program Executive Office, Combat Support and Combat Service Support, where he served as a Product Director in the Joint Project Office, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. From July, 2015 through July, 2017, COL Gibbs served as Product Manager, Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Following Senior Service College, he served on the Joint Staff from June, 2018 through June, 2020 as the Program Support Division Chief, J-39 Deputy Director for Global Operations. In July, 2020, COL Gibbs returned to Picatinny Arsenal as Project Manager, Combat Ammunition Systems, responsible for the life cycle management of all mortar and cannon artillery ammunition, as well as mortar weapons and fire control systems. From August 2022 until April 2023 COL Gibbs served as Assistant Deputy for Acquisition and System Management, under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. In May 2023 COL Gibbs transitioned to Program Executive Office Soldier where he currently serves as Project Manager Soldier Warrior, responsible for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), night vision devices, Nett Warrior, Soldier Borne Sensor, precision targeting devices, loitering munitions, and small unit power.
COL Gibbs is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, the Bradley Leader’s Course, Army Intermediate Level Education, and Senior Service College. His awards include the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.
COL Gibbs is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, Fort McNair, Washington, DC.

Colonel Matt Johnson

Commander, White Sands Test Center, Army Test and Evaluation Command
Colonel Matt Johnson

 Colonel Matt Johnson currently serves as the Commander, White Sands Test Center, a premier testing facility for the Department of Defense. As the Commander, COL Johnson oversees the DoD’s largest land-based open-air range responsible for air and missile defense, rocket, and directed energy testing. White Sands Test Center is also recognized as the center of expertise for nuclear effects testing, evaluation, and assessment.
COL Johnson received his commission as an Infantry Officer from Colorado State University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program in 2001. He served in operational assignments, including as a platoon leader and company executive officer. As an Acquisition officer, COL Johnson supported the development and procurement of various military systems, including weapons, ammunition, communications, and combat vehicles. COL Johnson deployed multiple times in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
COL Johnson has previously commanded A Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, later reflagged to 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor, and served as Product Manager Bradley.
COL Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
COL Johnson’s awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), and the Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC).

Colonel Shane Riley

Unmanned Systems / Launched Effects Director , Oklahoma National Guard
Colonel Shane Riley

 Colonel Shane Riley directs the Oklahoma National Guard’s unmanned systems and launched effects program focused on domestic and operational support capabilities integration related to the National Guard dual missions as a response force to the Homeland and combat-power asset to the Nation. Colonel Riley has over 36 years of service in the National Guard with 24 of those served on active duty. Colonel Riley is an infantry officer, having served in support of domestic response and combat deployments abroad. Before assuming the role as UAS/Launched Effects director, Colonel Riley directed the civil support, intelligence oversight, and force protection functions for the Oklahoma National Guard.
Colonel Riley holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Human Resources Administration from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, and a M.S. in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Timothy Bronder

Program Executive Officer - Fixed Wing, Special Operations Force Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command
Colonel Timothy Bronder

 Col Bronder is currently serving as the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Fixed Wing Programs, HQ Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is responsible for developing, producing, testing, modifying, fielding and supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF)-unique fixed wing aircraft and sub-systems. This diverse, $2 billion annual portfolio includes over 100 programs and projects, furnishing SOF-unique aviation capabilities such as the AC-130 and MC-130 variants, OA-1K, MQ-1C, MQ-9, CV-22, U-28, MC-12, C-145, C-146 and an array of remotely piloted vehicles and precision guided munitions.
A 2003 Air Force Academy distinguished graduate, Justin earned the Holaday Scholarship and completed a Doctorate in Astrophysics at Oxford University before serving at the Air Force Research Laboratory. He then qualified as a flight test engineer, graduating the USAF Test Pilot School with distinction in 2011, and served at the 413th Flight Test Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL, leading test programs on the CV-22 and several C-130 variants. After selection as an Olmsted Scholar in 2013, Lt Col Bronder spent two years in Poland, where he earned a Doctorate in Military History at Adam Mickiewicz University. Returning to the U.S., he worked as a deputy program manager for the UH-1N replacement program before being selected as a Materiel Leader for the Nuclear Treaty Monitoring Systems Division at the Air Force Technical Applications Center, FL. He is also a distinguished graduate and Traeger Award winner from National War College and deployed in 2008 in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. He most recently served as a Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S) and as a Deputy Division Chief for Strategic Deterrence and Capabilities in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Strategic, Space and Intelligence Portfolio Management.

Dr Casey Perley

Executive Director, US Army Applications Laboratory
Dr Casey Perley

 Army Applications Laboratory Executive Director Dr. Casey Perley leads Army Futures Command's mission to put the best technology in the world in the hands of Soldiers and help the Army learn to ingest commercial innovation. Dr. Perley’s unique blend of scientific and military expertise includes a background in molecular genetics and microbiology, a PhD from Duke University and BS from Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at USAMRIID, where she researched some of the most dangerous viruses and designed DNA vaccines. Dr. Perley is a talented harpist, featured on over 120 recordings, including one Grammy-nominated album.

Dr Charles Pippin

HQE for Applied Autonomy, Naval Air Warfare and Weapons (Code 35), Office of Naval Research (ONR)
Dr Charles Pippin

 Dr. Charles Pippin serves as a subject matter expert in applied autonomy for the Naval Air Warfare & Weapons Department at the Office of Naval Research. His focus is on emerging applied autonomy technology research as well as developing plans for programs to develop, test and integrate capabilities for relevant environments to meet future Naval needs. His work spans a broad range of disciplines including collaborative autonomy, bio-inspired collaboration, multi-robot task allocation, patrolling, path planning, navigation, perception and autonomous aerial combat. He has led demonstrations of robotic capabilities on air, ground, surface, and indoor mobile robots. His ongoing research interests include approaches to collaboration on heterogeneous multi-robot teams.
Prior to coming to ONR, he was a Principal Research Scientist and the Division Chief of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Division at Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). At Georgia Tech, he was a research faculty member and contributed to sponsored research programs in robotics and autonomous systems. Dr. Pippin received his Ph.D. and master's degrees in computer science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has authored and coauthored over 25 peer-reviewed conference papers and journal articles in the areas of robotics, computer science, machine learning and autonomous systems.

Dr Sebastian Clauss

Vice President Software, STARK
Dr Sebastian Clauss

 Sebastian is a defence innovator providing warfighters with state-of-the art weaponry by integrating high performing platforms with innovative digital solutions. He is Vice President Software at STARK - Defence for the age of technology.

He looks back on a 15-year career as an officer within the German Air Force. In 2018 he joined the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub leading a task force on innovative solutions for unmanned Systems and Counter-UAS applications. He then headed the Bundeswehr startup engagement and intrapreneurship activities before joining BWI, the IT-supplier of the Bundeswehr as Head of Innovation Engagement.

Sebastian got his PhD (Dr.-Ing.) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (Munich) for his research on task-based guidance of UAS and the feedback requirements to ensure human-in-the-loop decision making in critical situations.

Lieutenant Colonel William Taylor

Product Manager, Soldier Precision Targeting Devices, PEO Soldier, US Army
Lieutenant Colonel  William Taylor

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Wood

PM SOF Lethality, USSOCOM
Lieutenant Colonel Alan Wood

 LTC Alan Wood is the PM for SOF Lethality within USSOCOM having formerly served as the Product Director for Special Ops Mission Planning and Execution.
Previously, LTC Wood spent 4 years within USASOAC. As the Product Director for SOCOM Future Vertical Lift (TAPO, Ft Eustis), where he managed SOCOM’s efforts with the US Army on multiple Future Vertical Lift Programs. He also served in the USASOAC G8 (Ft Bragg) as the Rotary Wing Portfolio Manager where he managed the command’s input to the H47 Extended Range Foreign Military Sales program as well as “right sizing” the unit during budget downturns.
From 2017-2019, LTC Wood served as an APM in the Army’s PEO Aviation. He was the APM for the Degraded Visual Environment Pilotage System (DVEPS), leading the organization through developmental and operation test phases. Prior to DVEPS, he served as the APM for CH-47F Block 1 and led the organization through a 6-month negotiation with Boeing, resulting in over $500M in savings on a $4.6B 5-year IDIQ contract. His first APM position was in PM UAS where he oversaw the final fielding and bulk purchases of the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT).
LTC Wood’s first acquisition assignment took him to the Defense Contract Management Agency at Bell Helicopter where he served as the Program Integrator for Army Programs from 2013-2016. In this capacity he executed the ramp down and divestiture of the Kiowa Warrior.
During his operational time as an OH-58D pilot, LTC Wood served at Ft Campbell as two-time Scout Platoon leader, Maintenance Troop XO, AS3, S4 and Troop Commander. He deployed twice to Afghanistan while in these units.
LTC Wood graduated from the United States Military Academy (2005). He earned a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University’s EMBA (2015), graduating at the top of his class.
LTC Wood’s Awards decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Badge. He is a graduate of Airborne, Air Assault, OH-58D Flight School XXI, Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, the Aviation Captain’s Career Course, a distinguished graduate of the Command and General’s Staff Officer’s Course and various acquisition courses. He is a DAWIA Certified Advanced Program Manager and Acquisition Corp Member.
Alan is a native of Tyler, Texas and enjoys family time. He married the former Anne Dill of Lebanon, TN in 2005 and they have four children, Caleb (11), Daniel (9), Caroline (7), and Julianne (5).

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Watkins

Product Manager, Launched Effects, PEO Aviation, US Army
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Watkins

 LTC Watkins received her commission from Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical (Alabama A&M) University as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, May 2005. Following Chemical Officer Basic Course (COBC) at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, LTC Watkins was assigned as a reconnaissance platoon leader in the 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, Fort Cavazos, TX. Further assignment history for LTC Watkins includes: Company Executive Officer (XO), 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, 48th Chemical Brigade, Fort Cavazos, TX, (2007-2008); Company Commander, A Company, 1-48 Infantry Regiment, 3D Chemical Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (2008-2010); Brigade Chemical Officer, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32D Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Liberty, NC (2010-2013); Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Capability Developer, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (2013-2014), Assistant Product Manager (APM) Aviation Rockets and Small Guided Munitions, Joint Attack Munition Systems, PEO Missiles and Space (2015-2016); APM Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 Intercept Block 1, PEO Missiles and Space (2016-2017); XO to the Program Executive Officer, PEO Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, AL (2017-2018); Acquisition Management Branch Career Manager, Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, KY (2018-2020); Army Acquisition Corps Policy Integrator, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, Directorate of Military Personnel Management, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (2020-2022).

LTC Watkins’ education includes a Bachelor of Art degree (Alabama A&M), Master of Science Degree in Environmental Management (Webster University), and a Master of Science Degree in Management (Liberty University). She is a graduate of COBC, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Chemical Officer Advanced Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Army Acquisition Basic Course, Huntsville, AL, and the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. LTC Watkins’ awards and decorations include the Army Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal the Army Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
LTC Watkins is a native of Atmore, AL and is married to MAJ Quinton Watkins of Huntsville, Alabama and they have one daughter.

Lieutenant Colonel Shawna Matthys

Strike Programs Materiel Leader, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command
Lieutenant Colonel Shawna Matthys

 Lt Col Shawna A. Matthys is the Materiel Leader, Integrated Strike Programs, Program Executive Office for Fixed Wing, Headquarters U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. In this role, she leads a $3.1B portfolio of programs to develop, produce, modify, test, field, and support Special Operations Forces-unique strike capabilities including the AC-130J Gunships, Stand-Off Precision Guided Munitions, and OA-1K Armed Overwatch platforms.Lt Col Matthys is from Tampa, FL and entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program a Florida State University in May 2009. Over the course of her 14 years of service, she has served as a Research Chemist, Executive Officer, Program Manager, Deputy, Scientist and Engineer Career Field Manager and Program Element Monitor. She deployed to Afghanistan with the United States Special Operations Command in Feb 2014 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM for the Ghost Program. Prior to her current assignment, Lt Col Matthys was the Armed Overwatch Program Manager, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, MacDill Air Force Base. She led a 75-member team responsible for a $3B program providing Special Operations Forces deployable, sustainable, and affordable manned aircraft systems fulfilling Close Air Support, Precision Strike, and Reconnaissance requirements in austere and permissive environments.

Major Kev Carter

SO2 FIRES NCHQ - UK Commando Force Transformation Prog, Royal Marines
Major Kev Carter

Major Sean Harper

Senior Operations Research Analyst, United States Marine Corps
Major Sean Harper

 
Major Sean Harper is a United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer currently serving as an Operations Research Analyst at the Marine Corps Operations Analysis Directorate in Quantico, Virginia. He advises senior Marine decision-makers on operations, contingency planning, and force design. During his time as an operations research analyst, he has worked on critical projects in USINDOPACOM related to the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 and the Defense Posture Review Initiative. Previously, Captain Harper served as a Company Executive Officer and Platoon Commander at 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, where he led combat operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Captain Harper earned his Bachelor of Science in Operations Research with a minor in Spanish from the United States Naval Academy. He holds a Masters in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has published on topics such as loitering munitions in the United States Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine.

Mr Ahmet Salih Erdem

Deputy General Manager, TUALCOM
Mr Ahmet Salih Erdem

 Ahmet Salih ERDEM graduated from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1990 and later completed an Executive MBA at Bilkent University.
With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Erdem has extensive experience in telecommunications, defense, and high-tech industries. He began his professional journey in 1991, holding engineering and sales roles at leading global companies such as Turkish Telekom, Thomson CSF, and Agilent Technologies, where he honed his technical expertise.
Erdem has distinguished himself as a leader in sales and business development, holding senior management positions at companies including Meteksan Defense, Rohde & Schwarz, and STM. He has successfully led strategic business development, sales management, and corporate communications efforts in both domestic and international markets.
Since joining TUALCOM in 2019, Ahmet Salih Erdem has been serving as the Deputy General Manager for Sales & Business Development where he plays a key role in positioning the company’s high-tech defense products in national and international markets while shaping growth strategies to drive business expansion.

Mr Andrew Evans

Director, SES HQDA G-2, Army ISR Task Force
Mr Andrew Evans

 Mr. Andrew Evans entered the Senior Executive Service in August 2023 as the Director of the Army ISR Task Force. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing an organization that is chartered by the Secretary of the Army and missioned to manage modernization efforts across the Army's Intelligence and Security Enterprise. Mr. Evans directs the synchronization of all Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution staff functions for the integration of modernization initiatives in tactical space, the stratosphere, medium- altitude, terrestrial sensing and the Intelligence Foundation. He is responsible for coordinating broadly across the Army Staff, Secretariat, Joint Force and OSD to deliver signature modernization efforts such as TITAN, TLS, HADES and TSIGS to support the Army of 2030. Mr. Evans also leads Global Force Management activities for the Army’s Aerial ISR portfolio, including oversight of a $1.4 Billion MDEP supporting manned and unmanned assets across the Total Force.
Prior to entering the Civilian workforce, Mr. Evans served in a variety of tactical, operational and strategic assignments as a Special Electronic Mission Aircraft (SEMA) Aviator. Over the course of a 20-year military career, Mr. Evans deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa and South America where he managed the operational execution of multi-intelligence ISR missions and associated Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) efforts. In his final assignment in uniform, Mr. Evans led the Army’s Aerial ISR transformation efforts including all PPBE efforts to support the integration of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) - the single largest A-ISR modernization effort in the history of the Army. Under his leadership, the Army Intelligence and Security Enterprise’s top-line budget increased by over $1 Billion to allow for the full divestment of legacy systems and enterprise-wide optimization in force design to support the fielding of HADES.
Mr. Evans is a 4000 hour Master Army Aviator, holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Rating, and is rated in five different standard and non-standard Army aircraft.
Mr. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Phoenix University, and a certificate in Advanced Management from Harvard Business School.

Mr Craig Riedel

Project Manager, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions TAGM Project Office, Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
Mr Craig Riedel

Mr Dan Curry

Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies, Cypress International
Mr Dan Curry

 Dan has over 40 years of military and defense aerospace industry experience with over 30 years of military, Department of the Army Civilian (DAC), and contractor service as a Senior Aviation Analyst and Operations Officer within HQDA G-8, DAPR-FDV Aviation Division. He also has over 10 years of with Lockheed Martin as the Director of Army Aviation Programs, and more than two years of experience as a consultant with Cypress international as the Director of DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies.

EXPERIENCE
Dan retired from the United States Army in 2008 with 26 years of military service. He served in numerous positions including Strategic Management Analyst and Branch Chief within the HQDA G-3/5/7, Director of General Studies Division, Proponency Branch Chief and Company Commander within the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Support Operations Officer within the 2nd Infantry Division, Kiowa Warrior Program Officer and Government Flight Representative within the Defense Logistics Agency at Bell Helicopter, Assistant Operations Officer and Instructor within the Combat Aviation Training Brigade, Detachment Commander, Aviation Platoon Leader, and Maintenance Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot within the XVIII Airborne Corps.
In his DAC capacity he served as a Strategic Management Analyst within the HQDA G-3/5/7 Training Directorate and within TRADOC as the Chief of Staff of the Army Civilian University, Fort Belvoir, VA.

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Dan’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Aviation from The University of the State of New York, a Master of Business Administration from Walden University, and executive leadership training and the Warton School of Business. AS a DAC, Dan also attended the capstone Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL). His aircraft qualifications include the TH-55, UH-1H, and OH-58A/C/D helicopters and the C-12 fixed wing aircraft. Additional qualifications include Master Army Aviator and K4 Special Operations Aviation qualification.

ORGANIZATIONS
Dan previously served as the President of the Vertical Flight Society Federal City Chapter, and currently serves as the Vice President for Awards for the Washington Potomac Chapter of the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), member of the AAAA National Executive Board and member of the Army Aviation Museum Foundation Board of Directors.

AWARDS
His military and civilian awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (2) one with V-device, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, and two Commander’s Awards for Civilian Service.

Mr Itzik Huber

EVP of Strategy and Business Development, UVision
Mr Itzik Huber

 Reserve Col. in the Israeli Air Force, 27 years as a pilot and commander.

Former head of sales and BD for Elbit system Aerospace division.

Former CEO of Skylock, a C-UAS company.

Currently EVP of strategy and business development and manager of Uvision activities in North America

Mr Jakob Breiner

TSO Warhead Technology, Munitions Safety Information Analysis Centre, NATO HQ
Mr Jakob Breiner

 Jakob (GE) joined MSIAC on 1st of September 2023 as the Warheads Technology TSO.


Before joining MSIAC he has been responsible for technology studies of warheads and SAF systems as R&D project manager and engineer at TDW Warhead systems. This work included international projects in the fields of Loitering Munitions, future area denial / counter mobility solutions, supersonic and hypersonic penetrator systems, reactive fragment anti-air and insensitive multi-purpose warheads. In this role he contributed to over 16 patents in the weapons/munitions domain and won several Best-Patent and Technology Awards within the MBDA Group.

Mr Justin Croutch

Cross Functional Team Integrator, US Army Yuma Proving Ground
Mr Justin Croutch

 Mr. Justin Croutch began his career with the U.S. Army in 2008 at the Yuma Proving Ground's Aviation Systems and Electronic Test Division. He currently serves as a Cross Functional Team (CFT) Integrator and subject matter expert advisor to YPG Staff, providing critical insights on DT/OT testing and assessments relating to the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) CFT portfolio, including Loitering Munition and Launched Effects programs. His experience includes supporting the Army Futures Command's Project Convergence 2020 and 2021, the FVL CFT's EDGE23 and EDGE24 events, in addition to other Loitering Munition and Launched Effects programs at YPG.

Mr Pascal Secretin

Director of Advanced Solutions & Weapon System Activities, THALES
Mr Pascal Secretin

 Pascal Secretin, Director of advanced solutions & weapon system activities

Pascal Secretin, born the 19 December 1971, he has 20 years airborne and intelligence operations background in Africa, Afghanistan, Bosnia within the French Armed Forces from platoon leader, company commander, G3 and J3 officer up to armament programme officer for all optronics and robotics for special forces and MI agency equipment. Pascal Sécretin joined Thales in 2012 and has held several positions:

a) Bid manager 2012-2013;

b) Complex bid manager (French Scorpion program) 2013-2014;

c) Capture leader for must wins Thales 2014-2016;

d) Product line director UAS/Loitering munitions, soldier system & soldiers optronics

e) now he is director of the advanced solutions & weapon system activities dedicated to frontline units and based on mortar, rocket and loitering munitions.

 

He is a graduate of Saint Cyr military academy, French Joint Staff College, Engineering school CENTRALE SUPELEC.

Mr Paul Blackham

Director of Sales, Unmanned Systems, Silvus Technologies
Mr Paul Blackham

 As Director of Sales, Unmanned Systems at Silvus Technologies, Inc., Paul leads business partnerships & program initiatives to integrate advanced MANET communication solutions into unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions. With over 15 years of experience in the unmanned systems market, Paul has played a pivotal role in advancing RF, multi-mode radar and imaging sensor technologies, enhancing their multi-mission capabilities and effectiveness across defense applications. A recently retired veteran of the Utah National Guard, Paul served for over 20 years in the 1-19th SFG(A) and the 1-211th Attack Battalion, most recently as an Attack Pilot serving as the Aviation Mission Survivability Officer.

Mr Tony Garcia

Director of Munitions Technologies, OUSD (R&E), ASD (S&T)
Mr Tony Garcia

 Tony Garcia is the Director of Munitions Technologies for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology (OASD(S&T)). His office oversees the Joint DoD/DOE Munitions Program and the Joint Enhanced Munitions Technology Program, and also serving as the primary advisor to the staff of OASD(S&T) and others for munitions topics, including developing and implementing munitions science and technology strategy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Tony has served 20 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve as a helicopter pilot and operations planner, and previously supported various offices in DoD as a contractor.

Mr Trent Emeneker

Project Manager, Autonomy, Defense Innovation Unit
Mr Trent Emeneker

 Trent served on active duty in the Marine Corps where he was a Weapon Systems Officer in the F/A-18D, qualified as a division lead and Forward Air Controller (Airborne). He deployed twice to the Western Pacific, to Iraq, and to Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller. Post active duty, he joined the Reserves where he has served as a Battalion and Regimental Air Officer. He is currently on staff with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group in 29 Palms, CA as an instructor during Marine Corps service level exercises.

After leaving active duty, he earned his MBA from Columbia Business School and a MA of International Affairs from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs. He worked for GE Aviation in a variety of roles on a rotational program and then was a project manager on the GE9X engine program. He joined the Autonomy Portfolio as DIU four years ago and has been the Blue UAS lead for the past year.

In his spare time, he coaches whatever teams his sons, ages 7 and 9, are on.

 

Ms Jaehee Sweeney

Chief Business Development Officer, BEI
Ms Jaehee Sweeney

 Jaehee Sweeney is a Chief Business Development Officer at BEI, she leads the commercial efforts to revolutionize the energy storage industry with next-generation battery technologies. Her expertise in chemistry and electrolyte science, honed through years of experience in various battery companies, drives her business strategy. At BEI, she focuses on forging partnerships and expanding market opportunities for BEI’s innovative battery solutions across defense, electric mobility, aerospace, and robotics sectors. Her role combines technical knowledge with strategic business development, as she works to position BEI's cutting-edge battery technology in the global market.  She is passionate about translating the scientific advancements into commercial success, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of drone technology and electric vehicles. Her goal is to accelerate the adoption of the safer, more efficient energy storage solutions to meet the world's growing power demands.

sponsors

Conference agenda

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7:30

Registration & Coffee

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8:20

Chair's Opening Remarks

Mr Dan Curry, Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies, Cypress International

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8:30

Army Future Vertical Lift Aircraft & Technologies Update

  •   Achieving the decision advantage with close and deep sensing and delivery of lethal and non-lethal precision effects.
  • Maintaining the edge in rapidly evolving, sensor-rich, contested, and congested battlefield.
  • Leveraging warfighter feedback and experimentation to inform upgrades and field minimum viable capability now.
  • Brigadier General Cain Baker, Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team, US Army Futures Command

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    9:00

    Mission Munitions Matching - Diversified Portfolio is key to mission success

    Mr Itzik Huber, EVP of Strategy and Business Development, UVision

  • Answering what the future fight looks like
  • How LM's need to answer the target specific requirements
  • Understanding how to keep LM's integrated into the battlespace
  • Developing LM's for a diverse portfolio
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    9:30

    Developing, Fielding and Sustaining Offensive Integrated Fires Capabilities

    Mr Craig Riedel

    Mr Craig Riedel, Project Manager, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions TAGM Project Office, Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space

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    10:00

    Morning Coffee

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    10:30

    Session Reserved for Conference Partner - IAI

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    11:00

    Integrating Loitering Munitions into the Future Soldier Systems

  •   Current acquisition efforts for Loitering Munitions and Launched Effects
  • Increasing Soldiers’ combat effectiveness through integration and training
  • Working across the DoD and with Industry
  • LUS DR and LASSO -- what’s the difference?
  • LASSO Program and Acquisition Approach – All Up Round and System Architecture
  • Colonel Anthony Gibbs, Project Manager Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier, US Army

    Lieutenant Colonel  William Taylor

    Lieutenant Colonel William Taylor, Product Manager, Soldier Precision Targeting Devices, PEO Soldier, US Army

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    11:30

    Strike Programs Leverage Partnerships and Unconventional Contracting Methods to Inject state-of-the-art Technology and Deliver Capabilities at the Speed of Need

     • The Strike Team partners with industry, including small businesses, to provide SOF access to cutting-edge technology, ensuring we maintain a decisive competitive edge in near-peer competition.
    • Strike Programs collaborate with internal and external organizations to advance and integrate high-tech solutions to support Special Operations Forces.
    • To integrate the latest technology, SOPGM programs adopt an unconventional approach by leveraging CRADAs, SBIRs, and competitive demonstrations.

    Colonel Timothy Bronder, Program Executive Officer - Fixed Wing, Special Operations Force Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command

    Lieutenant Colonel Shawna Matthys, Strike Programs Materiel Leader, Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command

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    12:00

    Talking Missiles: Enabling Collaboration and Co-Operation

    Mr Ahmet Salih Erdem, Deputy General Manager, TUALCOM

  • Swarm applications require collective navigation and communication
  •  Swarm missiles are increasingly preferred in the operation theater
  • Time synchronization is the key to both
  • GNSS is the main tool for positioning, timing and navigation (PNT), but it has vulnerabilities
  • TUALCOM has field proven GNSS independent PNT and mesh communication solutions to enable co-operating swarms
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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    Spectrum Dominance: Achieving RF Spectrum Overmatch for Loitering Munitions in Contested Environments

    Mr Paul Blackham, Director of Sales, Unmanned Systems, Silvus Technologies

     o Silvus Technologies – Reshaping Mesh Network Technology for Mission Critical Applications

    o StreamCaster MANET radios – Powered by Silvus’s battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform technology

    o SL5200 – Redefining C2 & Comms Mesh Networking for Loitering Munitions at the Tactical Edge

    o Spectrum Dominance – An expansive suite of LPI/LPD and Anti-Jamming resiliency capabilities, purpose-built for operations in Contested Environments

    o Advancing Loitering Munitions Concept of Operations across LOS, NLOS and BLOS battlespaces

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    14:00

    Army Applications Laboratory - Challenging the Army's Conventional Approach to Capability Development

    Dr Casey Perley, Executive Director, US Army Applications Laboratory

  • Expanding the US Army’s access to the commercial innovation base to deliver next-generation technology at pace
  • Partnering with individual Army units to test new concepts and help solve the Army’s challenges
  • ALL opportunities and focus in the Loitering Munitions and Air Launched Effects field
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    14:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Diehl Defence

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    15:00

    Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Assist Loitering Munition Development

    Mr Trent Emeneker, Project Manager, Autonomy, Defense Innovation Unit

     • Software agility

    • Ease of launch

    • Mission planning

    • Cost

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    15:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    16:00

    Maximizing Combat Effectiveness: How Advanced Lightweight Batteries Will Transform Loitering Munition Systems

    Ms Jaehee Sweeney, Chief Business Development Officer, BEI

  •  Today's battery supply has critical supply chain security issues
  • Battery performance in harsh conditions is a major challenge
  • Imagine a stable, secure battery supply chain and the ability to deliver in extreme cold and heat
  • Find out how next-generation batteries will transform loitering munitions, extending range, payload, and performance
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    16:30

    Loitering Munitions: Safety & Suitability Challenges and Applicable Standards

    Mr Jakob Breiner, TSO Warhead Technology, Munitions Safety Information Analysis Centre, NATO HQ

     •     Terminology (what´s a LM and what is a weaponized UAS) and ongoing standardization work
    •     Safety challenges (arming, autonomy, electronic warfare)
    •     Standard landscape (SAF, System Safety, Software, …)
    •     Safety and Suitability method proposal

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    17:00

    Modelling Loitering Munition Impact on Marine Lethality

    Major Sean Harper, Senior Operations Research Analyst, United States Marine Corps

  •  Loitering munition technology is rapidly advancing. How might the Marine Corps design and implement LM TTPs to increase its lethality under this paradigm of uncertainty?
  • How should infantry battalions employ LMs to support maneuver? How tightly coupled can LMs be to maneuver?
  • What fire support control measures should infantry battalions employ to command and control LMs?
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    17:30

    Commando Force Transformation Programme

    Major Kev Carter

    Major Kev Carter, SO2 FIRES NCHQ - UK Commando Force Transformation Prog, Royal Marines

  • An update on developments intended to increase force lethality and kinetic efforts
  •  Developments in Command Force Lethality
  • Employment of Tactical Precision Strike (TPS) Loitering Munitions One Way Effector
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    18:00

    Chair's Closing Remarks

    Mr Dan Curry, Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies, Cypress International

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    8:00

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Mr Dan Curry, Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies, Cypress International

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    9:00

    Transforming Army Aviation

  •  Lethal, Survivable, & Decisive through a Modular Open Systems Approach
  • Transformation In Contact - Soldier Feedback
  • Agile & Adaptive Acquisition
  • Modernizing in the Digital Era
  • Brigadier General David Phillips, Program Executive Officer, Aviation , US Army

    Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Watkins, Product Manager, Launched Effects, PEO Aviation, US Army

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    9:30

    HADES, and ambitions for Launched Effects off a Manned Platform

    Mr Andrew Evans, Director, SES HQDA G-2, Army ISR Task Force

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    10:00

    Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor - AeroVironment

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    USSOCOM Approach to the Acquisition of Future Loitering Munition Capabilities

    Lieutenant Colonel Alan Wood, PM SOF Lethality, USSOCOM

     
    · Working with partners for integrated deterrence

    · What are Ground Organic Precision Strike Systems?

    · Future focus areas to develop and procure loitering munition capabilities suitable for SOF operations

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    11:30

    Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor - Rafael

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    12:00

    White Sands Test Center – Testing and Evaluating Loitering Munitions/Launched Effects

    Colonel Matt Johnson, Commander, White Sands Test Center, Army Test and Evaluation Command

     •     Open-Air Range Overview
    •     Loitering Munitions/Launched Effects Test Capabilities
    •     Testing at White Sands – The Process

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    12:30

    Open-Air Developmental Testing Capabilities that Support Loitering Munitions and Launched Effects

    Mr Justin Croutch, Cross Functional Team Integrator, US Army Yuma Proving Ground

     •     US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Overview

    •     YPG capabilities and subject matter expertise (range/airspace, instrumentation, facilities, etc.)

    •     Previous supported efforts related to Loitering Munitions and Launched Effects

    •     Testing challenges related to Loitering Munitions and Launched Effects

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    13:00

    Networking Lunch

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    14:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Thales

    Mr Pascal Secretin, Director of Advanced Solutions & Weapon System Activities, THALES

     • UAS & Loitering munitions are both game changers (FRIEND) and the nightmares of the high intensity warfare

    • Loitering munition solutions must move from asymmetric usage to symmetric warfare: augment effects – GNSS denied & jamming proof – Scalable

    • TOUTATIS is the Thales‘ man portable short-range loitering munition designed for high intensity combat,

    • Multipurpose & scalable Military Warhead & Electronic Safety Device (ESAD) compliant to munition stanag

    • GNSS denied & Jamming proof

    • Able to neutralize both dismounted squads & light armored vehicles in urban, semi-open and open areas.

    • Remotely operated by a dismounted operator

    • TOUTATIS roadmad plan to carry out within 2 years conops like swarming from a vehicle and aircraft with military warhead or other kind of payload.

     

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    14:30

    Desiderata for rapid development to support 'the small, the agile and the many’

    Dr Charles Pippin, HQE for Applied Autonomy, Naval Air Warfare and Weapons (Code 35), Office of Naval Research (ONR)

  •  Government open design principles
  • Designing for mixed platforms
  • Supporting future rapid innovation and development cycles
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    15:00

    Munitions S&T Strategic Priorities and Novel Effects

    Mr Tony Garcia, Director of Munitions Technologies, OUSD (R&E), ASD (S&T)

  •  Overview of science and technology investments targeting new capabilities relevant in modern conflict scenarios
  • Discussion of efforts to deliver new effects, through fuzing, energetics, and other technologies
  • Examination of possible tradespace between size, weight, range, processing power, and terminal effects to maximize military utility
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    15:30

    C2 for STARK

    Dr Sebastian Clauss, Vice President Software, STARK

     - Multi UXS ecosystem, enabled by modular architectural approach

    - Interoperability: how we work for the military IT infrastructure and battle management systems

    - Responsible AI and weapons control

    - Modular mission control systems for unmanned platforms

    - STARK OWE, our Loitering Munition portfolio.

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    16:00

    Afternoon Tea

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    16:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - ARQUIMEA

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    17:00

    Integrating Launched Effects into the Oklahoma National Guard

    Colonel Shane Riley, Unmanned Systems / Launched Effects Director , Oklahoma National Guard

     • How do National Guard units train to a commensurate readiness standard without restricted air space available?

    • How do we build and safely integrate a national emergency response strategy that incorporates drones?

    • What lessons can we take from our domestic emergency management, interagency planning and domestic critical infrastructure protection missions and apply to the broader needs of the US DoD?

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    17:30

    Munitions Modernization: The Family of Drone Munitions

    Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Lima, Training Developer, Ammunition Warrant Officer, US Army Ordnance School

  •  Prioritizing next-generation munitions has become central to the modernization strategy to ensure land-power superiority.
  • Informed by ongoing conflicts, drone technology and next-generation munitions have emerged as crucial elements.
  • New ammunition types would require extensive testing, and the acquisitions process would have to be managed to ensure munitions were ready for military use
  • clock

    18:00

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Mr Dan Curry, Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies, Cypress International


    Director, Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team
    US Army Futures Command
    Project Manager Soldier Warrior
    PEO Soldier, US Army
    Program Executive Officer - Fixed Wing
    Special Operations Force Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command
    Commander
    White Sands Test Center, Army Test and Evaluation Command
    Unmanned Systems / Launched Effects Director
    Oklahoma National Guard
    Product Manager, Launched Effects
    PEO Aviation, US Army
    PM SOF Lethality
    USSOCOM
    SO2 FIRES NCHQ - UK Commando Force Transformation Prog
    Royal Marines
    Senior Operations Research Analyst
    United States Marine Corps
    Executive Director
    US Army Applications Laboratory
    Director of Munitions Technologies
    OUSD (R&E), ASD (S&T)
    Project Manager, Autonomy
    Defense Innovation Unit
    HQE for Applied Autonomy, Naval Air Warfare and Weapons (Code 35)
    Office of Naval Research (ONR)
    Training Developer, Ammunition Warrant Officer
    US Army Ordnance School
    Cross Functional Team Integrator
    US Army Yuma Proving Ground
    Program Executive Officer, Aviation
    US Army
    Vice President Software
    STARK
    Product Manager, Soldier Precision Targeting Devices
    PEO Soldier, US Army
    Strike Programs Materiel Leader
    Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command
    Deputy General Manager
    TUALCOM
    Director, SES HQDA G-2
    Army ISR Task Force
    Project Manager, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions TAGM Project Office
    Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space
    Director, DoD Future Vertical Lift Technologies
    Cypress International
    EVP of Strategy and Business Development
    UVision
    TSO Warhead Technology, Munitions Safety Information Analysis Centre
    NATO HQ
    Director of Advanced Solutions & Weapon System Activities
    THALES
    Director of Sales, Unmanned Systems
    Silvus Technologies
    Chief Business Development Officer
    BEI

    Conference Partner

    Gold Sponsors

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

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    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    IAI - SYSTEMS MISSILES & SPACE

    Conference Partner
    http://www.iainorthamerica.com

    IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) is the inventor of Loitering Munitions and a world-class defence company with over 40 years of experience, innovating and delivering combat-proven solutions and technologies in space, air, land and naval domains. IAI provides customers with superior Loitering Munitions tailor-made to the unique challenges and operational scenarios that they face. Air, Ground, Naval and Special Forces worldwide are using IAI's Loitering Munitions to gain the upper edge on any battlefield.

    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    AeroVironment

    Gold Sponsors
    http://www.avinc.com

    At AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century. Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable. AeroVironment, Inc. designs, develops, produces, supports, and operates a portfolio of products and services for government agencies and businesses. The company offers unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related services primarily to organizations within the U.S. Department of Defense and to international allied governments. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Simi Valley, California.


    RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems

    Gold Sponsors
    http://www.rafael.co.il

    RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. was established in 1948 as part of the IDF/MOD and incorporated as a Government-owned company in 2001. The company develops, manufactures and sustains technologies, products and system-of-systems for air, land, naval, space and digital applications. RAFAEL’s vision is to serve as a significant pillar in the defense of the State of Israel and at the same time, to be a global, growing, innovative and profitable company at the forefront of technology and operational requirements. The company employs ~8,400 people, most of them outside of Israel. The company's revenue in 2022 was $3.45BN, with approximately 55% domestic and 45% export. RAFAEL invests about 8-9% of its annual revenue in Internal R&D (IRAD). 27 National Centers of Excellence and infrastructures are part of the company. The RAFAEL Group includes 30 subsidiaries and joint ventures, 15 of which are located in Israel and 15 around the world. A major part of RAFAEL's strategy is forming long-term global strategic industrial collaboration with major international corporations in support of technology transfer, localization and customer sovereignty.


    TUALCOM

    Gold Sponsors
    http://www.tualcom.com/

    TUALCOM is a leading provider of high-tech communications and RF-Microwave products. Founded in 2013, TUALCOM has developed a wide range of products for a variety of applications, including GPS/GNSS Anti-Jam, Telemetry, Data Acquisition, Flight Termination, Electronic Warfare, and 5G Communication Systems. TUALCOM's products are used by leading defense companies and unmanned system manufacturers around the world. TUALCOM is a leader in the development of GPS/GNSS Anti-Jam Systems and is committed to providing innovative and reliable solutions to customers.


    Sponsors


    ARQUIMEA

    Sponsors
    http://www.arquimea.com/

    ARQUIMEA is a multi-sector technology company that operates globally in highly demanding sectors including Space, Defense, Aeronautic, Science and Fintech. Founded in 2004, the company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States. ARQUIMEA cooperates with the defense ministries, NATO Armed Forces and with the leading companies in the defence and aerospace sectors, to address the current and future operational requirements of the Armed Forces improving safety and performance. The company has a broad portfolio of cutting-edge technologies and production capabilities for the defense and aerospace sectors. The main solutions include loitering systems, information and control systems for mortars and artillery, satellites and their subsystems as well as components for satellites and spacecrafts. ARQUIMEA’s loitering system include Q-SLAM-40, an innovative all-electric precision system that can locate, track and engage static and moving targets. Q-SLAM-40 is the ideal solution for today’s complex scenarios such as populated urban areas or remote locations. It is equipped with AI applications and anti jamming systems to ensure full control. Q-SLAM-40 is a cost-effective, flexible, robust, and durable system that can be easily deployed anywhere needed within minutes, ensuring a fast reaction time. The company is working in new loitering systems to improve scope, endurance, swarming capabilities and to integrate it on board other platforms improving performance and flexibility.



    BEI

    Sponsors
    http://beilab.ai/

    We are at the forefront of developing next-generation rechargeable lithium metal battery technologies, with a particular focus on powering advanced defense systems such as loitering munitions. Our BEI Ultralight battery product line is specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements of loitering munitions, offering exceptional lightweight power, extended mission endurance, and unparalleled reliability in the field. With a strong focus on safety and innovation, we proudly offer our advanced battery solutions that sets industry benchmarks. Manufactured in South Korea, our four product lines under development—BEI Ultralight, BEI Power, BEI Energy, and BEI Safety—are designed to deliver high-performance, mission-critical power across a wide range of defense applications. Whether for loitering munitions, aerospace, or robotics, e-mobility, our solutions provide the reliable energy needed for success in complex and demanding defense operations.



    Diehl Defence

    Sponsors
    https://www.diehl.com/defence/en/

    Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Überlingen, concentrates the Diehl Group‘s activities in the field of security and defence. The company has been a competent partner of the Bundeswehr and international armed forces for more than 65 years and has become a leading system house in the field of air defence systems. The product range covers system solutions for air defence and comprises guided missiles, medium- and large-caliber ammunition for army, air force and navy, but also systems for surveillance, protection and training in military use. In addition, engineering and manufacturing of technological key competences such as infrared modules, fuzes and special batteries are part of the portfolio. Relationships with multinational partners over the long term strengthen the system and equipment competence of the company and simultaneously open up the access to global markets. Diehl Defence generates annual sales of 810 million euros with more than 3,100 employees. Diehl Defence is part of the globally operating Diehl Group, a financially and legally independent family-owned company with over 16,500 employees worldwide and a turnover of more than 3.5 billion euros.


    Silvus Technologies

    Sponsors
    http://silvustechnologies.com

    As the world’s leading developer of advanced tactical MANET communication systems, Silvus Technologies is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications on the ground, in the air, and at sea. The Silvus family of StreamCaster MANET radios deliver high-fidelity video, voice and data communications with class-leading output power, range, and mobility. At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform technology that creates a self-healing, self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched data rate throughput, EW resiliency, and scalability. With a focus on continually improving size, weight, power, and cost, Silvus is delivering the next generation of tactical communications, providing the warfighter with capability overmatch across the spectrum domain.



    Thales

    Sponsors
    http://www.thalesgroup.com

    Operational superiority in high-intensity combat is the result of a combination of manoeuvres involving dismounted and embarked units supported by contact UAVs and loitering munitions (LM) engaged individually or in packs. TOUTATIS is the Thales's short-range loitering munition designed for high-intensity combat, with a Multipurpose Military Warhead & Electronic Safety Device. (ESAD) With 30 min loiter time and 10 km range, TOUTATIS can neutralize light protected target and light armored vehicles in urban, semi-open and open areas. TOUTATIS is remotely operated and can be launched from a man pack kit, an aerial carrier (UAV or helicopter) or a vehicle.

    Exhibitors


    ANELLO Photonics

    Exhibitors
    https://www.anellophotonics.com/

    ANELLO Photonics is a leading developer of inertial navigation solutions in GPS-denied environments. The ANELLO solutions are based on the disruptive SiPhOGTM (Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope) that provides accuracy and reliability paired with an unprecedented reduction in cost and SWaP (size, weight and power) footprint. ANELLO offers state of the art Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) that are meticulously crafted to meet the requirements of challenging operations in GPS-denied environments. ANELLO's solutions excel in meeting the rigorous navigation and positioning demands of autonomous applications across Agriculture, Construction, Trucking, Drones/UAVs, Automotive, and Defense sectors.


    Computech International (CTI)

    Exhibitors
    http://www.cti-intl.com/about/

    Founded in 1995, Computech International (CTI) is a privately held, woman-owned small business. Since then, CTI has established itself as an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of combat-proven computing, Ground Control Systems (GCS), and Ruggedized Vehicle Docking Stations (RVDS) for vehicles and unmanned systems.



    Doodle Labs

    Exhibitors
    http://www.doodlelabs.com/

    Doodle Labs designs and produces industrial-grade wireless networking solutions. We focus on mesh networking for robotic systems, providing high throughput, long-range Mesh Rider® Radio solutions for UAVs, UGVs, AMRs, mobile robotics, connected teams, government/defense and other applications. Our mission is to enhance the capabilities of unmanned systems and robotics through cutting-edge wireless technology. We leverage an iterative R&D process and a customer-centric ethos to make breakthrough discoveries, ensuring high-quality products at an accessible price-point. Our partnerships with government institutions and commercial markets drive our pursuit of technical innovations and long-term success. Doodle Labs is compliant with section 848 of the United States National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2024), and all our radios are designed and manufactured in the United States and Singapore. We are proud to support the US Government as Doodle Labs LLC (CAGE: 9HZ27). The future of robotics is being built today. Doodle Labs exists to make sure it’s safe, connected and equipped to fuel innovation.



    DTC

    Exhibitors
    https://www.domotactical.com/

    Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) is a leading global technology company that designs, develops and delivers robust, mission-critical wireless connectivity solutions which can operate in the most hostile of contested RF environments. Our battle proven solutions include secure, mission-critical communications for Uncrewed Systems in all domains – air, land and sea – which are optimised for low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP). Based on our innovative BluSDR Software Defined Radio platform and incorporating our industry-leading MeshUltra MANET IP Mesh waveforms, DTC datalinks deliver High Data Rate capability with exceptional spectral efficiency, ultra-low latency, end-to-end encryption and unparalleled robustness for improved range and mobility. DTC MeshUltra waveforms also deliver a number of capabilities designed to guarantee mission success even in today’s GNSS denied and communications denied battlefield environments. This includes an innovative RF ranging feature, which provides range information even in a GNSS denied environment and can also act as a feed into a multi-source fused positioning solution, and also a proven Interference Avoidance System (IAS) which can enable users to escape from jamming and interference. Additionally, DTC’s BluSDR™ multi-waveform options – including support for Trellisware TSM 6 – enable interoperability with a wide range of fielded systems. As a global leader of wireless communication technologies, DTC is trusted by military, law enforcement, counter-terror units, governments, robotics and autonomous systems manufacturers and integrators to deliver comprehensive off-the-shelf or tailored solutions that meet key communication and surveillance challenges in over 100 countries.



    Elbit Systems of America

    Exhibitors
    https://www.elbitamerica.com/

    Elbit Systems of America, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, law enforcement, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. We are a market leader for medium and small UAS, as well as loitering munitions, capable of providing the warfighter with advanced, cost-effective surveillance and precision strike capabilities in a single platform and is intended to overcome the challenge of multi-domain operations. The platform has the capability to detect, track and strike moving or static targets in varied weather conditions and across complex terrain. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: www.ElbitAmerica.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram



    Marathon Targets

    Exhibitors
    http://marathon-targets.com

    Marathon Robotics provides Lethality Today to US, NATO, and Coalition Partners on four Continents. We’ve been selected by USMC to provide mobile trailers of Intelligent Robotic Targets at all key CONUS and OCONUS sites. We reinvent Live Fire Training with Intelligent Robots that look, move, and behave like real people. It’s the world’s most realistic live fire training: shoot one robot, the rest autonomously scatter for cover, or self-organize a swarming counterattack.

    The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act describes our Autonomous Robotic Targets as “a vast improvement to training modality over existing systems and was value added in all training events/scenarios.”

    Trevor Nash of Shepard Defence says: “The Marathon argument is very persuasive, but its challenge is to change a mindset - present for many centuries – that the aim of the range is to ‘train marksmanship.’ That mentality is wrong” overmatch and winning the firefight are more important.”

    Marathon also cuts Range Modernization costs and time by 85% through ZIRM (Zero Infrastructure Range Modernization). No need to buy robots: use ZIRM cost avoidance to fund Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) to rent robots for a week or year, with robot operators – 95% of them military veterans. Offices and rental fleets on 4 continents.



    Mistral Inc.

    Exhibitors
    http://www.mistralinc.com/

    Mistral's main expertise is to act as a "bridge" between users' requirements and solutions in the defense and Law Enforcement markets while maintaining expert knowledge of the markets' processes and needs. Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Defense Authorities throughout the world rely on Mistral's ability to effectively and efficiently "bridge" their operational gaps. Mistral achieves "bridging" through disciplined and relentless expertise in understanding the customer's/end-users' operational requirements, and state-of-the-art solutions while creating long-term value for the user and the solution provider.



    Persistent Systems, LLC

    Exhibitors
    http://www.persistentsystems.com/

    Persistent Systems, LLC is a leading global provider of mobile networking solutions for military, first responder, government, and commercial markets. We engineer our Wave Relay® MANET and Cloud Relay™ technology to transmit voice, video, and situational awareness under the most difficult conditions. Through the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, an alliance of industry-leading companies, Persistent unites warfighters, UGVs, UAVs, sensors, cameras, and devices on a common network. Persistent was founded in 2007 and has offices in New York City, Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wyoming.



    Teledyne

    Exhibitors
    http://www.teledyne.com

    Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems to the U.S. government and allied nations for more than 40 years. Our products are on the front lines of the world’s most pressing military, security, and public safety challenges. As the global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime use, inclusive of counter-unmanned aerial systems that detect and mitigate the growing threat of small drones. We also develop the industry’s most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive elements. We deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe from any threat, anywhere.


    VectorNav Technologies

    Exhibitors
    http://www.vectornav.com/

    VectorNav Technologies is the worldwide leader in embedded navigation solutions. Since its founding in 2008, VectorNav has been providing systems integrators in the military, aerospace, marine, and robotics industries worldwide with SWaP-C optimized, high-performance navigation systems. VectorNav applies digital filtering and sensor calibration techniques that have decades of heritage in aerospace applications to the state-of-the-art in inertial sensors and GNSS, redefining possible in today’s inertial navigation technology. VectorNav Technologies is headquartered in Dallas, TX, USA, and is an AS9100D-certified company.

    Media Partners


    Armada International

    Official Media Partner
    http://armadainternational.com

    ARMADA INTERNATIONAL is leading defence magazine which reports on and analyses defence systems, equipment and technology. Together with its Compendium supplements, ARMADA provides defence planners in the militaries, in government, in procurement and in the defence industry itself with the information they need to plan their strategies.

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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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