Home
Airborne ISR

 

SAE Media Group is proud to present the 10th annual Airborne ISR conference to be held in London on the 22nd and 23rd October 2025.

Airborne ISR continues to be an incredibly important capability for militaries. Effective ISR enables kinetic assets the resources they need to be effective on the battlefield. Perhaps more than this, ISR is an extremely capable deterrent in its own right and modern dissemination technology and techniques enables forces to deal with threats before they can cause harm.

Discuss in detail Maritime Patrol, Data Dissemination, UAV Technology, International Surveillance Cooperation, AWACS, 5th Generation ISR, Industrial Engagement, and Threat Evolution alongside leading experts and programme managers in the field.

Benefits of attending:

  • Hear the latest developments from leading international programmes from maritime and land domains
  • Discuss how nations are adopting and adapting technology to gain greater intelligence resolution
  • Explore how nations are engaging with on-another to disseminate and analyse information
  • Attend a conference where you can meet and network with leading programme managers
  • Understand how nations are adopting systems and technologies to secure information and decision dominance
     

Why you can’t afford to miss Airborne ISR 2025:

  • Gain access to key subject-leaders from the UK, US, and Europe for interactive discussions focused on your challenges
  • Build a greater understanding of how the landscape has changed in the last year and the implications this has for you
  • Take away vital information into new advancements and emerging trends, that you won’t get anywhere else

sponsors

 

At Airborne ISR, join a unique event and discover what other nations are prioritising. Be a part of an exclusive group of speakers and attendees made up of leading programme managers and experts.

Conference agenda

clock

8:00

Registration & Coffee

clock

8:50

Chair's Opening Remarks

Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

clock

9:00

UK Deployments of ISTAR assets in 2026 and onwards

Group Captain Rich Berry, ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

  • Current work of the RAF ISTAR Force
  • Capability and force developments to meet the future AEW, ASW, and ISR
    challenges
  • clock

    9:30

    Multi-Domain ISR – Strategic Defence Review Implications

    Group Captain Judith Graham, Head of Operations and Analysis, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence, UK StratCom

  •   The main implications of the SDR for UK StratCom
  • ISR challenges of the changing strategic context
  • Implications for airborne ISR deployment and usage in conjunction with other domains’ capabilities
  • clock

    10:00

    Updates To The Sense And Understand Science And Technology Research Programme

    Mr. David Nethercott, Air Principal Advisor - Sense and Understand Programme, DSTL

  •  Harnessing innovation across UK industry to deliver AI-enabled ISTAR
  • Integrating multi-domain situational awareness
  • Potential gaps in research that industry may be able to address
  • clock

    10:30

    Morning Coffee & Networking

    clock

    11:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Northrop Grumman

    Randy A. Bithell

    Randy A. Bithell, Director, Information Dominance Analysis, Aeronautics Systems, Northrop Grumman

    clock

    11:30

    Future Strategies and Integration to Accelerate the Decision Cycle

  • Expanding ISR capabilities to a multi-domain approach
  • Key NATO enablers that will accelerate the sensor-to-shooter cycle
  • Exploring options for AWACS replacement with 6th generation multi-role
    ISR platforms
  • Innovative ISR solutions, including deep sensing and strategic decisions for
    joint operations
  •  

    clock

    12:00

    Session Reserved for Fokker Services Group

    Robert Koolen, Sales Director Special Mission Aircraft,  Fokker Services Group

    clock

    12:30

    Networking Lunch

    clock

    13:30

    Airborne ISR capability challenges in the High North

    Lieutenant Colonel Patrick LeBlanc, Combat Plans Chief within their Joint Forces Air Component JFAC within 11 Group, Royal Canadian Air Force

  •  Adapting existing ISR technologies to the unique challenges of the High North
  • Considerations for operating airborne ISR assets in cold environments, including logistics and sustainment
  • Command, Control and Communication challenges in the High North which affect PED effectiveness
  • Integration of UAS and crewed ISR platforms
  • clock

    14:00

    Session Reserved for Satcom Direct

    Michael Tombs

    Michael Tombs, Business Development Lead, Europe, Satcom Direct - Government

    clock

    14:30

    Deploying over-the-horizon radar to monitor the Arctic

    Pete Saunders, Director General NORAD Continental Defence Modernization, RCAF

     • Updates on NORAD’s work to monitor threats to the Canadian Arctic
    • New and emerging threats to the country
    • Deploying state-of-the-art sensors to gather intelligence in difficult terrain

    clock

    15:00

    Afternoon Tea & Networking

    clock

    15:30

    Modernising ISR Capabilities in Response to Competing Strategic Interests

    Colonel Hans Martin Steiro, Commander 133 Air Wing, RNoAF P-8A Poseidon, Royal Norwegian Air Force

  •  Adapting existing ISR technologies to the unique challenges of the High North
  • Considerations for operating ISR assets in cold environments
  • Ongoing  industry engagement to resolve challenges associated with
    Arctic operations
  •  

    clock

    16:00

    Panel Discussion: Deploying ISR threats to track and monitor multi-domain problem sets

    Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

  •  How can airborne assets contribute to the common operational picture across all domains?
  • What are the key threats ISR assets must monitor in a contested environment, and how does that differ across operational theatres?
  • What key gaps exist in early warning and A2AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) strategies?
  • How can interoperability improve the tracking of emerging threats across crewed and uncrewed platforms?
  • clock

    16:45

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

    clock

    8:30

    Registration & Coffee

    clock

    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

    clock

    9:00

    Modernising Uncrewed ISR Assets for Deep Reconnaissance Operations

    Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Price, SO1 RPAS, Land ISTAR Programme, British Army

  •  Future integration of British Army UAS where there is an information disadvantage
  • Ensuring the near-real time exchange of data between operational and tactical formations
  • Updates on integrating UASs into evolving land-component doctrine
  • clock

    9:30

    Romanian Strategic Initiatives in the Black Sea Region

    Brigadier General Virgil Nicu Florescu, Commander 18th ISR Brigade, Romanian Army

  •  Enhancing the deployment and operational effectiveness of ISR assets in maritime and joint environments
  • Integrating new ISR platforms into joint exercises with NATO partner forces
  • Existing partnership opportunities with Romania to address ISR challenges
  • clock

    10:00

    Morning Coffee & Networking

    clock

    10:30

    Eyes in the Sky: ISR Beyond Sensors Across Domains

    Mario Fassero Gamba, , Leonardo

    1. The Genesis of ISR system
    2. Beyond the Sensor: Maximizing Mission Effectiveness with Integrated ISR
    3. The ISR Big Data Challenge: From Collection to Actionable Intelligence
    4. Elevating ISR: Integrating AI/ML for Actionable Intelligence
    5. Next-Generation ISR: Unlocking Multi-Domain Capabilities
     

    clock

    11:00

    Integrating uncrewed ISR assets into multi-domain intelligence-gathering operations

    Colonel Jason Eckberg, Division Chief, Penetrating Persistent Multirole Remotely Piloted Aircraft P2MR Operations, United States Air Force

  •  Updates on the Italian Air Force ISR enterprise in the last years
  • Challenges overcome and initiative taken
  • Looking forward to future development of air ISR capabilities
  • clock

    11:30

    Undertaking Data-Led Decision-Making in Contested Environments

    Colonel Steven Curtis, Commanding Officer, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade , US Army Europe

  •  Deploying big data analytics to improve situational awareness and decision-making
  • Exploring the challenges that exist in filtering vast amounts of ISR data to extract actionable intelligence
  • Perspectives on how AI and machine learning can predict enemy movements and enhance strategic planning
  • clock

    12:00

    Networking Lunch

    clock

    13:00

    The future of Italian Airborne ISR

    Colonel Raffaele Cavaliere, Commandant, Air Force Geospatial Information Centre, Italian Air Force

  •  Viewing soldiers as producers and consumers of information
  • How can industry help better integrate soldiers into the information network
  • Responding to the ‘Massification’ of conflict
  • clock

    13:30

    Speeding Up Downtime through Improved Procurement of Critical Consumables

    Mr. Crescenzo Esposito, UAS Branch Chief / MQ-9 Project Executive Officer, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

  •  Deploying predictive maintenance and AI-driven logistics to improve supply chain efficiency
  • Modernising procurement reforms to reduce delays in obtaining mission-critical parts
  • Streamlining supply chains through can international partnerships
  • clock

    14:00

    Afternoon Tea

    clock

    14:30

    Panel Discussion: Best Usage of AI Technology in the ISR process

  •  Where is the intersection of human expertise and AI-driven solutions in modern defence strategies?
  • What is the long-term vision for AI and data management in ISR operations?
  • Collaboration opportunities between nations to advance AI technology and its application in ISR
  • Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

    Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Price, SO1 RPAS, Land ISTAR Programme, British Army

    Colonel Raffaele Cavaliere, Commandant, Air Force Geospatial Information Centre, Italian Air Force

    Colonel Steven Curtis, Commanding Officer, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade , US Army Europe

    clock

    15:15

    Audience discussion and case studies: What are the next steps for Airborne ISR?

    clock

    15:45

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Group Captain (Res.) James Beldon, Former ISTAR Deputy Force Commander, RAF

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

    Official Media Partner

    VENUE

    To ensure the security of the event, the exact location will not be disclosed publicly. Once your booking has been confirmed and approved, you will receive the full event location and address, along with the hotel booking form.

    Current Attendee List

    Download

    Chair's Letter - James Beldon

    Download

    Airborne ISR 2025 - Sponsorship Opportunities

    Download

    Past Presentation - Rich Berry

    Download

    Past Presentation - Craig Ledieu

    Download

    Past Presentation - Virgil-Nicu Florescu

    Download

    Sponsors


    Fokker Services Group

    Sponsors
    https://fokkerservicesgroup.com/

    Fokker Services Group (FSG) is an independent aerospace service company with a global reach. Providing comprehensive solutions from its five facilities in Europe, Asia and the Americas, FSG is a key partner for regional, narrow-body and wide-body platforms in the Commercial, VIP, Cargo and Defense markets. The organization offers a unique set of capabilities, products and services: ‘Modifications & Engineering Services’ for the latest technical solutions; ‘Component & Material Services’ such as nose-to-tail programs, exchange services, component repairs, parts manufacturing and spares deliveries; ‘Airframe Services’ for aircraft MRO including lease transitions and painting; and ‘Aircraft Completion & Conversion Services’ for Executive, VVIP and Special Mission aircraft programs. With this broad range of expertise, FSG is driven to exceed the expectations of its customers.



    Leonardo

    Sponsors
    https://uk.leonardo.com/en/media/uk-events/helicopter-technology-central-eastern-europe

    Leonardo is a global leader in aerospace, defence and security, delivering advanced multi-domain capabilities across its Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Cyber Security, and Space divisions. In military helicopters, Leonardo provides cutting-edge solutions spanning from 3-tonne single-engine to 15.6-tonne three-engine platforms, world-leading air protection, reconnaissance and surveillance technologies along with integrated support to ensure global operational effectiveness and readiness.



    Northrop Grumman Corporation

    Sponsors
    http://www.northropgrumman.com

    Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 100,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.


    Satcom Direct

    Sponsors
    http://www.satcomdirect.com

    Satcom Direct (SD) is founded on a core belief of understanding the value of time and the importance of maximizing it. Since our inception in 1997, the company mobilizes the most cutting-edge technologies to enable connection, wherever you might be. SD’s solutions span business aviation, marine, military, government, and telecommunications sectors, with the singular goal of leading connectivity industry standards.

    Harnessing a powerful combination of tools, SD delivers consistent, reliable connectivity across the globe. Proprietary software, hardware, terrestrial infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions and award-winning customer services create tailored data services for each individual customer mission. The aim is to enhance the passenger and ownership experience, improve efficiency and give back precious time by providing connectivity beyond all expectations. From our World headquarters in Florida USA, across 14 additional locations in 11 countries, including the UK, Switzerland, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Brazil and our manufacturing base in Canada, our truly global workforce is dedicated to advancing our mission to serve you.


    Exhibitors


    CRFS

    Exhibitors
    http://www.crfs.com

    CRFS is an RF technology specialist for defense and national security agencies who need to understand and exploit the electromagnetic environment. We work closely with end customers, system integrators and international partners delivering technologically advanced capabilities that provide actionable RF intelligence, real-time situational awareness and enable spectrum dominance. CRFS has a global reach and a leading position in the US and Europe. Solutions span the fields of spectrum monitoring, electronic warfare support, direction finding and geolocation, RF recording and I/Q data capture, and forensic wideband signal analysis. CRFS’s unique multi-mission RFeye ecosystem is a TRL-9 solution and widely deployed by leading NATO nations and allies. Systems combine scalable hardware / software combinations, equally capable of operating standalone or sub-systems for critical land, sea and air missions.

    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.

    SAVE TO


    Outlook Calendar  OUTLOOK CALENDAR
    Google Calendar  GOOGLE CALENDAR
    ICal Calendar  ICAL CALENDAR
    Yahoo! Calendar  YAHOO! CALENDAR

    Hilton London Kensington

    179-199 Holland Park Avenue
    London W11 4UL
    United Kingdom

    Hilton London Kensington

    At the heart of the Holland Park district, our hotel is 10 minutes from Westfield London shopping center. We're blocks from Shepherd's Bush Underground station, linking to central London, and Kensington Palace and Gardens are two miles from us. Enjoy 24-hour access to our fitness center.

     
    Join us in WestEleven for hearty buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day! Our Avenue Bar and Lounge serves light bites throughout the day as well as a delicious, seasonal dining menu.”
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Title

    SubTitle
    speaker image

    Content


    Title


    Description

    Download

    Title


    Description

    Download

    Title


    Description


    Download


    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

    Event Title

    Headline

    Text
    Read More

    I would like to speak at an event

    I would like to attend an event

    Group Booking

    Please complete the below form and a member of SAE Media Group’s booking team will be in contact within 24 hours

    I would like to sponsor/exhibit at an event

    SIGN UP OR LOGIN

    Sign up
    Forgotten Password?

    Contact SAE Media Group

    UK Office
    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
    SAE Media Group , Ground Floor, India House, 45 Curlew Street, London, SE1 2ND, United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7827 6001
    Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
    Registered in England - SMi Group Ltd trading as SAE Media Group




    Forgotten Password

    Please enter the email address you registered with. We will email you a new password.

    Thank you for visiting our event

    If you would like to receive further information about our events, please fill out the information below.

    By ticking above you are consenting to receive information by email from SAE Media Group.
    Full details of our privacy policy can be found here https://www.smgconferences.com/privacy-legals/privacy-policy/.
    Should you wish to update your contact preferences at any time you can contact us at data.privacy@smgconferences.com.
    Should you wish to be removed from any future mailing lists please click on the following link http://www.smgconferences.com/opt-out

    Fill in your details to download the brochure

    By submitting this form you agree to our privacy policy and consent to receiving communications, you may opt out at any time.

    Join the loitering munitions community

    Keep up to date with industry news, insights, and community updates FREE and direct to your inbox every month!
    * - required fields
    You can unsubscribe at any time. For full details see our Privacy Policy