2026 NDIA DVC Aerospace Conference: Advancing the Future Battlespace

The rapid advancement of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAV (C-UAV) technologies is transforming the defense landscape—reshaping strategy, acquisition priorities, and operational readiness across all domains. As these systems become increasingly capable and pervasive, defense organizations must accelerate innovation to integrate autonomy, secure airspace, and maintain strategic advantage.

The NDIA Delaware Valley Chapter’s 2nd Annual Aerospace Conference will drive forward this critical dialogue among government, industry, and academia—exploring the innovation, development, and deployment of autonomous aerial systems, as well as the vital mission of countering them both in contested environments and within U.S. airspace.

To meet the pace of technological change, industry and military organizations must also adopt training solutions that prepare operators in weeks, not months, ensuring rapid fielding and seamless integration across joint and coalition operations.

The Conference on Unmanned Aerial Systems and Counter-UAV Technology brings together:

• Government decision-makers and program managers driving next-generation defense initiatives
• Acquisition professionals navigating evolving funding and procurement pathways
• Industry leaders and innovators developing cutting-edge unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies

Key Topics Include:

• Joint service requirements for UAS and C-UAV integration
• Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM/T)
• Acquisition strategies and funding priorities for autonomous systems
• Operational concepts for UAS employment in contested environments
• Counter-UAS detection, tracking, and mitigation technologies (JIATF401 Mission, Strategy, Policy)
• Lessons learned from fielded systems and current programmatic initiatives

Benefits to NDIA DVC Members

Participation in this conference provides NDIA DVC members with a unique opportunity to:

• Engage directly with senior government officials, program offices, and acquisition leaders shaping UAS and C-UAV policy and investment
• Build partnerships with leading defense contractors, technology developers, and innovators advancing the unmanned ecosystem
• Gain insights into near-term requirements, funding priorities, and emerging technologies driving acquisition and operational decisions
• Strengthen professional networks across government, industry, and academia in support of NDIA’s mission to advance national security and defense readiness

Benefits to the Department of War
U.S. military participation in this event directly advances military interests in several important ways:

• Enhancing Operational Readiness and Capability Development: By participating in discussions on UAS and C-UAS technologies, military representatives can influence industry innovation and ensure that emerging solutions address real-world operational challenges. This contributes to faster fielding of effective capabilities and improved preparedness across all domains.
• Supporting Acquisition and Modernization Priorities: Engagement with acquisition professionals and industry leaders helps align research, development, and procurement efforts with Department of Defense priorities. This ensures more efficient use of resources and accelerates the delivery of mission-critical technologies to the warfighter.
• Strengthening Civil-Military and Community Relations: Hosting the conference at the University of Delaware and involving academic institutions enhances transparency and collaboration with the local community. It demonstrates the military’s commitment to innovation, education, and public engagement, reinforcing trust and mutual support between the military and civilian sectors.
• Advancing Recruiting and Workforce Development: Interaction with students, researchers, and early-career professionals provides the military with an opportunity to showcase career pathways in defense, science, and technology fields. This supports recruiting efforts and helps build a pipeline of highly skilled talent for future force requirements.
• Building Strategic Partnerships: The conference environment facilitates enduring relationships between the military, industry, and academia, which are critical to sustaining innovation and maintaining a competitive edge against near-peer adversaries.

In sum, U.S. military participation is not merely observational—it is a strategic investment in capability development, partnership building, and workforce engagement that directly contributes to national defense readiness and long-term military advantage.

We invite defense, government, and industry leaders to share insights, case studies, and perspectives that shape future requirements and cross-domain integration strategies. Presentations will highlight actionable lessons, partnership opportunities, and innovations that directly impact national defense capabilities.