This presentation highlights strategies for aligning UAV platforms with mission objectives, focusing on how advanced development programs and innovation ensure effective deployment and operational success.

This presentation highlights Stratolaunch’s recent achievements using the Spirit of Mojave, showcasing the performance and operational readiness of their reusable hypersonic launch platform through real-world flight test outcomes and system enhancements.

This session explores how autonomous intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) systems are evolving by building on proven capabilities. It highlights the integration of legacy expertise with cutting-edge innovation, showing how these technologies are shaping the future of defense operations and advancing mission effectiveness.

Mission-centric autonomy is advancing rapidly, with new approaches for resilient operations in degraded environments, swarm mission planning tailored to Blue UAS platforms, and methods enabling dismounted soldiers to control multiple autonomous systems. These developments highlight the technical challenges and engineering solutions shaping next-generation defense autonomy.

As U.S. drone ecosystems gain momentum, leaders are confronting the dual imperatives of NDAA compliance and supply chain security. This discussion brings together voices from legislation, testing, manufacturing and integration to explore how sovereignty in design and production is shaping the future of public airspace and strengthening trust in American-built platforms.

Exploring the critical role of motion systems in UAS, this discussion highlights how precision positioning technologies form the foundation for reliable navigation, control, and performance. Insights from innovators across aerospace and robotics showcase advancements that are driving more capable and resilient platforms.

From cybersecurity compliance to real-world combat readiness, this panel examines the evolving requirements shaping UAS defense. Experts outline the latest in CMMC implementation and advances in all-domain RPA training to strengthen mission resilience and preparedness.

Low-altitude airspace is quickly becoming the proving ground for UAS integration, demanding new infrastructure, reliable identification systems and accurate environmental data. This panel highlights how federal labs, technology transfer opportunities, Remote ID at the community level and advanced weather analytics are shaping the foundation needed to support safe and scalable UAS operations.

The conflict in Ukraine has accelerated innovation and reshaped global perspectives on UAS development, deployment and defense strategy. This discussion explores how lessons from the battlefield are influencing technology design, operational tactics and future investments in unmanned systems worldwide.

Evolving security and autonomy requirements are redefining how unmanned systems operate in complex, contested environments. Experts will highlight new approaches to collaborative multi-UAS missions, the advancement of non-kinetic counter-UAS technologies and the ongoing debate around the necessity of non-cooperative detect-and-avoid systems. Together, these perspectives provide insight into emerging strategies that balance operational effectiveness with safety and resilience.

An insider’s look at how evolving policy and advocacy efforts are shaping the future of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility. The discussion highlights the critical role of regulatory engagement in fostering innovation, advancing integration and ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in the global drone economy.

This presentation explores how national airspace access is being advanced to support UAS integration and Department of Defense readiness. The presentation outlines progress made in extending operations beyond the range of traditional test sites, highlighting the systems, partnerships and regulatory pathways that are accelerating safe and scalable adoption.

The rapid growth of urban air mobility demands careful integration of eVTOL operations into the National Airspace System. This discussion highlights regulatory pathways, advances in autonomy, and the infrastructure needed to connect eVTOLs with existing transit networks, shaping the future of safe and scalable operations.

Resilient engineering is redefining what advanced UAS platforms can achieve. From heavy-lift drones powered by parallel hybrid-electric systems to coatings designed for extreme weather endurance, innovators are expanding operational limits and durability. The conversation also explores how sensor fusion technologies create real-time situational awareness while building long-term airspace resilience, ensuring platforms remain reliable across diverse and demanding missions.

As beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations gain traction, the need for comprehensive training has never been greater. This discussion highlights how specialized programs prepare RPAS operators for regulatory compliance, safety management and real-world mission readiness. Industry experts share perspectives on designing curricula, aligning training with evolving standards and ensuring pilots are equipped with the skills to safely expand operational boundaries.

Autonomous technologies are moving from experimental prototypes to tools that directly benefit communities. This panel highlights how federal laboratories, universities, defense organizations and research parks are advancing innovation with practical applications that improve everyday life. From building scalable training ecosystems that merge live, virtual and constructive domains, to creating frameworks for collaboration between federal labs and private industry, the discussion also showcases real-world missions like the Rural Autonomous Innovation Network’s effort to deliver medicines to underserved areas.

As autonomous systems become central to aviation and defense, building a skilled workforce and establishing strong operational standards are critical for future growth. Experts will address the distinctions between integration, collaboration and interoperability, as well as the role of international standards such as ISO 21384-3 in shaping safe and consistent drone operations. The discussion also explores advancements in education and training, including AI-driven approaches and immersive VR/AR environments, that are preparing the next generation of professionals for an evolving UAS ecosystem.

Rural communities face unique challenges in logistics, and drones are emerging as a transformative solution for parcel delivery. This panel brings together experts in transportation, agriculture and UAS testing to explore the progress and potential of drone-enabled delivery networks across North Dakota. Discussion will highlight advancements in research, regulatory collaboration and infrastructure that are laying the groundwork for safe, efficient and scalable rural deployment, while examining the broader implications for supply chains and community access.

As artificial intelligence and autonomous systems play a larger role in business and defense, questions of accountability and ethics are becoming increasingly urgent. This panel examines the intersection of autonomy, risk and responsibility, with perspectives spanning business, academia and national security. Speakers will explore how organizations can harness the benefits of AI-driven UAS technologies while managing liability, building public trust and ensuring ethical standards in both commercial and military applications.

From university research to on-the-ground adoption, drones are transforming agriculture by enhancing efficiency, precision and sustainability. This discussion brings together experts from academia and industry to examine the current state of UAS use in farming, real-world applications driving value today and the innovations poised to shape the future of ag technology.

UAS technology is becoming an essential tool for monitoring and maintaining transportation infrastructure. This panel highlights how North Dakota researchers, engineers and transportation officials are using drones to assess bridges, roadways and other critical assets, improving safety, reducing costs and advancing predictive maintenance capabilities.

Innovations in drone technology are redefining how agriculture and environmental monitoring are approached. From invasive weed detection powered by AI to advanced aerodynamics for precision sowing and enhanced airspace awareness, this panel highlights solutions that boost safety, efficiency and sustainability in the field.