The Disruptive Approach Symposium offers participants a deep dive into the technological future, where the latest developments in the defense sector will be explored and debated. Beyond technological innovation, the event will also showcase practical experiences, serving as a platform for exchanging insights and creating new solutions.
EDW emphasises that while fundamental principles of strategy and human ingenuity remain constant, technological advances and innovation can open up completely new domains of advancement. The European defence ecosystem stands at the brink of monumental change and Estonia is extraordinarily well placed to take on a decisive role in these events.
The symposium follows a holistic approach that views defense innovation not just as technological advancement, but as a process of continuous interaction between historical wisdom, current dynamics and, and cutting-edge capabilities.
- Past: Ancient strategic wisdom
- Present: Technological capabilities
- Future: Adaptive, intelligent defense ecosystems
EDW serves as a bridge between industry experts, innovators, governmental organisations and end users. The program will provide perspectives on how we perceive Defense Industry trends and topics developing over next years. Participants will enjoy a general assembly as well as smaller and more interactive exchanges at the theme sessions, enabling high-quality interactions with pioneers, leaders and future stars of the Estonian and European innovation ecosystem.
Symposium and Dinner by invitation only
Moderator Johannes Tralla (ERR)
@Terrace Hall - Jaak Tarien, Cybernetica
@D- Hall - Jaak Ennuste, UForce Estonia
@Mediateek - DefSecIntel
@Woodblock Hall - European Defence Fund (EKTL)
@Stalker Hall - RASK Attorneys-at-Law
Opening Remarks
9:10 Estonian Defence & Aerospace Industry Association AD2024
Taavi Veskimägi,
Founder member, EDIA chairman of the Council
Policy session
9.20 Hanno Pevkur
Minister of Defence of Estonia
9.40 VIP speaker TBD
10.00 Magnus-Valdemar Saar
National Armament Director, Estonian Centre for Defence Investments
10.20 Panel Discussion - political level
VIP Speaker, Guest Speaker, Magnus-Valdemar Saar, Taavi Veskimägi
Industry session
11.00 What does the future of defence look like – tomorrow and in the next decade?
Dr Gundbert Scherf
Co-Founder, Co-CEO of Helsing
11.20 International Industry speaker - TBD
11.40 Estonian Defence Industry representative
12.00 Panel Discussion - industry
Gundbert Scherf (HEL), Kuldar Väärsi (MILR), Jaanus Tamm (DSI), Arno Vaik (TRD)
National Armament Director, Estonian Centre for Defence Investments
VIP lunch
DefSecIntel AI, ISTAR and cyber room @Blackbox
Helsing AI & autonomous systems room @D- Hall
Space room @Terrace Hall
Jaan Viru, CrystalSpace. Space Industry introduction and best practices.
Ground Vehicle (UGV), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)
War Unseen: Electronic Warfare and the Rise of Remote Reconnaissance - Roman Ceban (Col. Ret.), Chief of Military and Special Operations Training in Ukraine, Threod Systems will elaborate on the following topics:
- Existing EW Obstacles and Solutions Used by Unmanned Platforms
This section explores the spectrum of electronic warfare (EW) threats facing unmanned platforms today—from jamming to spoofing—and presents the adaptive techniques being employed to overcome them. - How the Modern War in Ukraine Has Changed Battlefield Operational Management and Reconnaissance Tactics
Drawing lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this segment highlights how real-time intelligence, decentralized command structures, and drone-centric reconnaissance have reshaped the tactics of battlefield operations. - Latest Developments and Technological Trends
The final section provides an overview of innovations transforming unmanned aerial systems and EW, including advances in autonomous decision-making under contested conditions.
Museum exhibition
Opening speeches
Dinner & networking
Estonian War Bagpipe Ensemble
Acknowledgments by EDIA
European Defense Tech Hackathon
VIP-s with EDIA
*A symposium is a formal gathering of experts, scholars, and professionals to discuss a specific topic or theme, with roots in ancient Greek intellectual and social traditions. Historical Origin derives from ancient Greek "symposion" (συμπόσιον).
Sponsors
Supporters
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