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.
The Disruptive Approach Symposium 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
The Disruptive Approach Symposium 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)
1. RASK Attorneys-at-Law: Launch & Protect: Building a Defence Tech Company in Estonia
@Woodblock Hall
Managing Director of Estonia’s e-Residency programme, Liina Vahtras, along with Timo Kullerkupp, Partner at RASK Attorneys-at-Law, and Artur Sanglepp, Attorney-at-Law at RASK, welcome defence tech founders to this tailored workshop on starting a business in Estonia and securing intellectual property rights.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:
- Found and manage an EU-based defence tech company entirely online through Estonia’s e-Residency.
- Raise and manage investments and remotely operate your company hassle-free using e-Residency.
- Navigate key legal considerations, including IP protection, founder agreements, and dual-use compliance.
- Leverage Estonia’s digital infrastructure and startup-friendly regulations to scale securely and globally.
2. Cybernetica @Terrace Hall
3. UForce Estonia @D- Hall
4. DefSecIntel @Mediateek
5. European Defence Fund (Milrem) @Stalker Hall
OPENING REMARKS
Estonian Defence & Aerospace Industry Association AD2024
Founder member, EDIA chairman of the Council
POLICY SESSION
10.20 Panel Discussion - political level
Henna Virkkunen, Guest Speaker, Taavi Veskimägi
INDUSTRY SESSION
Dr Gundbert Scherf | Co-founder and co-CEO of Helsing
11.40 Defence Industry speakers
12.00 Panel Discussion - industry view
Gundbert Scherf (HEL), Kuldar Väärsi (MILR), Jaanus Tamm (DSI), Arno Vaik (TRD)
VIP lunch
DefSecIntel AI, ISTAR and cyber session @Blackbox
Helsing AI & autonomous systems session @D-Hall
Part #1 by Threod: War Unseen - Electronic Warfare and the Rise of Remote Reconnaissance - R.C. 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.
Part #2 by Milrem: Wargaming the Future: UxS Impact on Cross-Domain Defence
Description:
A team of experts was tasked with analysing and planning a defensive scenario in Northeast Estonia. The panel will examine how the introduction of unmanned systems (UxS) could reshape the battlespace by enabling new capabilities, altering force structures, and expanding tactical options. Additionally, the discussion will explore key considerations that nations must address when integrating emerging military technologies into operational forces.
Satellites: Cornerstone from reconnaissance to navigating in GNSS-denied environments
- Satellites in defence and typical approaches for different countries (CrystalSpace)
- Latest Developments, trends and impact of the Ukrainian war.
- Optical satellites and Estonian capabilities (CrystalSpace)
- Radar satellites and Estonian capabilities (KappaZeta) Main topics: Landscape trafficability estimation from satellite data, GNSS-free navigation for UAVs and UGVs
- Operations and ground stations (Spaceit)
Museum exhibition
Opening speeches
Dinner & networking
Estonian War Bagpipe Ensemble
Acknowledgments by EDIA
European Defense Tech Hackathon
https://onlineexpo.com/en/estonian-defence-week/defence-hack-day/
Platinium sponsor
Gold sponsors
Supporters
Organisers
Join us at Estonian Defence Week (EDW)
The Creative Hub (Kultuurikatel)
Kursi tn 3, Tallinn