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Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology
27 January - 28 January 2025
Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology

SAE Media Group is proud to present the 10th annual Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology conference, taking place on the 27-28 January 2025.

With rapid technological advances changing the way maritime forces need to utilise and manage ISR capabilities across domains, Maritime and Littoral Reconnaissance and Surveillance systems and platforms have become a critical component of naval capability.

Make sure you are a part of the leading conference in Europe dedicated to Maritime ISR. Join the maritime community across two days of discussion on innovation, with a focus on collaboration with industry experts, international military and inspirational speakers.

Platforms and topics discussed include... Maritime Patrol Aircraft Development, RPAS for Maritime Surveillance, Space-Based ISR, C4ISR, Search & Rescue, Autonomy, Coastal & Littoral Surveillance, Enhancing Overall Maritime Security and More...

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Capitaine de Vaisseau Johann Eidesheim

Capitaine de Vaisseau Johann Eidesheim

Head of the Naval Air Office, Naval Staff – Plans/Programs, French Navy
Captain Dr. Robert Koch

Captain Dr. Robert Koch

Branch Head Cyberspace, NATO ACT
Captain Matthew Syrett

Captain Matthew Syrett

Deputy Head Maritime and METOC, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK StratCom
Commander (Ret’d) Ian Danbury OBE

Commander (Ret’d) Ian Danbury OBE

Royal Navy ASW Spearhead – NATO Engagement & Secretary NATO ASW Barrier Project, Royal Navy
Commander Alan Darlington

Commander Alan Darlington

Navy Digital Information Exploitation, Royal Navy
Commander Alexander Tereshko

Commander Alexander Tereshko

Director of Intelligence, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group CPRG, US Navy
Commander Pieter Blank

Commander Pieter Blank

Innovator Programme Manager, Royal Netherlands Navy
Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy
Commodore Andrew Ingham

Commodore Andrew Ingham

Commander, Fleet Operational Standards and Training COM FOST, Royal Navy
Dr Alison Weston

Dr Alison Weston

Senior Coordinator for Coordinated Maritime Presences, Deputy to the Director and Head of Division Maritime Security, European External Action Service
Dr Dean Thomas

Dr Dean Thomas

Position, Navigation and Timing Lead, UK Space Agency
Dr Raffaella Guida

Dr Raffaella Guida

Reader in Satellite Remote Sensing, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey
Mr Ferdinand Peters

Mr Ferdinand Peters

Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation, Netherlands Ministry of Defence
Mr Rich Laing

Mr Rich Laing

Principal Project Manager, Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Centre, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
Ms Sofia Montalvo

Ms Sofia Montalvo

Operations Technical Director, US National Ice Center
Rear Admiral (UH) Krzysztof Jaworski

Rear Admiral (UH) Krzysztof Jaworski

Commander, Maritime Component Command, Polish Navy

Capitaine de Vaisseau Johann Eidesheim

Head of the Naval Air Office, Naval Staff – Plans/Programs, French Navy
Capitaine de Vaisseau Johann Eidesheim

 Captain Johann Eidesheim joins the Navy in 1993. Following his Flight Navigator and Radar Operator course, he is assigned to the Maritime Patrol Squadron 21F in Nîmes-Garons and participates in many operational missions. From 1998, he holds the position of tactical coordinator on ATL2 and stands out positively during several operational deployments.

In 2001, appointed Deputy Liaison Officer on board of two American aircraft carriers as part of "Enduring Freedom" operation, he is the aeronautic adviser of the coalition Commander. Coming back to a Maritime Patrol Squadron, he participates in numerous operational missions: Djibouti, "Licorne" operation (Ivory Coast), "Epervier/Dorca'' operation (Chad).

In 2009, he joins the training department at the Naval Air Station of Lann-Bihoué. Appointed course director, he is in charge of the tactical training for the maritime patrol crews. In November 2010, he is nominated as ATL2 adviser within the "Sahel" crisis cell for the planning and control operation centre of the military headquarters.

In 2011, he is appointed to the Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Patrol Center of Expertise (CENTEX PATSIMAR). Qualified Forward Air Controller Airborne (FAC-A), he participates in “Harmattan” operation (Libya) then Serval (Mali).

In 2014, he is appointed to MARCOM in Northwood (UK) as operational planner. In September 2019, graduated of War College, he is appointed within the Navy Operational Headquarters in charge of Navy Air operational employment and doctrine.

The Commander Johann Eidesheim is currently commanding the Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Patrol Center of Expertise (CENTEX PATSIMAR).

Totalling more than 5000 flying hours, 22 deployments on operational theatres, he is awarded the Legion of Honour, the National Order of Merit as well as three unit awards for combat missions.

Captain Dr. Robert Koch

Branch Head Cyberspace, NATO ACT
Captain Dr. Robert Koch

 Captain Dr. Robert Koch is Branch Head Cyberspace at Allied Command Transformation, Portfolio Manager, and the primary Cyberspace point of contact to Senior ACT leadership. He manages and coordinates the Cyberspace Programme and represents SACT, DCOS and ACOS on high level cyber-related engagements.
Captain Dr. Koch entered the German Navy in 1998. After officer training, university education and subsequent operational and technical training, he served as Weapon Engineering Officer with deployments to NATO, EU and UN missions. After the National General/Admiral Staff Officer Course, Captain Dr. Koch served as Action Officer Cyber in the Communication and Information Systems Command, built up the new Penetration Testing capability of the Federal Armed Forces as Department Head in the Center for Cyber Security, and served as Desk Officer Cyber Policy in the Federal Ministry of Defence. From October 2021 to September 2023, he was Section Head Interoperability Verification & Validation and the Director of NATO Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination and eXercise (CWIX). Since October 2023, he is Branch Head Cyber in NATO ACT.
Beside his military career, Captain Dr. Koch is active in research and teaching in his spare time. He has lecturing assignments at different universities and is Assistant Professor at the University of the Federal Armed Forces, holds a Diploma in Informatics, a Master’s Degree in Military Leadership and International Security, and two doctoral degrees.

Captain Matthew Syrett

Deputy Head Maritime and METOC, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK StratCom
Captain Matthew Syrett

 Captain Matt Syrett is the Maritime Geospatial Intelligence Liaison Officer for the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI). Appointed as the defence customer Non-Executive Director for the UKHO board, Matt is focused on meeting defence needs for maritime geospatial data.
Captain Matt Syrett is a warfare officer and specialist military Hydrographic surveyor, Oceanographer and Meteorologist, he is also qualified as a specialist Navigator. Matt has Commanded HM Ships GLEANER, ROEBUCK, ECHO and PROTECTOR. In 2016 he became the Hydrographer of the Royal Navy and Commanded the 700-person strong Royal Navy Survey Flotilla in its operations worldwide.
Matt has experience as the Naval Assistant to The First Sea Lord. Working directly for Admiral Sir George Zambellas and Admiral Sir Philip Jones, as their lead for International Defence Engagement, during a period that included, the Scottish Referendum and Strategic Defence Security Review 2015. He also has Strategic and Operational Media experience gained from a two-year assignment to the Permanent Joint Headquarters during the Afghanistan and Libya campaigns.
Matt acts as the defence customer on the UKHO board. He supports and constructively challenges the executive committee, applying scrutiny both in the development of business strategies, cases, plans and targets; and in assessing the UKHO’s success in delivering its approved corporate plan.

Commander (Ret’d) Ian Danbury OBE

Royal Navy ASW Spearhead – NATO Engagement & Secretary NATO ASW Barrier Project, Royal Navy
Commander (Ret’d) Ian Danbury OBE

 Ian joined the Royal Navy in 1979 retiring last year after 43 years’ service, he is a graduate of the, now closed, Royal Navy’s Engineering College in Plymouth and is a Chartered Engineer. The early years of his career were spent in both engineering and warfare appointments in Frigates and Destroyers. He served aboard HMS GLASGOW during the Falklands conflict in 1982 and in the Gulf during the tanker wars of the late 80s, he also conducted several Anti-Submarine patrols in the North Atlantic during the height of the Cold War. More latterly he has served in the MOD, shore HQs, as an intelligence analyst and as a Sea Training instructor. He graduated from the NATO Defence College in 2009 and served in the NATO HQ in Naples, Italy and more recently in the NATO HQ in Brussels where he supported capability development and was the lead author of NATO’s Anti-Submarine Warfare vision. He went on to be part the team which formed and then supported the NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Initiative.
In 2023, he took up a civilian post supporting the Royal Navy’s ASW Spearhead project with a specific focus on NATO engagement and Operational Experimentation. As part of the leadership team of NATO’s ASW Barrier project, he planned and led the execution of the Underwater component of the REPMUS 23 unmanned exercise in Portugal in Sep 23.

Commander Alan Darlington

Navy Digital Information Exploitation, Royal Navy
Commander Alan Darlington

 On completion of his university studies, Alan spent a year working in finance for Lockheed Martin, during which time he was exposed to a number of military projects. This sparked further interest in a career within the Armed Forces and in September 2002, he joined the Royal Navy as potential aircrew.

Early in 2008, having been awarded his ‘wings’, Alan joined 814 Naval Air Squadron and deployed on Op CHOBDAHAR in support of counter piracy, counter narcotics and counter people trafficking operations. The end of 2009, saw Alan return to the home of Merlin training, 824 Naval Air Squadron, as a Staff Aircrew Instructor, primarily responsible for teaching tactics in a simulated environment to trainee pilots during the Operational Conversion Phase of helicopter training.

In 2011, upon completion of the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Maritime), Alan graduated from the inaugural Joint Maritime Intelligence Course. Assigned as deputy to the Officer in Charge of the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose Intelligence Facility (CSIF), Alan was responsible for developing the roles of the unit to better support the front-line squadrons. His two years within the CSIF also saw him deploy on Op HERRICK, working alongside the Seaking Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft. On his return to RNAS Culdrose, he took the lead in developing the Station’s contribution to Maritime Security Operations.

In 2013, Alan was assigned as the Officer in Charge of Windmill Hill Signal Station. Over his three-year assignment, the unit underwent significant refurbishment and expanded its portfolio to better support the local Command and law enforcement agencies monitor the region and respond to maritime security incidents.

On promotion to Lt Cdr, Alan undertook a six-month tour as the Chief Analyst for the UK Maritime Component Commander, liaising with various partner nations to provide operational support to all RN units operating within the region. This tour was followed by two years seconded to another government department before joining PJHQ as an Operations Plans Officer. In May 2021, Alan assumed the role of Officer in Charge of the Fleet Information Operations Centre.

In May 2023, Alan was promoted to Cdr and was assigned to Navy Digital where he leads on the Royal Navy’s Information Exploitation portfolio, introducing new technologies and ways of working for the Naval community.

Commander Alexander Tereshko

Director of Intelligence, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group CPRG, US Navy
Commander Alexander Tereshko

 CDR Alexander J. Tereshko was born in Framingham, Massachusetts and graduated with Merit from the United States Naval Academy in 2000. His first operational assignment was with Patrol Squadron ONE at NAS Whidbey Island as the Aviation Intelligence Officer where he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-PHILIPPINES. CDR Tereshko then served in the Chief of Naval Operations – Intelligence Plot, as a HUMINT officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and as Flag Aide to the Director, DIA. Returning to operational duty, he completed successive O-4 Milestone tours with Joint Special Operations Command and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) before moving to Naval Special Warfare Group FOUR as the Senior Intelligence Officer for O-5 Milestone. Following a tour at Navy Warfare Development Command, CDR Tereshko arrived at Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group as the Director of Intelligence. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (w/ two oak leaf clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (w/ gold star), and the Navy Commendation Medal (w/ two gold stars). He also holds an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Commander Jens Parnow

Branch Head Plans & Policy, Maritime AIR Directorate, NATO MARCOM
Commander Jens Parnow

Commander Pieter Blank

Innovator Programme Manager, Royal Netherlands Navy
Commander Pieter Blank

 I am Pieter Blank, Innovator and program manager at the Royal Netherlands Navy. In this role responsible for the development and introduction period of an embedded maritime UAV squad (‘the Nederdrone Program’). I am working with several teams (technical and operational) building towards a ‘team of teams’-concept.

Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy
Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

Commodore Andrew Ingham

Commander, Fleet Operational Standards and Training COM FOST, Royal Navy
Commodore Andrew Ingham

 Andy was educated in South Wales and went on to read Mechanical Engineering at Southampton University, joining the Royal Navy in 1997 as a Marine Engineering Officer before transferring to the Warfare branch.

Early sea assignments as Navigating Officer in 3 classes of Ship included operational deployments in home waters, the Baltic, Mediterranean and Far East. Andy then trained as a Principal Warfare Officer and further specialised as an Air Warfare Officer. This period saw deployments to the Caribbean, South Atlantic, Mediterranean, Middle and Far East including Counter Narcotic Operations and Disaster Relief preparations in response to Cyclone Nargis (Myanmar 2008).

Proceeding ashore in 2009, a period with the Afghanistan Operations Team in the UK’s Joint HQ in Northwood, involved a short spell in the UK Brigade HQ in Lashkar Gah (Helmand) as the Liaison Officer to Commander Task Force Helmand during HERRICK 11. Andy also spent 2 years as the Fleet Operations Officer in the Maritime HQ, Northwood, responsible for delivery of the near term (0-6 months) programme for RN assets. From 2017, a stint in the Capability and Acquisition field as the desk officer for Ships and Sensors in Navy Command HQ, saw him primarily responsible for the Capability requirement of the RN’s Type 31 Frigate. This was followed by a short tour as Assistant Chief of Staff Combined Joint Effects in the Rome HQ of the EU Central Mediterranean Maritime Security Operation SOPHIA.

Andy has enjoyed the privilege of Command: at sea, of a MCM Crew and Type 45 Destroyer; and ashore, of FOST (Ships) and a Joint Inter-Agency Task Force (JIATF) on Op ISOTROPE, the military assistance to small boat migrant crossing operations in the English Channel.

Andy is a graduate of ACSC and RCDS. He lives in Hampshire with his wife Maryla, a fellow Warfare Officer currently on HCSC, and Kato, their Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Dr Alison Weston

Senior Coordinator for Coordinated Maritime Presences, Deputy to the Director and Head of Division Maritime Security, European External Action Service
Dr Alison Weston

 Dr Weston is Senior Coordinator for the Coordinated Maritime Presences, as well as Deputy to the Director in the Security and Defence Policy Directorate and Head of Division for Maritime Security, in the European External Action Service. She is responsible for policy development and coordination on maritime security, as well as for the implementation of the political aspects of the EU Coordinated Maritime Presences concept. With significant experience in EU civilian and military crisis management structures, she has been involved in the evolution of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy from its early stages, including in the planning and conduct of many of the EU’s civilian crisis management missions.
In 2008-2010, she served as Chief of Staff in the International Civilian Office/ Office of the EU Special Representative in Kosovo, led by Pieter Feith. In 2018-19, she was seconded to the European Commission in the framework of the Security Union Task Force, under the authority of Commissioner King.
Dr Weston holds a doctorate in Political and Social Science from the European University Institute in Florence and is a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe.

Dr Dean Thomas

Position, Navigation and Timing Lead, UK Space Agency
Dr Dean Thomas

Dr Raffaella Guida

Reader in Satellite Remote Sensing, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey
Dr Raffaella Guida

 Raffaella received the Laurea degree (cum laude) in Telecommunications Engineering and the Ph.D. degree in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Naples Federico II (Naples, Italy), in 2003 and 2007, respectively. In 2006, she received a two-year research grant from the University of Naples Federico II to be spent at the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering on the topic of electromagnetic field propagation in urban environment. In 2006, she was also a Guest Scientist with the Department of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Technische Universität München (Munich, Germany). In 2008, Raffaella joined the Surrey Space Centre (SSC), University of Surrey (Guildford, U.K.) as a Lecturer in Satellite Remote Sensing. Today she is still in SSC as Reader and Head of the Remote Sensing Applications research group. Since September 2019 Raffaella is also PostGraduate Research Director in SSC.
Raffaella has published more than 80 papers and was awarded the IEEE J-STARS Best Paper Award 2013 for her research on statistical analysis of SAR data.

Mr Ferdinand Peters

Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation, Netherlands Ministry of Defence
Mr Ferdinand Peters

 I am Ferdinand Peters Naval Systems Architect at the Defence Material Organisation. I am responsible for the integration of unmanned (aerial) systems on the Royal Netherlands navy feet. I am working on different projects in which the ships are adapted to accommodate the different unmanned systems and in which the unmanned systems are incorporated in the design from the start. Moreover, I am involved in the Nederdrone Program in which an organic aerial systems is designed specifically for maritime operations.

Mr Rich Laing

Principal Project Manager, Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Centre, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
Mr Rich Laing

 Rich has worked within the Joint ISR Centre at the NCI Agency, based in the Hague, for 5 years. Using his previous 23 years experience working as an Intelligence Officer within the Royal Air Force, Rich supports the operational community through multiple projects, with a particular focus upon the delivery of the Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space Programme.
Rich works as part of a diverse team to ensure that NATO JISR activities are optimised today and in the future, supporting the Alliance ability to maximise the information sources for decision making.

Ms Sofia Montalvo

Operations Technical Director, US National Ice Center
Ms Sofia Montalvo

 Sofia Montalvo as Operations Technical Director (OTD) to the U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC) advises the Commanding Officer/Director on operational and civilian matters as they pertain to the effectiveness and efficiency with which the USNIC meets its mission and goals. As the USNIC's Subject Matter Expert in operational sea ice services, she works with the Operations Department, focusing on providing relevant sea ice information services to our users. She is also the primary USNIC representative to national and international organizations. Ms. Montalvo has held many roles at the USNIC prior to OTD, SAR/Imagery Order Desk Lead, Master Ice Analyst, and Snow and Ice Analyst, which has given her a greater insight into many aspects of the USNIC.

Prior to coming to the USNIC in 2017, Ms. Montalvo worked at the Mission Control Center of the National Data Buoy Center, working in quality control of the data being reported by the many US Government run weather, TAO, and tsunameter buoys around the world. She also worked as an intern at the National Hurricane Center her final year of her undergraduate work. Ms. Montalvo earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Mathematics from the University of Miami in 2011 and a Master of Science in Atmospheric Science from North Carolina State University in 2014.

Rear Admiral (UH) Krzysztof Jaworski

Commander, Maritime Component Command, Polish Navy
Rear Admiral (UH) Krzysztof Jaworski

 Rear Admiral (OF-7) Krzysztof ‘Kris’ Jaworski was born in 1966, and is a 1990 graduate of the Polish Naval Academy with the Master of Navigation and Naval Armament. Additionally, he holds master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, DC (2015). Moreover, RADM Jaworski graduated from the Naval War College in Newport, RI in 1998. He has had multiple command and staff positions throughout the last 28 years.
His sea tours include commanding officer, Tarantul-class corvette; flotilla and squadron staff officer and chief of staff. Finally, in 2007 he was appointed as a commander of the Fast Patrol Boat Squadron and was promoted to Captain.
Ashore, RADM Jaworski assumed duties as the senior naval advisor to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces as well as served in Maritime Operational Division N-3, Polish Navy HQ.
His operational deployment includes chief of staff, Deputy Support Operations, NATO Training Mission Afghanistan, Kabul. Afterwards, he was assigned as a Deputy
of Chief of Armament Directorate, Navy Inspectorate, General Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
His staff assignments also include chief of staff, 8th Coastal Defense Flotilla, Swinoujscie (2015) as well as commander of 3rd Ships’ Flotilla in Gdynia (2016) followed by his promotion to flag officer in November 2016.
He assumed his current position as Maritime Component Commander in May 2018 and in August he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral (upper half).
Jaworski’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Cross of Merit, Silver Long Service Medal, Afghanistan Star, Gold Medal of Merit for National Defense,
Gold Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland, Non-Article 5 Medal, Pro Patria Medal and other various personal, unit and service awards.
RADM Jaworski and his wife have been happily married for more than 30 years
and have two adult sons. He is an active long-distance runner. He is interested
in maritime history, particularly the Polish Navy engagement during WW2.

sponsors

Conference agenda

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8:00

Registration & Coffee

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8:45

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest, Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy

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9:00

Enhancing Geospatial Intelligence Capabilities to Optimise UK Maritime Domain Awareness

Captain Matthew Syrett, Deputy Head Maritime and METOC, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI), UK StratCom

  • The work of the National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) in cultivating GEOINT for maritime domain awareness
  • Overcoming challenges in data integration and ensuring data quality
  • Strategies for combining GEOINT and OSINT data from various public and private sources
  • Vision for the future role of geospatial intelligence in achieving UK maritime domain awareness
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    9:30

    UK Space Command – Critical Updates on the UK Space Capability and its Maritime Effects

    Senior Representative

    Senior Representative, , UK Space Command

  • An overview of Space Command’s key projects and ensuring actionable space-based intelligence
  • The launch of the UK National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC)
  • Data fusion between multiple satellite systems
  • Gaining the competitive edge in a competitive space environment
  • Updates on Skynet programme and how this will assist with maritime ISR operations
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    10:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - UNSEENLABS

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    11:30

    The NATO Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) Initiative

    Mr Rich Laing, Principal Project Manager, Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Centre, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)

  • An overview of the initiative and key milestones to establishing the Aquila constellation
  • Partnerships between NATO and private companies in the Initiative
  • The way ahead with maritime surveillance with space-based capabilities
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    12:00

    Coordinating Space-Based Maritime Domain Awareness to Strengthen EU Maritime Security

    Dr Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Coordinated Maritime Presences, Deputy to the Director and Head of Division Maritime Security, European External Action Service

  • An overview of the current space-based technologies/services utilised in monitoring and securing EU maritime domains
  • Strategic roadmap to support EEAS objectives of being a maritime security provider
  • Key challenges and solutions in maritime data integration and sharing
  • Future plans and strategic initiatives for enhancing EU’s maritime domain awareness capabilities
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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - MDA Space

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    14:00

    The UK Space Agency and Developing Next-Gen PNT Capabilities for Space-Based MDA

    Dr Dean Thomas

    Dr Dean Thomas, Position, Navigation and Timing Lead, UK Space Agency

  • An overview of how the UK Space Agency is advancing PNT capabilities to enhance the accuracy and reliability of UK MDA operations
  • The integration of novel satellite and PNT technologies within the UK’s broader maritime surveillance framework
  • Addressing the challenges of potential threats to PNT services, including the importance of developing resilient and redundant systems
  • The UK Space Agency’s collaborative efforts with international partners, industry, and other government agencies to drive innovation in PNT technologies
  • Future plans for enhancing global maritime security through the coordinated development of advanced PNT capabilities tailored to the unique demands of maritime domain awareness
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    14:30

    Securing the Maritime Domain – Cyber Resilience and Integration in NATO Operations

    Captain Dr. Robert Koch, Branch Head Cyberspace, NATO ACT

  • Enhancing cyber resilience for maritime operations and to protect maritime CNI
  • Leveraging NATO’s collective cyber capabilities to support joint maritime operations – including the strengthening of partnerships and information sharing among NATO members to combat cyber threats
  • Learning from NATO's recognition of Russia’s cyber tactics in Ukraine, particularly the improvement of Ukrainian cyber defences from 2016 to 2024
  • Case studies showcasing the successful integration of cyber and maritime operations
  • Investing in research and development to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats in the maritime domain, focusing on the speed of response and the complexity of cyber operations by 2035
     
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    15:00

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    16:00

    Exploiting Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data for Maritime Monitoring

    Dr Raffaella Guida, Reader in Satellite Remote Sensing, Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey

  • The work of the Surrey Space Centre in optimising space-based MDA capabilities
  • Optimising the fusion of SAR & AIS data for maritime surveillance
  • Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of SAR and AIS in the maritime domain
  • Lessons learned from the live demos on ship trajectory prediction
  • Working with the Defence Sector to develop novel space-based sensor capabilities
  • Future prospects and technological improvements in SAR & AIS data exploitation
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    16:30

    Enhancing Global Maritime Safety – The Role of the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme

    Mr Steven Lett

    Mr Steven Lett, Previous Head of Secretariate, International Cospas-Sarsat Programme

  • An overview of the Cospas-Sarsat Programme and its mission to provide accurate and timely distress alert and location data
  • Technology advancements and the implementation of Medium-Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) satellites
  • International cooperation and partnerships with national search and rescue organisations
  • Challenges and opportunities for space-based maritime domain awareness
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    17:00

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day 1

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest, Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy

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    8:15

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:45

    Chair’s Opening Remarks

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest, Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy

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    9:00

    Training the Royal Navy for the Digital Age

    Commodore Andrew Ingham, Commander, Fleet Operational Standards and Training COM FOST, Royal Navy

  • Priorities for Royal Navy training and standards in maritime reconnaissance operations
  • Digital skills and drills – Embracing novel technologies, such as virtual reality for training exercises 
  • Optimising multinational training with NATO allies – Including Ex Joint Warrior and Ex Talisman Sabre
  • Future of Multi-Domain Practice for reconnaissance operations
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    9:30

    Information Exploitation for Operational Advantage in the Maritime Domain

    Commander Alan Darlington, Navy Digital Information Exploitation, Royal Navy

  • Collection is essential, but understanding is unachievable without the ability to Process, Exploit, and Disseminate (PED) data and fuse it with other sources.
  • Military operations demand accountability, and collateral damage is not an option; therefore, military operators need to understand and validate the data to generate necessary actionable options.
  • The Royal Navy is currently on a digital transformation pathway to develop the skills and toolsets required to build on this understanding function.
  • This transformation aims to enhance operational capability by improving data processing and integration skills.
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    10:00

    Session Reserved for Sponsor

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    The Polish Perspective on Safeguarding Maritime Security through Enhanced Situational Awareness Capabilities

    Rear Admiral (UH) Krzysztof Jaworski, Commander, Maritime Component Command, Polish Navy

  • Strengthening maritime situational awareness in the Baltic Sea – Current capabilities and requirements
  • Integrating advanced technologies into Polish maritime surveillance – Including unmanned systems, AI and satellite surveillance
  • Poland’s strategic role in NATO’s maritime security framework and contributions of the Polish Navy to NATO’s maritime operations and collective security efforts
  • Future directions and strategic priorities for expanding Poland’s maritime surveillance and defence capabilities
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    11:30

    Aerial Capabilities for Maritime Domain Awareness – The French Navy’s Strategic Vision

    Capitaine de Vaisseau Johann Eidesheim, Head of the Naval Air Office, Naval Staff – Plans/Programs, French Navy

  • Overview of current and future aerial platforms used by the French Navy for ISR operations
  • Strategic roadmap for the modernisation of the French Navy’s aviation fleet
  • The integration of advanced sensors, AI and data fusion technologies to enhance French MDA
  • The adoption of UAVs into the French Navy for enhanced situational awareness
  • Meeting future threats and challenges in naval warfare and how aerial capabilities will address these
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    12:00

    Leveraging Task Force 67’s Airborne ISR Capabilities for Enhanced Maritime Security

    Captain Brian Schneider

    Captain Brian Schneider, Commander TF-67, Commander, Fleet Air Sigonella, US Navy

  • An overview of the airborne ISR platforms being utilised by CTF-67 to enhance situational awareness across critical maritime domains
  • Recent technological advancements in A-ISR platforms under CTF- 67’s command, including sensor upgrades and data processing improvements
  • Enhancing interoperability and collaborative maritime security efforts in the Mediterranean and beyond
  • CTF-67’s strategies for leveraging ISR capabilities to detect, deter, and respond to emerging maritime threats, such as piracy, smuggling, and hostile naval activities
  • Future directions for enhancing ISR capabilities to meet evolving maritime security challenges
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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    COMMARAIR NATO’s Role, Responsibilities and MDA Developments

    Commander Jens Parnow

    Commander Jens Parnow, Branch Head Plans & Policy, Maritime AIR Directorate, NATO MARCOM

  • An overview of COMMARAIR NATO’s mission and its role in supporting NATO’s maritime operations
  • How MDA supports NATO’s operational readiness and deterrence posture in key maritime areas
  • NATO’s MDA framework – The integration and development of air and maritime surveillance capabilities
  • Future strategic initiatives aimed at further improving NATO’s MDA capabilities and air-maritime integration
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    14:00

    The RAF Poseidon Program – Maintaining Maritime Safety and Security of the High North

    Wing Commander Dave Higgins

    Wing Commander Dave Higgins, Commanding Officer, CXX Squadron, Royal Air Force

  • An overview of the advanced capabilities of the P-8 Poseidon MPA in detecting, tracking, and deterring threats in the maritime domain
  • The role of the Poseidon Force in safeguarding the High North region
  • How the Poseidon’s advanced sensors and ASW systems contribute to maintaining maritime security
  • Case studies demonstrating successful joint operations and the integration of Poseidon assets with other maritime and air forces
  • Plans for enhancing the operational readiness and capability of the Poseidon Force in response to evolving maritime security threats
  •  

    clock

    14:30

    Panel Discussion: Optimising Intelligence PED (Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination) to Advance Maritime Security via Emergent Technologies: Collaborative Strategies and Technological Innovations

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest, Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy

    Commander Alexander Tereshko, Director of Intelligence, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group CPRG, US Navy

    Commander Alan Darlington, Navy Digital Information Exploitation, Royal Navy

    clock

    15:00

    Afternoon Tea

    clock

    15:30

    Development of an Allied ASW Barrier Concept

    Commander (Ret’d) Ian Danbury OBE, Royal Navy ASW Spearhead – NATO Engagement & Secretary NATO ASW Barrier Project, Royal Navy

  • Update on the UK led NATO ASW Barrier Project.
  • Comprehensive briefing on the achievements of the ASW Barrier Operational Experimentation at REPMUS 24 in Portugal.
  • NATO developments in interoperability for MUS including underwater communications architectures
  •  

    clock

    16:00

    Utilising SR-UAS as New Capability in the Maritime ISR Domain -An Innovator’s View-

  • Disruptive or emergent technology?
  • Unmanned pop-up treats: the urgent need for Situational Awareness
  • The development of an UAS capability suite.
  • Bridging the valley of death: TRL or CRL (Capability Readiness Level)?
  •  

    Commander Pieter Blank, Innovator Programme Manager, Royal Netherlands Navy

    Mr Ferdinand Peters, Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation, Netherlands Ministry of Defence

    clock

    16:30

    Operational Insights from the US National Ice Center – Enhancing Arctic Maritime Domain Awareness

    Ms Sofia Montalvo, Operations Technical Director, US National Ice Center

  • An overview of the US National Ice Center’s ice monitoring and analysis capabilities, and their contributions towards Arctic MDA
  • How the US National Ice Center utilises satellite and in-situ observations to enhance operational capabilities, enabling timely and reliable ice forecasts
  • The role of advanced technologies in processing and disseminating ice data to support maritime operations
  • Highlighting the importance of international collaboration between Arctic and non-Arctic nations in sharing critical ice data and enhancing MDA across the region
  • The impact of climate change on Arctic ice conditions and the need for adaptive strategies in maritime domain awareness
  •  

    clock

    17:00

    Chair’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day 2

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest

    Commodore (Ret'd) Steve Prest, Former Director Navy Acquisition, Royal Navy


    Head of the Naval Air Office, Naval Staff – Plans/Programs
    French Navy
    Branch Head Cyberspace
    NATO ACT
    Deputy Head Maritime and METOC, National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI)
    UK StratCom
    Royal Navy ASW Spearhead – NATO Engagement & Secretary NATO ASW Barrier Project
    Royal Navy
    Navy Digital Information Exploitation
    Royal Navy
    Director of Intelligence, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group CPRG
    US Navy
    Branch Head Plans & Policy, Maritime AIR Directorate
    NATO MARCOM
    Innovator Programme Manager
    Royal Netherlands Navy
    Former Director Navy Acquisition
    Royal Navy
    Commander, Fleet Operational Standards and Training COM FOST
    Royal Navy
    Senior Coordinator for Coordinated Maritime Presences, Deputy to the Director and Head of Division Maritime Security
    European External Action Service
    Position, Navigation and Timing Lead
    UK Space Agency
    Reader in Satellite Remote Sensing, Surrey Space Centre
    University of Surrey
    Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation
    Netherlands Ministry of Defence
    Principal Project Manager, Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Centre
    NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency)
    Operations Technical Director
    US National Ice Center
    Commander, Maritime Component Command
    Polish Navy

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

    Official Media Partner

    VENUE

    Hilton London Kensington

    179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London, United Kingdom

    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.”

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing the SMi Group. SMi Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Past Attendee List

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Rear Admiral Guillaume Fontarensky - DCOM

    Download

    Past Speaker presentation - CDR ITN Mauro GHEZZI

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    Past speaker presentation - Dr Alison Weston Senior Coordinator, Coordinated Maritime Presences Head of Maritime Security Divisi

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    Past Speaker Presentation - LTCDR (FNY) Alexandre Arkwright Deputy chief of strategy office French Space Command

    Download

    Past Speaker Presentation -REAR ADMIRAL JAMES PARKIN CBE ROYAL NAVY DIRECTOR DEVELOP

    Download

    Sponsors


    MDA

    Sponsors
    https://mda.space/en/

    Founded in 1969, MDA is one of Canada’s most successful technology companies and an internationally recognized leader in space robotics and sensors, radar satellites and ground systems, communication satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems and geospatial imagery products and analytics. With a deep and diverse technology base, MDA’s global reach and heritage serving government and commercial space and defence markets with innovative and iconic solutions is unparalleled. MDA operates from locations in Richmond, BC; Brampton and Ottawa, ON; Montreal, QC; Halifax, NS; Houston, TX; and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit https://mda.space/en/


    Unseenlabs

    Sponsors
    https://unseenlabs.space/

    Unseenlabs is the world leader in radio frequency data and solutions for Maritime Domain Awareness. Thanks to our satellite constellation, we provide unmatched solutions for maritime surveillance, based on exclusive radio frequency data to allow the geolocation and characterization of any type of vessel anywhere around the globe, at any time of the day or night, and in any weather conditions. Many public and private customers (French Navy, NGOs, marine insurers, etc.) are already using our solutions.


    Exhibitors


    Synmax

    Exhibitors
    https://www.synmax.com/

    SynMax is a satellite data analytics company which specializes in the use of commercial satellite images to find and monitor oil and gas assets and provide maritime intelligence data. SynMax – Hyperion is the world’s only near real-time frac crew monitor which makes daily observations of frac activity in every major oil and gas play in the US. Hyperion has used this proprietary satellite data to build a first of its kind short term oil and gas production model which can predict near-term changes in oil and gas production. Synmax – Theia is a comprehensive maritime domain awareness solution providing daily global monitoring of all vessels 30m and above across millions of km2 of ocean. Our proprietary AI enables maritime event detection at strategic and tactical levels and detection of true dark ships

    Media Partners


    Offshore Source

    Official Media Partner
    https://www.offshoresource.com/



    International Maritime Club

    Official Media Partner
    http://www.internationalmaritimeclub.com/

    Conceived with the vision of uniting all aspects of the broad and dynamic maritime industry, the International Maritime Club has been working for the global maritime industry and oil & gas sector for the last 17 years. IMC's primary mission is to foster continuous development, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and promote the growth of maritime trade globally. The organization has been serving as a bridging force to bring together decision-makers, communities, organizations, and associations under a single platform. IMC provides numerous opportunities to its member associations and promote their events and activities through its the social media channels. IMC also organizes various events to recognize and enhance the professional qualifications of its members by establishing partnerships with prestigious academic institutions and universities. In 2014, to recognize and honor outstanding professionals in the maritime and oil & gas sectors, IMC organized its inaugural Golden Helm Awards. This event honoured industry professionals for their exceptional contributions. Since then, the club has partnered with various industry events, further extending its reach and impact. The most recent awards event was the 2024 Honorary Doctorate Leadership Excellence Awards held at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, located in Dubai, UAE, on the 2nd of May, 2024.


    Ocean News & Technology

    Official Media Partner
    https://oceannews.com/


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    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

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    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

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    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




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