The Maritime Security Summit 2026 is a professional and educational forum focused on advancing maritime defense capabilities, with particular emphasis on naval operations, security technologies, and maritime dominance. The event brings together members of the Department of the Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, port security leadership, and marine technology providers to examine current efforts to integrate emerging tools and technologies.
Discussions will explore how advanced systems, intelligence integration, and partnerships can support sustained readiness and strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) across coastlines, ports, and vessels. The summit operates under Chatham House Rule, with no press and no recordings permitted.
When is the Event?
The Maritime Security Summit will take place on July 15–16, 2026.
Themes
The 2026 program will address key defense priorities shaping maritime security. Topics include ensuring proper resourcing of sea services to maintain maritime dominance, fielding critical technologies across naval warfighting domains, and advancing intelligence integration and information sharing.
Sessions will also examine the operational deployment of robotic and autonomous systems, developments in surveillance and reconnaissance, and the role of advanced analytics in maritime operations. Additional focus areas include USCG Force Design 2028, the U.S. Maritime Action Plan, Indo-Pacific partnerships, and innovations in port and vessel cyber security.
What’s On?
The summit will feature a series of senior-level presentations and discussions addressing current maritime security challenges and technological developments.
Attendees will gain insight into evolving threats and solutions, including detection and monitoring capabilities, next-generation sensor technologies, and integrated command and control platforms. The program also provides opportunities for engagement and discussion among military, government, and industry stakeholders.
The event is designed to support knowledge sharing, enable dialogue, and provide a platform for participants to exchange perspectives on maritime security priorities and operational requirements.
Speakers
Confirmed speakers include senior leaders from across the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, government, and research organizations, including:
- ADM Karl Thomas, USN – Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
- The Honorable Hung Cao – 35th Under Secretary of the Navy
- VADM John Skillman, USN – Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (N8)
- VADM Michael Vernazza, USN – Commander, NAVIFOR
- Congressman Robert Wittman – House Armed Services Committee
- RADM Jon Hickey, USCG – CIO and Program Executive Officer for C5I
- Dr. Katherine Rink – MIT Lincoln Laboratory
- RDML Robert Compher, USCG
- BG Hyeong-Jin Yoon – Republic of Korea Embassy
- Matthew Sermon, SES – Maritime Industrial Base
- Serena Dietrich, SES – U.S. Coast Guard
- Dr. Elspeth McMahon – Old Dominion University
Previous Highlights
The summit builds on continued developments in maritime security, including initiatives such as the U.S. Maritime Action Plan, the establishment of the Navy’s Rapid Capabilities Office, and the Coast Guard’s Force Design 2028.
Recent progress across the maritime domain has focused on strengthening the maritime industrial base, enhancing surveillance and detection capabilities, and integrating advanced technologies such as AI-driven systems and autonomous platforms.
Where is The Event?
American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
United States
To learn more about Maritime Security Summit 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
