Advancing Operational Readiness & Multi-Domain Defense at the 9th Annual Directed Energy Symposium

The Defense Strategies Institute will host its 9th Annual Directed Energy Symposium from September 2-3, 2026, in National Harbor, MD, to address the integration of next-generation capabilities into the multi-domain battlespace.

As the Department of War continues to prioritize advanced warfighting capabilities to counter evolving threats, directed energy technologies have emerged as a critical component of future defense operations. This year’s event arrives at a pivotal moment for the enterprise, following the Department of War’s declaration that directed energy is now operationally mature and essential for achieving strategic overmatch.

The symposium serves as a primary forum for senior leaders and decision-makers from the military services, combatant commands, federal agencies, industry, and academia. The agenda focuses on the practicalities of scaling and operationalizing these capabilities, specifically regarding high-power microwave and laser weapon systems. Key technical priorities include accelerating testing and evaluation efforts and ensuring these solutions are effectively integrated across the Joint Force.

The 2026 speaker lineup features prominent subject matter experts, including COL Shannon Thompson of the U.S. Army’s Directed Energy, CPE Defense Fires; CAPT Joe Oravec, Commanding Officer of the NSWC Dahlgren Division; and Bradley Horton, Director of the US Army Threat Systems Management Office. Other confirmed participants include Dr. Peter Morrison from the ONR, Thomas Karr of MITRE, Dr. Mark Spencer, Dr. Alexia Gordon of USANCA, and Joseph Dana Teague from the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Attendees will examine the evolving landscape of directed energy warfare, exploring the specific opportunities and challenges involved in deploying and sustaining high-tech weapon systems within contested environments. By bringing together leaders from the Department of War and the Air Force Research Laboratory, the event aims to bridge the gap between research and operational deployment.