AI for Defense Summit 2026 Returns to Washington DC

Defense Strategies Institute’s AI for Defense Summit returns to Washington this September 2-3 to advance mission-critical technologies as top artificial intelligence leaders convene to accelerate defense innovation By Olivia Hannam / 26 May 2026

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AI for Defense Summit 2026 Returns to Washington DC this September
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Defense Strategies Institute is pleased to announce the upcoming AI for Defense Summit, taking place on September 2-3, in Washington, D.C.

As the Department of War continues to modernize capabilities to outpace near-peer competitors, the integration of artificial intelligence across the defense enterprise has become essential to accelerating decision-making, enhancing operational effectiveness, and maintaining strategic advantage.

The Summit will convene senior leaders and decision-makers from across the Department of War, military services, combatant commands, federal agencies, industry, and academia to examine strategies for adopting and scaling AI-driven capabilities across mission-critical environments. This forum will highlight efforts to advance machine learning applications, improve data readiness, strengthen human-machine teaming, and enable faster, more informed decision-making in support of the Joint Force.

Register your place now >>

2026 Confirmed Speakers

  • Patrick Lincoln, PhD, Director, Information Innovation Office, DARPA
  • Alexis Bonnell, Partnership Manager, OpenAI; Former CIO & Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate, AFRL
  • Kim Sablon, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Riverside Research; Former Principal Director for Trusted AI & Autonomy, OUSW R&E
  • Young Bang, Operating Executive, The Carlyle Group; Executive Vice President, Two Six Technologies; Former Principal Deputy, ASA(ALT)
  • Nancy Morgan, CEO, Ellis Morgan Enterprises; Former Intelligence Community CDO, ODNI
  • Jane Pinelis, PhD, Chief AI Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
  • COL (Ret) Christopher Korpela, PhD, Senior Roboticist, Intelligent Systems Center, JHU APL
  • Gregory Allen, Former Senior Adviser, Wadhwani AI Center, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

DSI is now welcoming Sponsors and Exhibitors for the forum. To learn more, please contact Dudley Duverne.

Active-duty US military and government personnel attend complimentary. Those interested in participating in the AI for Defense Summit can visit Defense Strategies Institute’s website. Anyone interested in learning more or sending questions please contact Nikole Barto.

Posted by Olivia Hannam Olivia is a Junior Editor and Copywriter at Defense Advancement. She graduated with First-Class Honours in History from the University of Exeter, where she developed a strong passion for research and clear communication. Since joining DA in 2025, Olivia’s focus lies in producing insightful content that highlights the latest developments and innovations shaping the defense sector, with a particular interest in naval technology and maritime defense. Connect
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