Accelerate Defense Modernization through Strategic Sourcing
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersSAE Media Group has announced the launch of Loitering Munitions USA 2026, the premier event dedicated to advancing Loitering Munitions (LMs) and Launched Effects (LEs) technology for the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and its partners.
Following the incredibly successful inaugural event in 2025, which brought together more than 300 attendees, the 2026 edition will take place in Arlingon, USA, on May 13-14, uniting senior leaders, decision-makers, engineers, and industry innovators to define the next era of precision strike capabilities.
Why Now?
The global defense landscape is evolving rapidly, and loitering munitions and launched effects are at the forefront of this transformation. Recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, have demonstrated that LMs, LEs, and FPV drones offer cost-effective, scalable, and highly effective solutions for modern warfare.
Key drivers shaping this technology include the shift toward reusable loitering munitions, which move beyond single-use systems to deliver sustainable and adaptable platforms; the advancement of beyond line-of-sight deployment, extending operational reach and enabling strategic flexibility; and NATO adoption, as allied forces accelerate integration of loitering munitions to reinforce interoperability and coalition strength.
The 2026 Loitering Munitions USA agenda addresses critical aspects of these trends including sessions:
- ‘Keeping the Human in the Loop’ – exploring how human oversight remains essential as systems become more autonomous.
- ‘Rolling Out Miniature, High-Precision Strike Tactical Missile Systems’ – reflecting the push for adaptable, reusable solutions.
- ‘Enhancing Close Combat Lethality Through Loitering Munition Innovation’ – examining how extended operational reach transforms battlefield tactics.
- ‘Updates on Integrating Loitering Munitions into Future Soldier Systems’ – highlighting the U.S. Department of War’s (DoW) commitment to interoperability and next-generation capability.
Explore the full agenda on the website.
Who Attends?
This event is designed for all U.S. DoW professionals engaged in LM development and deployment. By connecting these stakeholders with industry leaders, Loitering Munitions USA 2026 creates a unique environment for collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment, enabling attendees to drive internal and external initiatives, strengthen partnerships, share critical capability requirements with industry, and enhance visibility across the defense community, all while reinforcing mission objectives.
Attendance is complimentary for all DoW and Federal employees (excluding contractors). Recognized as an official educational training opportunity, the event qualifies as a widely attended gathering, bringing together a significant number of participants from every branch of the U.S. military, international allies, and leading industry partners.
Why Attend?
The leading U.S. event on LMs and LEs is set to deliver unprecedented opportunities for defense innovators and decision-makers. With major contracts being awarded and systems acquired at scale, now is the time to engage with the technologies shaping future-ready warfare. Attendees will explore how loitering munitions provide affordable, scalable mass and redefine force structures for tomorrow’s battlespace.
Featured Speakers Include
- Brigadier General Anthony Gibbs, Capability Program Executive Mission Autonomy, U.S. Army
- Andrew Evans, Director, Strategy and Transformation, U.S. Army
- Colonel Ryan Wylie, Director, U.S. DoW Close Combat Lethality Task Force
- Lieutenant Colonel Alan Wood, PM SOF Lethality, U.S. Special Operations Command
- Lieutenant Colonel Hunter Gray, Product Manager, Launch Effects, U.S. Army, Program Executive Office, Aviation
- Major Jesse Hume, Team Lead – Organic Precision Fires, Marine Corps Systems Command
Join these leading voices as they share exclusive insights and strategies shaping the future of loitering munitions, don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. Save $400 if you book your place at Loitering Munitions USA 2026 today.
