PMUS
RE
A Unified Maritime Defence Ecosystem – In Association with REPMUS26
2026
SEABED maritime
ISR SURFACE
SECURITY UNCREWED NAVAL SYSTEMS WARSHIPS
Commanding the Digital Ocean Battlespace:
From Space to Surface to Seabed for Multi-Domain Operations
13-14 October 2026 | Design Hotel, Tróia, Portugal
12th October 2026 | CEOM Site Visit
Four leading naval defence conferences. “Defence iQ hosts this valuable
One collaborative community. conference as a platform to
integrate all the customers,
Real operational insight from NATO’s premier industrial base and lots of Navies”
maritime experimentation environment. National Cheng Seng Institute of Science and Technology
Early Confirmed 2026 Partners
THREE STAR PARTNERS TWO STAR PARTNERS ONE STAR PARTNERS
EXECUTIVE
Defence iQ proudly presents a four-co-located event, content-led maritime defence experience,
exclusively in association with REPMUS 2026. Taking place at the Design Hotel in Tróia—steps
from one of NATO’s most active maritime innovation theatres—these events bring together the
SUMMARY
global naval community to exchange insights, shape operational doctrine, and drive capability
integration across domains.
Each conference—Seabed Security, Maritime ISR, Uncrewed Naval Systems, and Surface
Warships—remains independent in content yet strategically aligned in purpose. Together, they
create a cross-domain knowledge ecosystem unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Conference Aim
This conference aims to unite naval leaders, operators, technologists and industry to address
how superiority in the digital ocean is achieved across space, surface and seabed. By bringing
together Surface Warships, Seabed Security, Uncrewed Naval Systems and Maritime ISR, the
event will explore how data, autonomy and integration enable effective multi-domain operations
in an increasingly contested maritime environment. Delegates will gain practical insight into
aligning capabilities, accelerating interoperability and turning information advantage into
operational advantage—ensuring forces are better prepared to deter, detect and respond across
the full maritime battlespace.
Why Attend?
Content-First, Mission- Backed by REPMUS 2026 Accelerated Collaboration
Driven
With NATO’s largest uncrewed Four communities interact
This is not a trade show. These maritime experimentation across a shared exhibition,
are deep technical and strategic environment taken place directly networking lounges, and the
“Last year’s Seabed Security forum delivered exceptional value in forums, each curated with before the conference, insights exclusive pre-event visit to the
a very short time. In just a few intense days in Tróia, we engaged operators, technologists, and are: CEOM for live demonstrations
in highly focused discussions with the key stakeholders shaping decision-makers at the core. of UUVs, USVs and UAS.
the future of seabed security — which is why this year we are Current
strengthening our commitment even further. The unique setting Seamless Cross-Domain Applied In one venue, attendees meet:
of Tróia, combined with a highly curated audience, created an Insight Directly tied to real exercises Naval officers and
outstanding environment for deep, meaningful discussions on seabed and trials commanders
security. Few events offer such direct access to governments, navies, Attendees gain access to
overlapping themes: uncrewed NATO transformation leads
technology leaders and research institutions in such a concentrated Technical programme
format. Seabed security is becoming a critical and fast-evolving integration, ISR data flows,
managers
domain. Bringing together public authorities, navies, technology critical undersea infrastructure
protection, fleet architecture, Autonomy & AI innovators
companies and research institutes in one place made this event a
pipeline resilience, multi- OEMs, primes, and SMEs
unique platform to align perspectives and shape future strategies.”
domain-operations and more. Academia and research
Gabriel Gómez Celaya, General Manager, Marine Instruments institutions
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
PMUS
RE
EXCLUSIVE VISIT
In Association with REPMUS26
2026
TO THE CEOM As part of our maritime events experience, all 500+
attendees will be invited to join us as complimentary
guests at the CEOM (Portuguese Navy Operational
Experimentation Centre) which exists to support maritime
operational experimentation campaigns and exercises, in
Tróia.
During this visit which will take place the day before the
conference commences, various enterprises will also
have the unique opportunity to showcase different subsea
(UUV), surface (USV) and aerial solutions (UAVs) in the
form of live demonstrations, highlighting their specific
products’ capabilities to the participants.
This interactive part of our agenda will also enable
conference guests to hear from the Portuguese Navy on
key takeaways from the 2026 REPMUS exercise, and on
their operational use of maritime unmanned systems as
well as emerging, disruptive technologies critical to the
future protection of the maritime domain.
AGENDA
1600 Travel to CEOM
1615 REPMUS 2026 debrief by the Portugese Navy
1630 Tour of the hangar
1715 Live demonstrations on the pier
1745 Networking drinks reception
1845 Travel to Design Hotel
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
EVENT
BREAKDOWN
& KEY SPEAKERS
SEABED maritime
ISR SURFACE
SECURITY UNCREWED NAVAL SYSTEMS WARSHIPS
Protecting Critical Underwater Enhancing Maritime Situational Powering the Next Era of Maritime Enabling Naval Power with Technology
Infrastructure Amid Increasing Awareness to Outpace Evolving Operations for Next Generation Surface Warships
Seabed Activity Threats
Focus: Undersea infrastructure resilience, Focus: Multi-layered maritime domain Focus: Autonomy, AI, USVs/UUVs, Focus: Fleet modernisation, digitalisation,
seabed situational awareness, hybrid awareness through air, surface, C2, experimentation, and integrating hybrid manned-unmanned operations,
sensing, and sovereignty protection. subsurface, and space. uncrewed platforms into fleet operations. survivability, and future combatants.
Why It Matters: 97% of all digital traffic Why It Matters: ISR is the backbone Why It Matters: Uncrewed systems are Why It Matters: Surface fleets remain the
travels beneath the ocean—threats to enabling NATO’s operational tempo and redefining naval power projection and visible backbone of naval diplomacy, power,
seabed networks are accelerating. the integration of uncrewed assets. deep-water ISR. and deterrence.
Key Speakers:
Key Speakers: Key Speakers: Key Speakers:
Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri,
Admiral Kelly C. Ward, Operation Commander, Operation Lord Walney, Vice-Chair, AUKUS
Rear Admiral Craig Wood,
Commander – Task Force 66, EUNAVFOR MED Irini All-Party Parliamentary Group Deputy Commander, STRIKEFORNATO
US Navy Richard Atkinson, Rear Admiral Paul Flos, Program
Rear Admiral (LH) Francesco
Rear Admiral Giulio Cappelletti, Section Head Land and Maritime Director International Naval Materiel Saladino, Head of Surface Capabilities
Deputy Director, National ISR, NATO Cooperation, Netherlands MoD Development Department, Italian Navy
Underwater Hub, Italian Navy Aija Kalnaja, Deputy Executive Commodore Marcus Rose,
Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi,
Rear Admiral Francesco Director, FRONTEX - European Deputy Director Underwater Director General Logistics Department,
Saladino, Force Commander of the Border and Coast Guard Agency
Battlespace Capability, Royal Navy Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force
European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Arturo Ojeda Demaria, UXS
Operation ATALANTA, Italian Navy Specialist, Intelligence Surveillance Rear Admiral Giulio Cappelletti,
Commodore Ian Feasey, Commander
& Reconnaissance Technology Deputy Director of the Operational of Surface Flotilla, Royal Navy
Captain Metter Stab–Johansen,
Development Unit, United Nations Structure of the National
Chief of Operations and Planning, Commodore Kyrre Haugen,
Global Service Centre Underwater Center, Italian Navy
Royal Danish Navy Chief of Naval Fleet,
Jeremy Churcher, Head of Royal Norwegian Navy
Defence, UK Hydrographic Office
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
MEET THE CHAIRMEN:
SEABED SECURITY MARITIME ISR UNCREWED NAVAL SYSTEMS SURFACE WARSHIPS
Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Eric Lavault, Commodore Dr Craig Sawyer, dmiral (Ret’d) Henrique Eduardo
A
Former Head of Seabed Warfare Olav Andreas Dahle, (Ret’d), Former Chairman, NATO Joint Capability Group for Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo,
Department, Commanding Officer Norwegian Maritime Unmanned Systems & NATO Chairman, Joint ormer Chief of the Naval Staff,
F
French Navy Submarine Service, Norwegian Navy Capability Group Maritime Unmanned Systems Portuguese Navy
Rear Admiral Lavault devoted 34 years to Commodore Olav Andreas Dahle is a retired Dr. Craig Sawyer has transitioned his mission support of dmiral Gouveia e Melo is a senior Portuguese
A
service in the French Navy, building a career that senior officer of the Royal Norwegian Navy defense technology and innovation through roles in advising naval officer whose career spans over four
combined operational command with strategic with extensive experience in submarine and consulting. He focuses on Mission Architecture, Analysis, decades. After graduating from the Naval
leadership at the highest levels. operations, NATO command structures, and Strategic advising, where he builds strategy, plans, and Academy in 1984, he began service as a junior
and defence materiel programmes. Based partnerships to help bridge commercial viability and defense officer and soon specialised in submarines,
He commanded four operational units across in Bergen, he most recently served with the value based on over 25 years of defense experience at the holding key operational and command roles
the full spectrum of naval operations. In Toulon, Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, where tactical, operational, and strategic levels. His more recent aboard several vessels. Between 1992 and
he led the Mine Clearance Diving Group and he held senior roles supporting Norway’s roles include science advisor for the Director of Integrated 2002, he commanded submarines and led
the Mine Clearance Diver Base Ship Pluton, New Submarine Programme, including Warfare at OPNAV N9 (US). He served as the USN portfolio training and operational control within the
overseeing complex underwater missions. Project Lead from 2022 to 2024. In this lead for all naval unmanned, robotic, and AI systems. He Submarine Squadron.
He later took command of the fleet tanker La capacity, he contributed to one of Norway’s focused on aligning and guiding technology and resources He later served as Navy spokesperson and
Somme, sustaining French naval forces on most strategically significant defence in the Navy’s strategic 30-year plan, balancing investments, commanded the frigate NRP Vasco da Gama
long – range deployments, before commanding acquisitions, strengthening future undersea studies, war games, exercises, and experimentation related (2006–2008). Returning to the Submarine
the amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude capabilities. to unmanned systems across resource sponsors and domain Squadron, he oversaw its modernisation to
from 2015 to 2017 – a key platform for power leads. Dr. Sawyer’s efforts led to the Department of the Navy support new Trident-class submarines. He also
projection and expeditionary operations. Prior to this, Commodore Dahle served at Unmanned Campaign Framework and the establishment of held senior administrative and leadership roles,
NATO Maritime Command in Northwood, the DON Unmanned Task Force and its follow-on Disruptive including Director of Lighthouses and 2nd
From 2012 to 2015, he served as aide – de UK, as TMOC Director, where he played a
– camp to the President of France, operating Capabilities Office. Dr. Sawyer served for five years as the Commander of the Flotilla.
key role in coordinating maritime operations Chairman of the NATO Joint Capability Group for Maritime Promoted through the ranks to Rear Admiral
at the heart of national decision – making. within the Alliance. His earlier career was
He later became director of French Navy Unmanned Systems, reporting to the Naval Armaments and then Vice Admiral, he served in top
defined by deep operational expertise in the Group, in advancing global integration of unmanned systems strategic positions such as Naval Commander
communications and spokesperson for the submarine domain, including appointments
Chief of Naval Staff (2019 – 2022), shaping the into alliance operations from a tactics, technology, policy, and and EUROMARFOR force commander. From
as Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff of adoption spectrum. Dr. Sawyer departed civilian service as 2020 to 2021, he worked at the Armed Forces
Navy’s public voice during a period of evolving the Norwegian Submarine Service.
strategic challenges. the Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Assessment, General Staff and led Portugal’s COVID-19
He is a graduate of the Royal Norwegian providing comprehensive and timely assessments of strategic vaccination task force.
In his final appointment before leaving active Naval Academy and has completed senior initiatives across the Navy and Marine Corps, reporting directly In December 2021, he was promoted to
service, Rear Admiral Lavault headed the French leadership training at the Norwegian Defence to the Secretary of the Navy. Dr. Sawyer has broad academic Admiral and appointed Chief of Defence
Navy’s Seabed Control Department from 2022 University College. Commodore Dahle retired experience with world-renowned institutions such as GWU, Staff. His career includes advanced military
to 2024, leading a mission area of growing from active service in 2025, concluding a Harvard, MIT, Cornell, and others. He has numerous military education and numerous national and
strategic importance. distinguished career dedicated to advancing awards and recognitions from his active-duty time with the international honours recognising distinguished
Norway’s maritime and undersea capabilities. US Army 10th Special Forces Group and has received the US service.
Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award twice
in 2024 and 2025.
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
SHARED
EXHIBITION &
COMMUNITY
IMPACT
THE SHARED EXHIBITION WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE
EXPERIENCE MARITIME COMMUNITY
The shared exhibition is designed as the
Unified Dialogue: Better alignment across
central hub of all four conferences. undersea, surface combatant, uncrewed,
and ISR communities
For attendees, it provides:
Faster Innovation Cycles: Real-time
Hands-on demonstrations of UUVs, USVs,
integration of REPMUS learnings
autonomy systems, sensors, C2 tools,
mission suites, and ship technologies
Interoperability by Design: Cross-
track attendance encourages doctrinal
Access to solution providers spanning
convergence
multiple naval domains
Broader International Participation:
Continuous networking with military and
Shared floor attracts NATO, EU, partner
technical leaders
nations, and global allies
For exhibitors, it delivers:
Exposure to four distinct yet synergistic
audiences
Higher ROI vs. single-track events “This conference provides
Engagement with procurement leads from us with the platform to
navies, NATO, and multi-national task collectively exchange ideas
forces
and innovation so that
Opportunity to present technology
to operators fresh from REPMUS we can stay ahead of our
experimentation
RE
PMUS
adversary”
Inspector General, Royal Malaysian Navy
In Association with REPMUS26
2026
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
PAST SPONSORS &
SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS
Industry & Technology
Government, Research & Alliances
‘I’m happy I went. The speakers
were engaging and there were
plenty of conversations with
attendees that will be useful in
the near future.”
Senior Representative, Northrop Grumman
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
EARLY CONFIRMED
2026 PARTNERS
THREE STAR PARTNERS
Marine Instruments is a Spanish technology company specializing in advanced electronic systems for marine and underwater environments. Founded in 2003
and headquartered in Galicia, it is a global leader in smart fishing technologies, ocean monitoring, and dual-use solutions for security and sustainability.
A core strength is underwater acoustics, with solutions covering both active and passive sensing. Its active acoustic buoys, widely used in tropical tuna fisheries,
emit sonar pulses to estimate fish biomass beneath drifting objects. Equipped with solar power, satellite communications, and AI-driven data analysis, they deliver
real-time information to optimize fishing efficiency and sustainability. These same buoys are now being adapted for subsea infrastructure surveillance and maritime
security missions.
On the passive side, the Marine Acoustic Smart System (MASS), originally developed for aquaculture, detects, processes, and identifies the natural sounds
produced by shrimp during feeding. This enables precise feed management and waste reduction. Adapted versions of this technology support stealth monitoring
of underwater anomalies without emitting signals, ideal for protecting critical infrastructure.
Complementing these systems is the M5D-Airfox, an unmanned aerial vehicle for maritime and coastal surveillance, currently in service on the Offshore Patrol
Vessels (OPVs) of the Spanish Navy. It supports missions such as maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling, and environmental monitoring.
Marine Instruments delivers innovative, reliable, and mission-ready solutions for both civilian and defense applications worldwide
TWO STAR PARTNERS
EOD and C-IED organisations in military, government, and commercial sectors worldwide trust our patented, proven technology. An award-winning, UK-based
company founded in 1985 by Dr Sidney Alford, we supply innovative explosive solutions for IEDD, CMD, Breaching, and Demolition - land-based and maritime
- with a proven legacy as a world leader in explosive tools. We provide comprehensive training in C-IED, EOD, WTI, HME, patrol demolitions, and breaching
techniques. Military, law enforcement, and government agencies worldwide leverage our R&D capabilities in explosive engineering. A market leader in maritime
EOD tools, we have developed platform-agnostic charge delivery systems for UW EOD, in partnership with national and international organisations. These systems
enable agile technology/unmanned systems to deal with new and evolving surface and subsea threats, providing capabilities for the underwater battle space. As a
versatile solution suitable for multiple applications, operators can effectively, efficiently, and safely neutralise subsea threat
Headquartered in British Columbia, Cellula Robotics Ltd. is at the forefront of marine technology, specializing in cutting-edge Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
and marine robotic solutions. As one of Canada’s largest privately owned marine specialist companies with over 80 skilled professionals across Canada, the US
and the UK, the company’s expertise spans engineering, design, and technical domains. Cellula Robotics Ltd. is driven by a mission to redefine the paradigm
of subsea survey, science, and security through the use of long range AUVs and Robotic solutions. Our hydrogen-powered AUVs meet changing needs, guiding
us towards a more sustainable future aligned with the UN’s sustainable development objectives. Unwavering in our pursuit of excellence, our long-standing ISO
9001:2015 accreditation showcases our steadfast dedication to exceeding our clients’ expectations through consistently exceptional service. Cellula Robotics
cultivates a culture of sharing social values, and we are proud to be a partial employee-owned stock trust company. Cellula’s experienced leadership team has
accumulated more than 300 years of expertise in delivering sophisticated robotic systems for hazardous environments. Our team has designed control systems
for a diverse range of underwater vehicles, including work-class ROVs, submarine rescue systems, and hovering tank inspection robots. While standard products
may suffice, custom engineering often enhances performance and capabilities. Our flexible approach ensures tailored solutions to meet challenging and unique
requirements.
Website: www.cellula.com
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
MEET THE DEFENCE iQ TEAM
Divisional Director – Senior Partnership Operations Head of Industry Audience Mil/Gov Audience
Defence iQ Manager Manager Marketing Engagement Lead Engagement Lead
Anisa Cousin Gal Cohen Hennessey Barry Nicole Smith Rizwan Bhana Henry Williams
Leads strategy, Your primary contact for Ensures seamless onsite Drives global Drives global outreach, Drives global outreach,
programme direction, sponsorship, exhibition, delivery and delegate communications, ensuring the right ensuring the right end-
and senior stakeholder and partnership experience at the Design ensuring the conference industry decision-makers user decision-makers
engagement. opportunities. Hotel. is marketed to the right participate. participate.
channels.
Contact us:
[email protected] | +44 (0) 1135 210 042 | defenceiq.com
“An intimate concise and
efficient summit gathering
relevant operational actors of
space and industrial providers to
share progress and needs, find
solutions through partnerships
and strenghten international
cooperations.”
Chief of Flight Dynamics Group, Swiss Space Command
[email protected] +44 (0) 1135 210 042 defenceiq.com
6th May 2026
Invitation to Attend
Defence iQ’s Unified Maritime Experience
13 - 14 October 2026 | Design Hotel, Tróia, Portugal
A Four Conference Maritime Defence Forum in Partnership with REPMUS 2026
1. It is my pleasure to invite you to Defence iQ’s Unified Maritime Experience, taking place on 13th and 14th
October in Tróia, Portugal. The central theme being addressed is creating a unified, cross-domain maritime
defence ecosystem, bringing together seabed security, maritime ISR, uncrewed naval systems, and surface
warships. This integrated gathering brings together four strategically aligned naval conferences in direct
association with REPMUS 2026, NATO’s premier maritime experimentation environment. Located beside
one of NATO’s most active maritime innovation theatres, the programme unites operators, technologists and
decision makers across the surface, uncrewed, intelligence and seabed communities. Drawing on fresh
operational insight immediately following REPMUS trials, the forum delivers applied, exercise grounded
lessons that support capability integration across the entire maritime domain.
2. The Unified Maritime Experience comprises of four co-located conferences, each focused on a distinct yet
interconnected pillar of modern naval capability. To support planning for your delegation, we have also
prepared a dedicated formal invitation letter for each event, included alongside this cover invitation.
➢ Surface Warships explores fleet modernisation, digitalisation, hybrid operations and the evolution of
future combatants.
➢ Uncrewed Naval Systems examines autonomy, experimentation cycles and the integration of UUV and
USV platforms into fleet operations.
➢ Maritime ISR focuses on multilayer awareness across air, surface, subsurface and space, highlighting
how data flows and ISR fusion enable decision advantage.
➢ Seabed Security addresses undersea infrastructure resilience, seabed situational awareness and the
protection of critical subsea networks amid rising hybrid activity.
Together, these conferences form a unified defence ecosystem supported by a shared exhibition, cross domain
networking spaces and an exclusive visit to the CEOM. Delegations are strongly encouraged to send
representatives across all four conferences to benefit fully from the depth of knowledge transfer and
collaborative networking environment.
3. As Military and Government Liaison for Defence iQ, I am pleased to formally invite the Ministry of Defence
of the Republic of Estonia to attend the Unified Maritime Experience as our guest. I would like to extend
this complimentary invitation to up to ten accompanying personnel. To ensure full value from the programme,
we encourage participation from naval leadership, operational commands, procurement authorities, seabed
protection specialists, ISR directorates, uncrewed systems teams and capability development offices.
4. The maritime environment is becoming increasingly contested across every layer of the battlespace, with
hybrid threats, rising undersea activity, rapid advancements in autonomy, pressure on surface fleet availability
and an escalating demand for persistent ISR. Holding the summit immediately after REPMUS enables
attendees to transform recent operational experimentation into doctrine, planning and interoperable capability
development. The shared exhibition and CEOM demonstrations further accelerate collaboration by bringing
together naval officers, NATO commands, programme managers, industry partners and researchers in one
unified setting.
5. There is no registration fee required for Active Military and Government personnel. Please contact Jamal
Busari at
[email protected] or +44 20 7368 9825 to coordinate your delegation. For planning
purposes, it would be much appreciated if your staff could indicate your intent to participate by July 31st