Direct Energy Symposium 2023 Promotes Discussions on Directed Energy Developments 

Defense Strategies Institute (DSI)’s 6th Annual Directed Energy Symposium will serve as a forum to promote discussions on the most recent developments of Directed Energy (DE) systems and technologies in support of US national security and civil application. 

Esteemed leaders within the US Government, military services, Department of Defense, academia, and research labs will convene September 13-14, in National Harbor, MD to share latest projects, foster open communication within the community and support the next generation of Directed Energy technologies operating in the 21st century.

This year’s Symposium will examine efforts of the Army, Navy and Air Force to champion and shape their respective investments in critical enabling technologies for DE Weapons and explore the gap between these technological goals in conjunction with the practical realities. 

The panel will provide a holistic view of bolstering naval offensive and defensive capabilities with DE technologies integration, hearing from operational and acquisition voices leading these efforts. 

Finally, this Symposium will also encourage an open discussion on establishing the collection, tracking, and incorporation of DE prototype user feedback during development and testing, to ensure DE weapons are not misaligned with operational needs.

2023 Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Michael Holthe, SES – Acting Principal Deputy, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Critical Technologies, OUSD (R&E), US Department of Defense 
• Dr. Frank Peterkin, ST – Principal Director, Directed Energy, OUSD (R&E), US Department of Defense 
• Laura DeSimone, SES – Executive Director, Missile Defense Agency, US Department of Defense 
• COL Steven Gutierrez, USA – Project Manager, DE M-SHORAD, Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office 
• Amanda Clark – Acting Director, Directed Energy Directorate, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center 
• Tom Karako, PhD – Senior Fellow, International Security Program; Director, Missile Defense Project CSIS

Topics to be covered at the 2023 Symposium include:

• Identifying Current/Future Best Practices for DE Development & Use Across DoD
• Guiding RRCTO Initiatives Toward Developing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for DE M-SHORAD
• Bolstering Naval Offensive and Defensive Capabilities with Directed Energy Technologies Integration
• Promoting Service and Industry Cooperation in Building the Next-Generation Laser Weapons
• Optimizing the Effectiveness of DEW with Complementary Artificial Intelligence
• Championing and Shaping Investment in Critical Enabling Technologies

For more information and to register, click here>