AOC Asia 2026 will take place August 4-6 in Adelaide, Australia, delivered as the Electronic Warfare (EW) Technical Stream within the ADSTAR 2026 Summit at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Hosted by AOC ANZ, the track brings together leaders from defence, government, industry, and academia to advance collaboration across the electromagnetic warfare community. A classified day for cleared personnel will be held August 3.
AOC ANZ is accepting presentation submissions from practitioners, researchers and decision-makers that explore emerging challenges, technologies and operational concepts across the electromagnetic domain. Submissions are due May 31.
Registration for AOC Asia 2026 is open now through the ADSTAR platform – early bird pricing is available until May 15 so act fast.
AOC and the AOC Foundation have several programs open right now that honor individuals at every stage of their career in EW – from students just beginning their journey, to young professionals making their mark, to seasoned experts who have shaped the field. Whether you're looking to honor a colleague's outstanding contributions, champion a rising star, or help a deserving student take their next step, there's an opportunity to get involved. Don't miss your chance to make a nomination or submit an application before the deadlines arrive.
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AOC Awards Shine a Light on Industry Excellence
Submit your nominations for the 2026 AOC Awards and help spotlight the individuals, teams, and chapters shaping the future of EW. We're honoring those who go above and beyond.
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Future 5 Recognizes the Industry's Rising Stars
Each year, the AOC Foundation names five young professionals as the Future 5, honoring those who actively innovate and strive for excellence as they build their careers in EW and EMSO.
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Scholarship Supports Those Who Served
Funded by Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc., this scholarship supports veterans who have transitioned out of active duty as they continue on their educational journey. It helps bridge the gap between the GI BIll and the true cost of a degree. Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded.
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Support the Next Generation: STEM Student of the Year
Funded by RTX, this scholarship awards $12,500 each to one male and one female student studying engineering or engineering tech with a strong interest in national defense.
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Do you have a passion for shaping the future of the EW community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 AOC Board of Directors election – and this is your opportunity to step up and make a difference. Serving on the Board means contributing directly to AOC's strategic direction and advocating for its members and the broader community. Whether you're a longtime member or a rising voice in the field, we encourage you to consider putting your name forward.
Open positions for the 2026 election:
- At-Large Director (2 openings)
- Northeastern Region Director (MA, ME, NY, NJ, NH, RI, and Canada)
- Southern Region Director (AL, FL, LA, GA, SC)
- International Region II Director (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan)
Nomination Deadline: June 30
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Before you head to Helsinki for AOC Europe 2026, make sure to check out the new May issue of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance. JED is the premier publication for the EW community, and past issues are available exclusively to AOC members. This latest issue explores Europe's renewed focus on the future of EMSO and how allied countries can address the threats and challenges in the years ahead.
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Electromagnetic spectrum dominance used to be a tactical edge, now it’s a strategic requirement, especially in Europe. But is NATO keeping up? In this episode, host Ken Miller is joined by JED Editor-in-Chief John Knowles to break down the state of EMSO across Europe and the alliance, drawing lessons from Ukraine, Canada, and the UK.
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CMSgt. Howard E. Smith, USAF (Ret.), passed away on May 6. Beginning college at West Virginia University at age 16, he later enlisted in the US Air Force in 1958 – ultimately retiring as Chief Master Sergeant – and went on to serve at Robins Air Force Base as the FMS New Business/Case Development Lead for ECISAP. A longtime member of the Dixie Crow Symposium Technical Program Subcommittee, Howard was instrumental in keeping the ECISAP Office at the forefront of FMS EW and in mentoring future AOC leaders.
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Join us next week for AOC Europe 2026, taking place 19-21 May in Helsinki, Finland. It's not too late to plan their how you'll participate throughout the week, including additional education and networking opportunities. Please note that the events below require separate registration in advance of AOC Europe 2026 – add each item onto your registration.
Extend your learning with two pre-convention courses taking place on 18 May at Messukeskus Helsinki. Aspiration Versus Reality: Russia's Electronic Warfare Posture – Past, Present, and Future, presented by Dr. Thomas Withington, offers an in-depth examination of Russian EW doctrine and capabilities. Weapon System Teardown – A View from Uncle Luke's Garage, presented by Luke Cabot, provides a hands-on technical deep-dive into weapon system analysis. On-site registration available at the Registration Desk.
On 20 May, join the EW in EW Committee for its POWER UP Morning Meetup – a morning of networking, idea sharing, and guidance on launching local chapter initiatives for female attendees only. That evening, join us for An Evening in Helsinki, a private, off-site drinks reception at Helsinki City Hall for VIPs, speakers, attendees, and exhibitors. Please have your QR code ready for entry.
CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF CONVERGING CYBER AND EW
Cyber/EW Convergence, taking place June 2-3 in Charleston, SC, will address the need for integration of cyberspace operations and electromagnetic warfare into military operations as warfighters face significant technical, organizational, and doctrinal hurdles in dominating this shared environment.
Time is running out to secure your spot at this event, and critical deadlines are fast approaching:
- Base access deadline: May 13
- Security clearance must be submitted by: May 18
This event will sell out. Don't wait – register now to ensure you don't miss joint leadership discussing how the US is navigating the path toward information dominance in a classified environment. View the full agenda.
Classification: TS//SCI
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NON-KINETICS FOR MODERN WARFARE AT THE SPEED OF RELEVANCE
The EW Capabilities & Gaps Summit convenes July 28-30 in Crane, IN – and both the Call for Papers and registration are now open.
The summit will explore emergent non-kinetic capabilities in an increasingly autonomous warfighting domain – spanning operational doctrine, cognitive EW, AI/ML applications, autonomy and counter-autonomy, open architectures, and distributed lethality – with a focus on rapidly prototyping, testing, integrating, and fielding solutions that deliver an enduring electromagnetic spectrum advantage to the joint force.
Don't miss your chance to take part in this event. Submit an unclassified abstract by May 22, and register today to save your spot in the room.
Classification: US SECRET ONLY (Days 1-2) | TS//SCI (Day 3)
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MODERN WARFARE AND THE EVOLUTION OF AIR DEFENSE
The Surface-to-Air Missile Systems Symposium returns in 2026, taking place September 22-24 in Huntsville, AL. The symposium will bring together military, government, industry, and academia professionals to confront the rapid evolution of adversary SAM systems and integrated air defense systems (IADS). Sessions will explore threat characterization, SAM architecture progression, lessons learned from combat operations, and novel approaches to countering adversary systems – all with an eye toward achieving enduring advantage within the electromagnetic spectrum.
Registration opens this summer – mark your calendar now and plan ahead, as this event has historically reached capacity well in advance.
Classification: SECRET//NOFORN (Days 1-2) | TOP SECRET//SCI//NOFORN (Day 3)
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COMMAND AND CONTROL AND THE FUTURE OF ALL-DOMAIN OPERATIONS
The Call for Papers is now open for Cyber Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA) 2026, taking place October 27-29 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. This year's theme is All-Domain Operations and Command & Control.
The summit will examine how military commanders can leverage the full range of EW, cyber, and intelligence tools to shape the battlefield – with a focus on the soldier-technology partnership, force protection from enemy surveillance, and synchronizing command and control of next-generation sensors and response capabilities. Abstracts should center on EW/cyber/SIGINT science and technology, acquisition programs, requirements and capability gaps, threat information, and lessons learned from exercises and experimentation.
Deadline to submit an abstract is June 12.
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Now is the time to answer the AOC 2026 International Symposium & Convention Call for Papers. This year's theme, EMS Superiority – Challenges and Opportunities Across the Globe, reflects the accelerating competition for electromagnetic spectrum dominance shaped by regional dynamics, emerging threats, alliance structures, and operational environments.
We invite members of the EMSO community to submit original, unclassified abstracts that support the symposium's theme. AOC 2026 will gather 2,500 professionals from 40+ countries spanning industry, military, and government December 8-10 in National Harbor, MD.
The Call for Papers deadline is June 30.
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The window to register for AOC and SwRI's three-day classified course on cognitive EW and AI is closing. Security clearance verification at the SECRET and/or TS//SCI level is required – if you haven't registered yet, now is the time.
This hands-on course gives you the skills to build and deploy AI-enabled EW systems already operating in contested environments. You'll cover AI techniques for electronic support, protection, attack, and battle management, with expert instruction and Python programming labs led by Dr. Karen Zita Haigh, David Brown, and Damon F. Plyler.
The course includes daily technical instruction, lunch, and a networking reception. Register now and return mission-ready in cognitive EW.
Summer is one of the best times to sharpen your edge, and AOC has four virtual courses lined up to help you do exactly that. Whether you're focused on space warfare, satellite vulnerabilities, drone threats, or the cutting edge of metasurface technology, there's something here to advance your expertise – all without leaving your desk.
Instructor Paul Szymanski breaks down the principles, strategies, and realities of modern space warfare in this accessible introductory course.
Also led by Paul Szymanski, this course dives deep into the tradecraft of satellite attack, exploring a broad spectrum of methods that avoid the collateral problem of orbital debris.
Dr. Rafael Licursi leads this two-session course covering how to detect, track, and defeat unmanned aerial systems – a must for professionals operating in today's threat environment.
Round out your summer with Dr. Licursi's exploration of metasurface technology and its growing role in shaping the future of EW systems.
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New to electronic warfare or transitioning into an EW role? AOC's Fundamental Principles of Electronic Warfare (EW 101) delivers a comprehensive grounding in modern EW systems and operations across three days, September 14-16 at Johns Hopkins University. Instructor Chuck Quintero with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory will cover RF mathematics, radar systems, emitter detection, jamming techniques, and more.
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Your chapters are doing incredible work around the world, and we want to help you shine a spotlight on your successes in AOC's publications and social media. From groundbreaking events to member achievements and community impact, we want to help you share your latest news. Remember: Your chapter's story is part of AOC's story. By sharing your successes, you're contributing to our impact on the global EW community.
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Stay engaged with your local AOC community! Chapters around the world host a variety of events, including technical forums, seminars, symposia, and networking opportunities focused on electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations. Visit our chapter events calendar for the latest listings and registration links.
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AOC Europe 2026
