eCrow
May 20, 2026
ASSOCIATION NEWS
 
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.
 
 
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.
 
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.
 
 
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.
 

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.
 
 
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.
 
 
 
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
 
Elma Electronic Inc.
Microwave Products Group
EVENTS
 
NON-KINETICS FOR MODERN WARFARE AT THE SPEED OF RELEVANCE
The EW Capabilities & Gaps Summit, taking place July 28-30 in Crane, IN, 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.
 
There are just days left to submit an unclassified abstract. The Call for Papers deadline is May 22. Learn more and register today to save your spot in the room.
 
Classification: US SECRET ONLY (Days 1-2) | TS//SCI (Day 3)
 
 
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. Limited seats are available – this event will sell out. 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
 
 
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 has been extended through 29 May so act now to take advantage of discounts. 
 
 
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.
 
 
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.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are also currently available. Increase your reach and be a part of the conversation.
 
Classification: SECRET//NOFORN (Days 1-2) | TOP SECRET//SCI//NOFORN (Day 3)
 
 
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.
 
As you're planning, make sure to attend CEMA a day early for one of two newly announced pre-summit professional development courses: GPS/GNSS Jamming and Spoofing – Tactical and Strategic Implications and Getting the Most Value Out of Your Cybersecurity Program.
 
Classification: US SECRET ONLY (Days 1-2) | US SECRET ONLY and TS//SCI (Day 3)
 
Erzia Technologies
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 
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.
 
 
Stay at the forefront of the electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations knowledge by registering for our upcoming webinars:
AOC webinars are presented originally as live events and then made available as recordings. All webinars are free for AOC members.
 
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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.
 
dB Control
Elettronica SpA
CHAPTER NEWS
 
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.
 
 
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.
 
IMS 2026
Exodus Advanced Communications