The AOC Europe Show Daily (a special edition of the JED eCrow) will provide you with news coverage and other information about this week's event. We'll be writing about the ideas delivered in the keynotes, EMO concepts and trends highlighted in sessions, and EW and SIGINT technology on display in the Expo Hall.

Each day, we'll alert you about special events, post photos, and much more. Keep an eye on your email inbox each day, and we'll help you to stay in the know.

For a comprehensive look at this week's schedule of events, visit the AOC Europe website.

2026 Theme: Re-Arming Europe for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority

If there is one trend that has dominated European defence policy over the past year, it is the growing focus on self-reliance. In April 2025, NATO members set new defence spending targets: aiming for 3.5% of GDP for core defence requirements and a further 1.5% of GDP for defence-related investments by 2035. A significant portion of these additional funds will go towards EW and SIGINT capabilities in support of electromagnetic operations (EMO), as Europe aims to leverage EMO's "force multiplier effects" to enhance its deterrence and defence posture.

The urgency of meeting these spending goals has intensified significantly due to emerging EMO lessons learned from the Russo-Ukrainian War and the changing dynamics within the NATO alliance – namely the US seeking to recalibrate its security priorities toward other parts of the world. These changes are creating new opportunities for European nations to modernize their EW and SIGINT capabilities through greater domestic investment, as well cooperation among regional partners.

Within the context of these larger trends, AOC Europe, including the Plath Intelligence Day, will address important EMO developments, such as recent operational lessons, emerging concept and requirements, and new EW and SIGINT technologies. Keynotes, sessions and briefings will cover a range of topics, such as EMO in the Nordic area, EMO in space, exploiting EMO in networked operations, generating realistic EM operating environments for training national and coalition forces, the challenges and benefits of EMO-based drone applications, and the role of EMO in site protection from drones and missiles.

Review the online schedule of events and symposium agenda to finalize your on-site agenda.
Check out the floor plan and search for an exhibitor and make plans to visit the companies you wish to connect with.

Get out your phone and download the AOC Europe 2026 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn and use #AOCEUROPE2026 to join in the conversation.

NEW! AI translation now being offered during sessions at AOC Europe. Visit aoceurope.org/translate for more information, including which languages are available and how to access the app.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Monday 18 May

*Separate registration required. On-site registration will be available – stop by the Registration Desk to sign up.

	Tony Lisuzzo

Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki!

It is my great honour to welcome you to AOC Europe 2026 in Helsinki, Finland – one of Europe's most beautiful and dynamic capital cities. Take some time to explore; there truly is something here for everyone.

We gather at a pivotal moment in European security. Finland, one of NATO's newest members, shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia – the longest of any Alliance member – making Helsinki a profoundly fitting host for this conference.

The era of the peace dividend is over. NATO and its European partners must urgently increase defence spending, rebuild warfighting capabilities, and modernise in the face of a rapidly evolving threat environment. It is against this backdrop that we have chosen our 2026 theme: Re-Arming Europe for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority. Electromagnetic warfare now spans every domain of modern conflict, and achieving spectrum superiority is no longer a tactical advantage – it is a strategic necessity.

Over the coming days, leading experts will address the full range of EW challenges and opportunities, from electronic warfare systems and spectrum management to emerging technologies and multi-domain operations. AOC's mission to connect, advocate, and educate the global EW and spectrum operations community has never been more relevant. Attend the sessions, visit the Expo Hall, and connect with your fellow crows.

To our sponsors, speakers, and attendees, thank you. I look forward to sharing this unique experience with as many of you as possible.

Anthony (Tony) Lisuzzo
President, Association of Old Crows

Official Expo Hall hours during the AOC Europe 2026:

Wednesday 20 May
08:00 – 17:00
Join us in the Expo Hall for a morning coffee break (10:20 – 10:50), lunch (12:20 – 13:20) and afternoon refreshment break (14:50 – 15:20).

Thursday 21 May
08:30 – 17:00
Join us in the Expo Hall for a morning coffee break (10:30 – 11:00), lunch (12:30 – 13:30) and afternoon refreshment break (15:00 – 15:25). 

Tuesday 19 May – Plath Intelligence Day: As a prelude to AOC Europe 2026, PLATH is once again inviting visitors to this year's Intelligence Day. PLATH Intelligence Day will focus this year on the main topic “Closing the Gap – Meshed Unmanned EW Core.” It will be discussed with the impulses from various expert contributions in two sessions: 1. Solving new frontline challenges. 2. Expanding the operational picture for improved site protection. Gregor Zowierucha, CEO, PLATH GmbH & Co KG, will offer the opening and welcoming words at 09:30. Oberst i.G. Puschnig, German Armed Forces, Task Force UKR, will deliver the day's keynote at 09:45.

Wednesday 20 May – The Welcome and Symposium Keynote Address starts at 09:00 on the Main Stage and will feature Dr. Bob Andrews, MBE, AOC Director of European Programmes & Conferences, Anthony (Tony) Lisuzzo, AOC President, and Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bamford, AOC International Region 1 Director. The symposium keynote will be delivered by Brigadier General Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Deputy Chief of Logistics, Command/Chief Engineer of Finnish Defence Forces, Finland. After that, a representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will speak about the Challenges of Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority in the Ukraine.

Thursday 21 May – Commander Malte von Spreckelsen, DEU CYBER and INFORMATION Domain Command, Germany, will kick off the final day of AOC Europe 2026 on the Main Stage beginning at 09:00. 

More details are available in the full agenda.

Read the May issue of JED

Cover Story: Shaping the Future of European EMSO
Feature Story: The Spectrum Will Not Wait – EW Superiority Depends on Reprogramming Speed
CogEW: From Alphabet Soup to Cognitive EW
News: UK Lifts Veil on EREBUS DAS Flight Testbed
EW 101: Space EW Part 12 – Intercept from Space (Contd.)

Read the full issue now and read more each week at JEDOnline.com.

The Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) is the official publication of AOC and available exclusively to members. Become an AOC member to get access to the latest issue of JED, along with our extensive archive library.

Check out current issues and news from our media partners throughout the week.

JED
Aerospace Defense Review
Armada
Mittler/ESD
MWJ