Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA Returns to Arlington, VA in September 2026

SAE Media Group is pleased to announce the return of Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA (UMST USA), taking place September 14-16, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia.

As the only North American conference dedicated exclusively to maritime robotics and autonomous systems, UMST USA 2026 will convene senior naval leadership, government decision‑makers, and industry innovators to accelerate the development and operational integration of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) across the maritime domain.

Why Now

The strategic maritime environment is undergoing rapid transformation. Heightened great‑power competition, persistent threats to critical maritime infrastructure, and the increasing operational tempo at sea are driving urgent demand for scalable, autonomous capabilities. From protecting undersea cables and offshore energy assets to enabling persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), unmanned maritime systems are now central to naval force design and operational planning.

At the same time, the U.S. Navy and allied partners are moving beyond experimentation toward operationalizing the Hybrid Fleet, integrating crewed and uncrewed platforms across surface, subsurface, and air domains. UMST USA 2026 comes at a pivotal moment, providing a focused forum to address acquisition pathways, interoperability, digital advantage, and lessons from real‑world operations in contested maritime environments.

Who Attends

UMST USA 2026 will host a senior, decision‑making audience from across the maritime autonomy ecosystem, including:

• U.S. Navy flag officers and senior commanders
• Department of War and U.S. Government acquisition leaders
• Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and rapid capabilities organizations
• Representatives from NATO, allied navies, and coalition partners
• Leaders responsible for maritime critical infrastructure protection
• Industry executives, technology developers, and system integrators

With strong representation from OPNAV, Naval Information Forces, PAE Robotics & Autonomous Systems, USSOCOM, CISA, NATO, and the U.S. Coast Guard, the event offers unparalleled access to those shaping the future of unmanned maritime capability.

Why Attend

UMST USA 2026 is designed to deliver practical insight and strategic clarity for organizations developing, procuring, or deploying unmanned maritime systems. Attendees will gain:

• Operational insight into how unmanned systems are being employed today across surface, subsurface, and ISR missions
• Acquisition and integration perspectives from senior leaders responsible for scaling autonomy at speed
• Lessons learned from live operational theatres, including the Baltic and Black Sea
• Cross‑domain perspectives on aligning air, surface, and undersea autonomy within the Hybrid Fleet
• Direct engagement with government decision‑makers, enabling meaningful dialogue and partnership

The agenda includes a dedicated, brand new, Focus Day ‘RAS to Protect Critical Infrastructure’, followed by two days of main conference content addressing capability development, experimentation, interoperability, AI, and future maritime warfare.

Featured Speakers

UMST USA 2026 will welcome an exceptional speaker lineup, including:

• Rebecca Gassler, SES, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Robotics & Autonomous Systems, U.S. Department of the Navy
• Anthony J. L. Antognoli, Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for Robotics and Autonomous Systems, U.S. Coast Guard
• Stephen Casapulla, Executive Assistant Director EAD for Infrastructure Security ISD, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• Jim Juster, Executive Director, DON Rapid Capabilities Office
• Rear Admiral Kelly C. Ward, Director, Strategic Effects, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa. Commander, Task Force 66 CTF-66, COMNAVEUR/COMNAVAF, COMSIXTHFLT, U.S. Navy
• Rear Admiral Michael L. Freidberg, Vice Commander, Naval Information Forces, U.S. Navy

The conference will be chaired by Vice Admiral (Ret’d) John Fozzie Miller, CEO, VXMarine, and Rear Admiral USN (Ret’d) Andy Bucket Loiselle, Former Director of Air Warfare, OPNAV N98 and President, Andy Loiselle Solutions, LLC.

About UMST USA 2026

Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA 2026 takes place September 14-16, 2026, in Arlington, VA. The event is organised by SAE Media Group and includes a focus day, main conference, and extensive networking opportunities.

Save $400 with the super early bird discount – book before June 5, 2026.

Free to attend for US Government and DoW Personnel (subject to approval).

For registration, sponsorship, or media enquiries, visit the SAE Media Group website >>

Media Contact: Lucy Jenner | SAE Media Group | [email protected]