Future of Defense Summit 2026

Axios Future of Defense Summit 2026 will bring together defense, national security, intelligence, policy, and technology leaders in Washington, D.C. for discussions on the future of U.S. defense.

The third annual summit will examine technologies, tactics, and alliances shaping warfare amid changes to the U.S. military and growing global competition.

Image credit: Axios Future of Defense

When is Future of Defense Summit 2026?

Axios Future of Defense Summit 2026 will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM EST.

What’s On?

The program will cover U.S. defense strategy and modernization, Army readiness and capability development, intelligence operations and national security, defense technology and innovation, congressional defense policy and oversight, and geopolitical risk and strategic competition.

Prospective attendees can request an invite to attend the summit.

Speakers at Future of Defense:

Axios Future of Defense Summit 2026 will feature speakers from the military, intelligence community, defense policy, government, and the defense technology sector, including:

• Sec. Dan Driscoll — U.S. Army
• Dep. Dir. Michael Ellis — C.I.A.
• Michèle Flournoy — WestExec Advisors
• Mike Gallagher — Palantir
• William LaPlante — U.S. Department of Defense
• Dan Magy — Firestorm
• Brian Schimpf — Anduril

The wider lineup also includes members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, alongside representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Security Council.

Where is Future of Defense 2026?

The event will be held in Washington, D.C., United States. 

To learn more about Future of Defense Summit 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .