Surface Warships 2026 will bring together naval leaders, decision-makers and industry experts to examine the development, modernization and deployment of next-generation surface warships. The conference will take place alongside Defence iQ’s Maritime ISR, Seabed Security and Uncrewed Naval Systems conferences and is held in association with REPMUS26.
The event comes as allied nations and partners assess how to modernize aging surface combatants while responding to changing maritime threats and technological developments. Discussions will address the growing role of hybrid fleets combining traditional warships with uncrewed naval systems, alongside autonomous systems, enhanced combat systems, AI-driven technologies and modular shipbuilding.
Image credit: Surface Warships
The conference will also consider surface warfare in the context of activity in the Arctic, Black Sea and Red Sea, with attention given to how navies are adapting fleet design and capabilities to meet current and emerging operational requirements.
When is Surface Warships 2026?
Surface Warships 2026 will take place on 13–14 October 2026 in Tróia, Portugal.
Delegates attending the event will also have access to the wider community associated with Defence iQ’s four naval conferences taking place in Tróia: Maritime ISR, Seabed Security, Surface Warships and Uncrewed Naval Systems.
Themes
A central theme of Surface Warships 2026 will be the modernization of naval surface fleets as nations move from established shipbuilding concepts toward new operational capabilities.
The conference will examine the development of hybrid fleet structures, including the integration of conventional surface combatants with unmanned surface vessels. It will also explore the use of autonomous systems, AI-driven technologies and enhanced combat systems aboard future warships.
Other areas of discussion will include modularity in shipbuilding, the integration of future capabilities, evolving maritime threats and the operational role of surface warfare across the Euro-Atlantic region.
Program updates will include discussion of the European Combat Vessel, Horizon Warship Modernisation and FREMM Frigate programs, with a focus on the transition from concepts to implementation.
What’s On?
Surface Warships 2026 will feature presentations and discussions involving military leaders, naval decision-makers and industry specialists from across the maritime sector.
Sessions will provide perspectives from NATO partners and allied nations, with representation stated to include the UK, US, Belgium, Norway, Japan, Italy, Greece and Romania.
The program will examine current surface fleet modernization programs, regional maritime threats and the introduction of new technologies into surface combatants. Attendees will also hear how different navies are approaching hybrid fleets that combine traditional warships with unmanned surface vessels.
The event is being held in association with REPMUS26, providing delegates across the four co-located naval conferences with access to operational context and live exhibitions within the surrounding maritime environment.
Speakers
Confirmed speakers for Surface Warships 2026 include:
- Sebastien Le Bouter, Programme Manager, OCCAR-EA.
- Neil Cogdell, Head of Innovation & Capability – Maritime, UK Defence Solutions Centre.
- Dr. Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Fellow, RUSI.
Accommodation
Hotel accommodation and travel are not included in the registration fee.
Accommodation information is available through the conference and venue information provided to registered attendees. A corporate accommodation rate is available, with attendees advised to state that they are attending an IQPC conference when making their reservation.
The event information also lists HotelMap as an option for discounted rates at nearby hotels.
Getting to Surface Warships 2026
Registered attendees will receive a Hotel & Conference Venue Location Map containing information about reaching the venue.
Where is Surface Warships 2026?
Troia Design Hotel
Marina de Tróia
Tróia, 7570-789
Portugal
The accommodation information provided for the event also lists the promotion code CEOM for the Troia Design Hotel.
To learn more about Surface Warships 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
