Conference Day Two: Wednesday 21 May 2025

The second day of Future Artillery 2025

DAY TWO

Day 2 of our conference represents a significant milestone as for the first time in 24 iterations, we embark on focused conversations taking place within our four new streams, allowing a more specified conversation. This day is structured to explore the critical themes essential to shaping the future of artillery in a rapidly evolving defence landscape. Discover what each stream includes below and move among the rooms to participate in the sessions most relevant to you and your priorities.

8:00 - 8:45 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS

STREAM A: FIRES ENABLERS

Examining the vital components to ensure that artillery units are looking ahead to the challenge of planning and capabilities necessary for forward-deployment.

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Greg Ivey [CAN]

Head of ISR Air, Land & Maritime
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

STREAM B: PLATFORM TECHNOLOGIES

In this stream we will assess the latest platform innovations so programme managers, head of capability areas and operators can understand existing solutions.

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Osman Tasman [TUR]

Former Land Armaments Coordinator
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

STREAM C: LETHALITY AND EFFECT

Highlighting the investment and development of cannon, rocket/missile and UAS delivered munition technologies and production capacity to improve readiness for combat operations.

SC: Welcome

8:50 - 9:00 STREAM CHAIR'S WELCOMING ADDRESS
Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels - Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert, US Army
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Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels

Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert
US Army

STREAM D: FUTURE MORTAR SYSTEMS

In this stream during day 2 we will be exchanging knowledge and exploring developments in the field of mortar systems. Join us as we address the future of this capability.

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Christelle Collet [FRA]

Land Munitions Officer
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

EXPLORING LOGISTICS FOR ARTILLERY OPERATIONS

Effective logistics ensures timely delivery of ammunition, equipment and supplies to support sustained operations. This knowledge empowers artillery teams to maximise efficiency and execute missions accurately.

SA: Session 1

9:00 - 9:25 VIRTUAL: TRANSFORMING OPERATIONS WITH INTEGRATION AND COLLABORATION
Brigadier General Andrew Bates [USA] - DCOS - Operations, NATO MNC-Northeast
  • Optimising logistical efficiency
  • Enhanced decision making with technological innovations
  • Developing collaboration between allies to prepare for operations
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Brigadier General Andrew Bates [USA]

DCOS - Operations
NATO MNC-Northeast

SA: Session 1

9:25 - 9:50 ODIN FIRE SUPPORT SYSTEM: EMPOWERING DECISION MAKERS
Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Einer Berntsen - Manager Business Development, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
  • Commonality: one fire support system for mortars, artillery and long-range precision fires
  • Interoperability: Proven interoperability in NATO with ASCA (artillery systems cooperation activities) and DAFS (digital aided fire support)
  • Platform agnostic: Focus on shortening the kill-chain from sensor to shooter


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Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Einer Berntsen

Manager Business Development
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

SA: Session 1

9:50 - 10:15 THE NEXT STEP FOR SWEDISH ARTILLERY – MOVING FROM BRIGADE LEVEL ARMY, TO DIVISION LEVEL ARMY
Colonel Stephan Sjöberg - Chief of Artillery, Swedish Armed Forces
  • Integrating systems to improve battlefield mobility
  • Improving targeting systems and precision technologies
  • Faster resupply systems to optimise logistic capabilities
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Colonel Stephan Sjöberg

Chief of Artillery
Swedish Armed Forces

AN UPDATE ON HEADLINING ARTILLERY PROGRAMMES

The most transformative programmes currently underway provide critical insight into the latest developments in cutting-edge artillery systems. Project managers will present updates on milestones, breakthroughs, and the objectives.

  • Advancing the Artillery force
  • Current and future Artillery requirements
  • The sensor-to-effector process
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Colonel Jost Hügel

Chief of Artillery and Commander of the German Artillery School
German Armed Forces (Reserves)

  • Artillery's Dominance: Artillery has become the dominant weapon on the Ukrainian battlefield, and 155mm/52cal guns are emerging as the preferred weapon platform.
  • Challenges to Overcome: But as range increases, so doe the dispersion between rounds; and ammunition consumption and resupply have become critical issues for western forces, limiting sustained operations.
  • Technological Solutions: Northrop Grumman’s Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) and advanced fuzes like MOFA-2 enhance lethality while reducing ammunition consumption. Advanced manufacturing technology for the US Navy 5-inch gun can increase capacity and replenish depleted artillery stocks.


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Colonel (Ret'd) Anthony 'AJ' Johnson

Associate Energetics Manufacturing Process Engineer
Northrop Grumman

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Eric Axelson

NG Fellow - Missile Products
Northrop Grumman

  • Polish field artillery – present status
  • Lessons learned from the Ukrainian War
  • Plans to develop Polish field artillery
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Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Golonka PhD

Head of the Department of Missile and Artillery Forces, Assistant Professor
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces

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Major Andrzej Niedźwiecki

Leader of the Artillery Fire Team, Senior Lecturer
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces

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Captain Janusz Materac

Lecturer
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces

DISCUSSING LOITERING MUNITIONS

Join us for an insightful panel discussion where experts evaluate the tactical, operational and strategic advantages of loitering munitions, address integration challenges, cost considerations, and how these munitions align with existing artillery frameworks.

  • Enhancing precision and flexibility: Discussing real-time surveillance and high levels of precision
  • Cost-effectiveness and efficiency: Comparing traditional missile systems and loitering munitions
  • Integration capability with modern warfare systems: Encouraging versatility of tools being utilised in modern warfare
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Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels

Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert
US Army

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Tim De Zitter

Lifecycle Manager Land Combat Missiles
Belgian Armed Forces

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Lieutenant Colonel Rauno Viitmann

Fires Lecturer, Former Future Plans Officer
Estonian Military Academy

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Michał Kuc

Section Head of Unmanned Systems Section, Unmanned Systems and Ballistics Centre
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology

  • Research and development of uncrewed systems
  • The different payloads and warheads currently being tested and utilised with UxS
  • What to expect in the future?
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Michał Kuc

Section Head of Unmanned Systems Section, Unmanned Systems and Ballistics Centre
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology

THE FUTURE OF MORTAR CAPABILITY

This session will cover innovations around modularity and automation within the mortar system landscape, exploring how we can be cost-effective and revolutionary.

SD: Session 1

9:00 - 9:25 BOOSTING THE BRITISH ARMY’S FIREPOWER: A COMPETITION TO ADVANCE MORTAR CAPABILITY
  • What is ‘Future Capability Innovation’ in DE&S?
  • An update on the competition and understanding the timeline to in-service
  • Advancing mortar capability by increasing maneuverability

SD: Session 1

9:25 - 9:50 INCREASING LONG RANGE MORTAR PRECISION AND ACCURACY
Lieutenant Colonel Ian Welch - Product Manager, Precision Fires and Mortars, US Army
  • Advancing the precision of long-range indirect fires on mobile mortar systems
  • The challenges of moving target acquisition in dispersed peer adversary conflict
  • Mortar system advancements needed to maximise operational effectiveness in today’s geopolitical landscape
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Lieutenant Colonel Ian Welch

Product Manager, Precision Fires and Mortars
US Army

SD: Session 1

9:50 - 10:15 AN UPDATE ON AGILE MOUNTED MORTAR SYSTEM PROCUREMENT
Major Marek Dudas - Senior Officer - Specialist Artillery Development Department of Land Forces, Czech Armed Forces
  • Explaining the Czech Republic development plan for Mortars and Artillery
  • Boosting mobility, protection, and effectiveness in various combat scenarios
  • Enhancing defence capabilities, ensuring readiness and resilience in response to evolving security challenges
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Major Marek Dudas

Senior Officer - Specialist Artillery Development Department of Land Forces
Czech Armed Forces

10:15 - 10:45 MORNING COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK

LOOKING INTO DEVELOPING HOW FORCES PERFORM ON THE BATTLEFIELD

As modern warfare evolves, so must our artillery units, mindset and strategy. The discussion will focus on the transition with an insight from NATO ARRC.

SA: Session 2

10:45 - 11:10 THE ROLE OF JOINT FIRES IN CORPS WARFIGHTING
Brigadier Rob Alston [GBR] - Chief of Joint Fires and Influence, NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC)
  • The necessity to integrate multi domain fires to penetrate enemy defensive systems
  • The greatest challenge: Finding the enemy by winning the ISR battle
  • Air-land integration is critical to both the land and air battle
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Brigadier Rob Alston [GBR]

Chief of Joint Fires and Influence
NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC)

  • Latest guidance from Army Senior Leaders
  • Towed Howitzer modernisation
  • The 52-caliber debate
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Colonel Gregory Tomlin

Director, Army Capability Manager for Division Artillery Formations
Fort Sill, U.S. Army

SA: Session 2

11:35 - 12:00 FEATURES OF ARTILLERY SUPPORT OF AN OFFENSIVE FORCE
Colonel Rodion Kulahin - Fires Support Officer, Armed Forces of Ukraine
  • Planning artillery reconnaissance in the interest of the offensive force
  • Procedure for conducting artillery preparation for an attack
  • Features of artillery support of advancing troops
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Colonel Rodion Kulahin

Fires Support Officer
Armed Forces of Ukraine

ADVANCEMENTS WITH SENSORS AND AI

This session will explore the transformative role of sensors in modern artillery systems, focusing on how integrating these sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise targeting accuracy and operational efficiency and prevent obsolescence.

  • Enhancing data accuracy and real-time insights
  • Automating decision support systems for efficiency
  • Predictive analytics and risk management
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Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Nuppenau

Deputy Commander Danish Artillery Regiment Chief Joint Fire Support Branch
Danish Armed Forces

SB: Session 2

11:10 - 11:35 A SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS APPROACH TO COUNTER FIRE OPERATIONS AT EXERCISE ARCTIC STRIKE 2025
Bård Frostad - Senior Marketing Director, Surface Radars, SAAB
  • Relevant Lessons Learned from the Russian war against Ukraine
  • Saab’s scenario at Arctic Strike 2025
  • Learning points and conclusion




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Bård Frostad

Senior Marketing Director, Surface Radars
SAAB

SB: Session 2

11:35 - 12:00 SHORTENING THE SENSOR TO SHOOTER LOOP WITH AI ANALYTICS
Lieutenant Colonel Frédéric Mathieu - Artillery Office - Liaison Officer, French Army
  • Accelerating decision making with analytics
  • Processing data faster and accelerating the speed of decision making
  • Filtering irrelevant data and prioritising critical information in a precise and efficient manner
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Lieutenant Colonel Frédéric Mathieu

Artillery Office - Liaison Officer
French Army

INTEGRATING A UAS CAPABILITY INTO FIRES

UAS integration allows for real-time surveillance, precise targeting data, and improved coordination, thereby increasing the efficiency of artillery fire support. This also enhances overall battalion capabilities.

SC: Session 2

10:45 - 11:10 DRONE/ARTILLERY COOPERATION OR HOW THALES ACCELERATES THE OODA LOOP TO OPTIMIZE NEUTRALIZATION ON THE CONTACT LINE
Eric Meunier - Product Line Manager, Thales
  • The synergy between ISR drone systems, loitering munitions and artillery for tactical effectiveness
  • Accelerating the OODA Loop with Thales
  • A range of complementary effectors by Thales




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Eric Meunier

Product Line Manager
Thales

SC: Session 2

11:10 - 11:35 UAS INTEGRATION TO ADVANCE SURVEILLANCE AND ACCURACY
Brigadier General Gianluca Figus - Artillery Commander, Italian Army
  • Improving tactical advantages on the battlefield by enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of artillery strikes
  • Facilitating effective counter-battery positions operations by enabling retaliatory strikes with speed
  • Expansion of UAS across various units
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Brigadier General Gianluca Figus

Artillery Commander
Italian Army

SC: Session 2

11:35 - 12:00 DEEP FIND IN A CONTESTED ENVIRONMENT
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Simon Briggs - Head of Defence Capability, Tekever
  • Exploring the journey of capability evolution to maintain operational credibility at the speed of relevance
  • The challenges of penetrating complex IADs and EW
  • Managing the integration of AI and autonomy at pace


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Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Simon Briggs

Head of Defence Capability
Tekever

BOLSTERING INTEROPERABILITY IN FIRES

Bolstering interoperability involves advanced communication systems and standardised protocols across allied forces. Enhanced data sharing ensures synchronised targeting, while joint training exercises improve coordination.

SD: Session 2

10:45 - 11:10 RE-ESTABLISHING THE HUNGARIAN JOINT FIRES CAPABILITIES
Brigadier General János József Somogyi - Deputy Commander Operations, Hungarian Defence Force
  • Contemporary and future challenges
  • How Hungary plans to integrate its future joint fires capabilities
  • Training, as the key aspect of the capability buildings
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Brigadier General János József Somogyi

Deputy Commander Operations
Hungarian Defence Force

SD: Session 2

11:10 - 11:35 CURRENT RESPONSES TO MORTAR OPERATION TRENDS AND CHALLENGES
Jechu Sánchez Loureiro - Business Development & Sales Director, Arquimea
  • TECHFIRE: A comprehensive and adaptable fire control system
  • eCOMPASS: The aiming solution for future warfare
  • BC-LITE: Addressing new trends in mortar operations


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Jechu Sánchez Loureiro

Business Development & Sales Director
Arquimea

  • Motorised Capability cooperation
  • Current cooperation in artillery (in all domains such as: Equipment, training and education)
  • Future common artillery capability developments
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Lieutenant Colonel Erik Verstraelen [BEL]

Programme Officer of Motorized Capability
French Armed Forces

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Lieutenant Colonel Jérémy Le Corre

Artillery Capability Development Officer, Plans and Programmes Section
French Armed Forces

12:00 - 13:00 LUNCH & NETWORKING BREAK

12:00 - 13:00 PRIVATE BRIEFING: OPTIMISING THE USE OF LETHAL FIRES ACROSS THE NATO FORCE STRUCTURE – PART 2

TRAINING FOR AGILE COMBAT EMPLOYMENT

Emphasising the need for adaptive training strategies allows us to discuss innovative approaches to developing flexible, highly responsive artillery units capable of operating in dispersed and contested environments.

SA: Session 3

13:00 - 13:25 UPDATE FROM THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY
Colonel David Butt - Commander, Royal School of Artillery, British Army
  • The challenges and opportunities for the British Army’s modernisation
  • Exploiting training as a mechanism for rapid innovation and acceptance into training
  • Rapid training adaptation governance
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Colonel David Butt

Commander
Royal School of Artillery, British Army

SA: Session 3

13:25 - 13:50 STRENGTHENED PREPAREDNESS THROUGH COMBINED AND JOINT TRAINING IN AN ARTIC ENVIRONMENT
Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Nygren - Artillery School Commander, Swedish Army
  • Training and experiments opportunity in high north
  • Why train in the high north?
  • How to train in a low infrastructure environment
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Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Nygren

Artillery School Commander
Swedish Army

SA: Session 3

13:50 - 14:15 GENERATING ARTILLERY FIGHTERS FOR THE FUTURE
Major Yoann Poffet - Deputy Commander Trials and Training Support Command, Swiss Armed Forces
  • An update on future artillery systems for the Swiss armed forces
  • Specific training for artillery, exploration and forward observer conscripts in different environments
  • Increasing combined and joint exercises
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Major Yoann Poffet

Deputy Commander Trials and Training Support Command
Swiss Armed Forces

ENHANCING SITUATINAL AWARENESS WITH TECHNIQUES IN C5ISTAR

Exploring techniques that enhance situational understanding beyond immediate visual range, intelligence capabilities designed to streamline and enhance combat operations, crucial for strategic planning and effectiveness.

SB: Session 3

13:00 - 13:25 CHALLENGES IN GAINING AN ‘OVER THE HORIZON’ AWARENESS
Major Aires Carqueijo - Capabilities Area Coordinator, Portuguese Army Staff
  • Aligning modernisation goals with strategic forecasting
  • Enhancing surveillance and target acquisition systems
  • Optimising data integration across C2 systems
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Major Aires Carqueijo

Capabilities Area Coordinator
Portuguese Army Staff

SB: Session 3

13:25 - 13:50 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS FOR ENHANCED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IN MULTI-DOMAIN COMBAT OPERATIONS
Alexander Kamlage - Business Development Manager, ESG Elektroniksystem- & Logistik-GmbH
  • Enhance situational awareness through optimised sensor-to-shooter connectivity with combat-proven C4 software
  • Integration and extension of existing sensor system functionality and enhanced effectiveness of combat operations through flexible integration of new weapon systems
  • Realistic, interactive C5ISTAR training and simulation solutions for optimal combat readiness


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Alexander Kamlage

Business Development Manager
ESG Elektroniksystem- & Logistik-GmbH

SB: Session 3

13:50 - 14:15 ANALYSING THE USE OF UAS TO SUPPORT LAND WARFARE OPERATIONS WITHIN THE BALTICS
Dr Illimar Ploom - Lecturer in Emerging Technologies and Innovation, Baltic Defence College
  • Improving ISR, especially for artillery
  • The interoperability framework
  • Considerations in the Baltic defence ecosystem
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Dr Illimar Ploom

Lecturer in Emerging Technologies and Innovation
Baltic Defence College

INCORPORATING ADVANCED LAUNCHED EFFECTS (ALE) INTO WARFARE

Incorporating ALE into warfare represents a transformative leap for modern artillery. As these innovations become standard, they will redefine the strategic role of artillery.

SC: Session 3

13:00 - 13:25 SPINER MUNITIONS WITH MULTI-LAYERED GPD DEFENCE
Danielle Grant - Associate Director – Long Range Precision Fires International, Raytheon, an RTX Business
  • Fire and forget with precision
  • Moving target interception
  • Anti-armour and modular artillery


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Danielle Grant

Associate Director – Long Range Precision Fires International
Raytheon, an RTX Business

SC: Session 3

13:25 - 13:50 VIRTUAL: LOW-COST, LONG-RANGE AND LAUNCHED: UTILISING UNCREWED SYSTEMS FOR RECONNAISSANCE
Master Sergeant (Ret'd) Jimmy Arter - Deputy Director, Fires Cell and Targeting, Fort Sill, US Army
  • Gathering intelligence in a cost-effective manner
  • Covering vast distances and utilising systems in hard-to-reach destinations
  • Understanding the versatility and capabilities of UxS
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Master Sergeant (Ret'd) Jimmy Arter

Deputy Director, Fires Cell and Targeting, Fort Sill
US Army

SC: Session 3

13:50 - 14:15 A SILICON VALLEY APPROACH TO DOUBLING LETHALITY
Senior Representative - Tiberius, Aerospace
  • How Tiberius used fast-paced CICD to transform the lethality of a 155mm howitzer
  • Reinforcing the domestic industrial base
  • DaaS and agility: a new ecosystem


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Senior Representative

Tiberius
Aerospace

INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION WITHIN INDIRECT FIRES

In order to enhance accuracy, mobility and ease of deployment, we must innovate. Lightweight, adaptable platforms improve manoeuvrability, enable rapid response and effectiveness in diverse terrains and combat scenarios.

SD: Session 3

13:00 - 14:00 INDUSTRY LEADER'S PANEL










SD: Session 3

14:00 - 14:15 STREAM CHAIR'S CLOSING REMARKS
Christelle Collet [FRA] - Land Munitions Officer, Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ
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Christelle Collet [FRA]

Land Munitions Officer
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

14:15 - 14:45 AFTERNOON COFFEE & NETWORKING BREAK


METHODOLOGIES TO IMPROVE SUPPLY RESILIENCE IN FIRES

Supply resilience is vital for artillery personnel to ensure uninterrupted support in high stakes combat scenarios. These strategies are crucial for mission success, as they enhance preparedness, responsiveness and sustainment, allowing personnel to adapt.

SA: Session 4

15:00 - 15:25 THE ESP FIELD ARTILLERY APPROACH TO 2035 SPANISH FORCE
Brigadier General Antonio Mongío Bergua - Chief of Artillery, Spanish Armed Forces
  • Current situation and desired end state
  • New capacities to be acquired
  • Enhanced C2IS to IFS
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Brigadier General Antonio Mongío Bergua

Chief of Artillery
Spanish Armed Forces

SA: Session 4

15:25 - 16:10 STRATEGIC PANEL LED BY GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS
Senior Representative - General Dynamics, European Land Systems


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Senior Representative

General Dynamics
European Land Systems

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Greg Ivey [CAN]

Head of ISR Air, Land & Maritime
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

CENTRALISING C2 FOR ARTILLERY IN NATO

Armed forces demand greater coordination and rapid decision making and centralising C2 becomes crucial for enhancing interoperability among allied forces. By streamlining C2 processes, this session aims to highlight how NATO can improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of its artillery units in a multi-domain battlefield.

  • Highlighting the importance of standardising protocols and communication systems to enhance joint operational capabilities
  • Emphasising the role of emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and advanced targeting systems in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of cooperative artillery operations
  • Outlining the importance of continuous training and cooperation to maintain readiness and adaptability in evolving combat environments
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Osman Tasman [TUR]

Former Land Armaments Coordinator
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

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Howard “David” Cavel

Senior Field Artillery Specialist, Fires Cell - Targeting, Fort Sill
US Army

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Lieutenant Colonel Marco Tiberti

C2 and Interoperability Branch Chief
Italian Armed Forces

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Major John Dobson

Joint Effects, Programmes Directorate
British Army

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Osman Tasman [TUR]

Former Land Armaments Coordinator
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

FIRE EFFECTS

Delving into the latest advancements tied to artillery and mortar effects and related technologies. From propulsion to payloads to onboard sensors and assured navigation, this session offers a unique opportunity to explore the future of indirect fires effects in support of close combat and shaping the deep fight.

  • Challenging conventional Artillery: Identifying weaknesses and opportunities for innovation
  • Bold solutions: disruptive technologies transforming Fires capabilities
  • Future-proofing fires: partnering with industry to shape the next generation of Artillery


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Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels

Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert
US Army

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Christelle Collet [FRA]

Land Munitions Officer
Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

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Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Golonka PhD

Head of the Department of Missile and Artillery Forces, Assistant Professor
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces

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Gary Jones

Principal Gun Systems Engineer
Dstl

SC: Session 4

16:15 - 16:30 STREAM CHAIR'S CLOSING REMARKS
Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels - Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert, US Army
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Colonel (Ret'd) Paul Daniels

Indirect Fires Subject Matter Expert
US Army