Recent conflicts are driving a critical shift in how we look at modern warfare. The RUS/UKR conflict has shown how autonomous systems, information operations, EW, contested logistics, evolved air defence, and resilience have defined this conflict. We are seeing modern forces redefine defence strategies. By adopting innovative ways to augment capacity to manoeuvre through a degraded operating environment and to rapidly adapt, conventional command and control structures have been overhauled as decision-making authority has devolved to the unit level. UAS have enabled persistent ISR, fundamentally shaping rapid targeting and precision effects when paired with traditional weaponry.
Human potential has also been maximised at the interface with modern technologies, and reserve and volunteer forces have been mobilised to great effect – especially in the cyber and digital arenas.
Delivered in official partnership with the Romanian Defence Staff, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, the Modern Warfare Conference will unite government decision makers, policymakers, NATO commanders, senior military leaders, and industry partners to answer the overarching question: How durable is the alliance against the current threat context?
The conference will address this question through the lens of technology, exploring solutions related to the modern battlefield. You will benefit from actionable insights for adapting force structures, doctrines, and capabilities to meet the challenges of future warfare. Join discussions on multi-domain operations and optimising convergence; drone warfare, force manoeuvre, and accelerated procurement timelines. Explore how technology can act as a critical enabler and how procurement reform can accelerate capacity building for future warfare.
Please join us at the end of conference day one (September 29) for an evening of live musical entertainment, food and drinks between 19:00 and 22:00 at the historic Opera Națională București.
This reception is available to all Modern Warfare Conference attendees and transport will be provided from the conference venue at ROMEXPO directly to the opera house.
Register today to secure your place.
Explore how forces are manoeuvring, decentralising command, and rapidly adapting to degraded operating environments.
Understand how drones, digital tools, and emerging technologies are paired with human expertise and reserve forces to maximise operational effectiveness.
Examine recruitment, retention, industrial convergence, legal frameworks, and international support that sustain NATO and allied capabilities.
Learn how largest beneficiaries of the SAFE fund – such as Poland and Romania - are delegating their funding to better integrate your nation-specific strategies with the wider NATO alliance.
Hear first-hand, real-world case studies on how innovation is speeding up capacity building to meet frontline demands to reach digital milestones.
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Assess how NATO and allied nations are addressing rapid adoption, industrial capacity, legal frameworks and international support to sustain operational effectiveness.
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The 2026 conference will bring NATO and allied leaders together to explore the next generation of conflict. Join us to explore key topics, including:
Position your organisation at the heart of NATO and allied decision-making at Modern Warfare Conference 2026. Partnership provides direct access to senior military leaders and defence innovators, enabling you to showcase solutions, influence operational priorities, and demonstrate thought leadership.
Our audience are looking for the following products and solutions: