Part of Defence iQ's Unified Maritime Experience
Enabling Naval Power with Technology for Next Generation Surface Warships
13 - 14 October 2026 | Design Hotel, Tróia, Portugal
13-14 October, 2026
Europe's Only Global Event Exclusively Dedicated To Surface Warships
Across the Euro-Atlantic, allied nations and partners are in a transitional period with their surface fleets. Modernisation is a key priority with surface combatants aging out of service, and the need to update surface warships capabilities to meet the needs of an evolving threat landscape. As nations work against prolonged lead times, complex procurement cycles, and working to keep apace with technological advancements, discourse surrounding the hybrid fleet concepts and the integration of warships and uncrewed naval systems are coming to the forefront.
This transitional period coincides with rising tensions between NATO, allied partners and hostile states. Ongoing conflicts in the Black and Red Sea and increased hybrid threats and grey zone activity in the Arctic highlight the key role of maritime warfare in modern conflicts. In response to this, surface warships design is increasingly moving towards digital innovation, including autonomous systems and AI-driven technology.
Defence iQ’s Surface Warships conference returns on 13th-14th October 2026, Troia, Portugal. Bringing together military leaders, decision makers and experts from across the naval ecosystem to find solutions to the most pressing challenges in building, maintaining and deploying surface warships in today’s maritime battlespace.
Join us in Portugal to hear from the senior military leaders, naval decision makers and industry experts shaping future surface fleets!
In association with REPMUS 2026
Defence iQ's Unified Maritime Experience
Defence iQ's Unified Maritime Experience in Tróia offers delegates a rare opportunity to engage across four maritime defence events, Maritime ISR, Seabed Security, Surface Warships and Uncrewed Naval Systems. Held in association with REPMUS 2026.
Attendees will gain broader operational context, connect with peers from complementary communities, and experience live exhibitions within one of NATO’s most active maritime environments.
Make sure to register before Friday, 26th June 2026
Secure an early pass and save €400!
2026 Speakers Include
Rear Admiral Craig Wood
Deputy Commander
STRIKFORNATO
Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi
Director General Logistics Department
JMSDF
Commodore Ivo Värk
Commander
Estonian Navy
Commodore Ian Feasey
Commander of Surface Flotilla
Royal Navy
Commodore Kyrre Haugen
Chief of Naval Fleet
Royal Norwegian Navy
Captain Tadas Jablonskis
Commander
Lithuanian Naval Forces
Lieutenant Commander Florin Constantinoiu
Head of Innovation and Research
Romanian Navy
Jon O’Callaghan
Deputy Director of Navy Acquisition for Above Water Warfare Systems (NAAS)
Royal Navy
WHAT WE WILL TALK ABOUT
Why Attend Surface Warships 2026?
Global Naval Perspectives
Gain access to a truly international speaker line up with perspectives from navies from across: the UK, US, Europe, Canada, Asia, Africa, Oceania.
Program-Level Intelligence
Get updates on key programs that are in the concept phase from the managers and heads leading the innovation.
Regional Threat Analysis
Discuss the role of surface warfare and combatant ships in deterring and defending the Euro-Atlantic region (including the Arctic and Black Sea) and other regions like the Red Sea.
Uncrewed Systems Integration
Hear from experts on how uncrewed systems are being integrated with combatant ships for the enhancement of surface fleets in a modern battlefield.
Position Yourself Ahead with These Insights
Get your copy by clicking the image
Warships; Their Subsystems, and Organic Unmanned Platforms Selected Countries Market Report 2024-2029
In this market report we cover programmes involving: large surface combatants, naval systems employed on surface combatants, and uncrewed platforms.
Surface Warship Market Report 2025-2029: Selected Markets
This report highlights the most prominent global Warship programmes, the current status of the programmes, and the spending trends per country.
Ukraine's Unmanned Surface Vessels and Their Implications for Sea Surface Warfare
This article was written by Anton Tabur and Captain 1st rank (Ret.) Andriy Ryzhenko. Together, they explore the rising trend in Sea Surface Warfare, giving their insight and expert opinion.
Ship's Company; Preparing the First Type 31 Frigate Ship Company
Due to the nature of Warship construction, the difference between two ships of different generations can be felt more vividly than on other platforms, and so its crewing needs to adapt. interview, Commander Christopher Cozens of the Royal Navy shares his experience as a Senior Naval officer of the first Type 31 to enter service, the HMS Venturer.
2026 AGENDA
Wondering what's in store?
The Surface Warships Conference convenes over 300 senior naval leaders, program directors, and industry experts to address the most pressing challenges facing the global warship community.
Across two intensive days, discussions will focus on best practices for integrating data and emerging technologies to strengthen naval capability and fleet resilience. Sessions will include in-depth overviews of advancements in geospatial intelligence, unmanned systems, and robotics, highlighting how these innovations are shaping the future of surface warfare.
Become A Sponsor
Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities
Sponsorship is the most effective way to showcase your company’s capabilities to senior naval leaders, defence officials, and industry decision-makers who are actively seeking innovative solutions to today’s maritime challenges.
The Surface Warships Conference unites senior officers, procurement authorities, and leading suppliers in one location, creating a focused environment for meaningful engagement. With tailored networking opportunities, sponsors gain the direct, face-to-face access that crowded trade shows simply cannot deliver, ensuring your message reaches the people shaping the future of naval capability.
Testimonials
A Word From our Attendees
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QUESTIONS?
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Email: enquire@iqpc.co.uk
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