David Manley

Head of Specialism, Platform Survivability University College London

David is the current Professor of Naval Architecture at UCL, lecturing on warship design, acquisition, and naval operations. His research interests include the use of wargaming for concept design analysis, seabed security and future maritime survivability, David is also the UK MOD’s Head of Specialism for platform survivability and the DE&S / SDA Senior Specialist Fellow for maritime platform vulnerability reduction. David is a member of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors and a Senior Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Conference Day 1: Tuesday, 15 July 2025

2:00 PM PANEL DISCUSSION: OPERATIONALISING UNCREWED SYSTEMS IN THE MARITIME BATTLESPACE

Uncrewed systems are playing an increasingly central role in naval operations, particularly in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Warfare, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). This panel will explore how heterogeneous teams of crewed and uncrewed platforms are being deployed in complex maritime environments, and what is required to ensure their effective integration. Key areas of focus include autonomy, command and control, resilience, and capability development.

 

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the most promising operational scenarios for employing mixed teams of crewed and uncrewed systems in ASW, Mine Warfare, and ISR?
  • How can swarming behaviours be effectively coordinated and controlled in contested maritime environments?
  • In what ways do uncrewed systems enhance situational awareness and support maritime picture management for effective command and control?
  • How can navies ensure secure and resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in GPS-contested or denied environments?
  • What role does test and evaluation play in validating uncrewed systems, supporting integration, and accelerating capability development?
  • How do we operationalise interoperability with partners and allies for complex maritime environments including heterogeneous teams of crewed and uncrewed platforms?

 

3:30 PM STRATEGIC WARGAMING: ENHANCING DECISION- MAKING FOR NATO UNMANNED CONCEPTS

• Wargaming Baltic Sentry

• Identifying Capability gaps and insights into UXV operations

• Outcomes from experimentation and implications for coordinated operations

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining David.

Download The Latest Agenda