Stream 1 Bridging & Gap Crossing

Home , Combat engineer, Romanian Land Forces, Royal Engineers

Page 1 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

12th NOVEMBER 2019 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION, DAY 1 MECHANISED ENGINEERING

With the recent renewed peer threat to NATO and allied forces, a possibility of returning to urban terrain warfare has placed greater importance on movement and mobility. The emphasis on manoeuvrability for an active allied force ensures the war fighter can operate efficiently and with battlefield momentum. Maintaining the freedom of movement against a peer threat guarantees the forces fighting capability is not hindered by the terrain obstacles.

This renewed threat has identified capability gaps which can be exploited by adversaries and needs to be addressed. While discussing the use of vehicles and autonomy, Combat Engineer 2019 will explore these capability gaps, giving the opportunity for nations to share their unique challenges with supporting the war fighter’s mobility. It will explore this theme with the view to understanding potential solutions that can aid in the future theatres of operation.

0800 - Registration and welcome coffee 0855 - Chairman’s opening remarks Major General (Retd) Mungo Melvin CB OBE, Former GOC UK Support Command and Former Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, British Army

SUPPORTING THE MANOEUVRABILITY OF THE WARFIGHTER Primary mission tasks need to be carried out efficiently and rapidly in order to gain a tactical advantage over adversaries. The engineers of any military must maintain the mobility of troops and support the tri-services in being able to move freely in areas of operations. This section will give context to the over-arching near pear threat that we face and how NATO and NATO friendly forces are reacting to protect our allies and to keep the war fighter moving.

0900 – Current peer threat analysis and the role of NATO initiatives in deterring adversaries • A look into the current NATO engineering operations and initiatives commanded by the MNCNE • The need to reassure NATO allies to deter the perceived threat • Importance of addressing engineering capabilities gaps to host allies amongst NATO’s EFP Battle groups Lieutenant General Sławomir Wojciechowski, Commander, NATO Multinational Corps NorthEast

0930 – ADS’s role in supporting the combat engineer • Shaping the engineering world with innovative capabilities • Supporting the troops on deployment • How ADS is leading the way Anthony Harrison, Regional Account Manager – Army, ADS

1000 – Understanding NATO’s required response to peer threats • Outlining the current threat picture in Europe • Expanding on current western planning and the role of the US • Evaluating the next 30 years of planning for peer threats Lieutenant General (Retd) Ben Hodges, Former Commanding General, US Army Europe; Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

1030 – Meeting future military gap crossing requirements to enhance the war fighter’s mobility • Enabling line of communication bridging • Live load and span requirements for dry and wet gap crossings • Future developments to accommodate heavier loads with a rapidly deployable capability Steve Danner, Military Sales and Marketing Manager, ACROW Bridge

Page 2 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

1100 - Morning coffee and networking Hosted by ADS

VEHICLE PROGRAMMES AND TRENDS IN THE ENGINEERING DOMAIN A fundamental role for all Combat Engineers involves the use of specific types of vehicles to be able to successfully manoeuvre forces over terrain. In recent years, vehicle procurement programmes have seen an unprecedented rise in the market. This has been due to impending mission demands created by differing operational environments and the rapid development of autonomous and unmanned technologies.

1145 – The French Engineers vision for the future through the perspective of the SCORPION program. • Consequences in organisation, training, equipment and doctrine in high intensity conflicts. • Adapting from Afghanistan to Mali – Importance of command and control capabilities • SCORPION Program: Engineering equipment modernisation and the new ‘info-valued and collaborative’ combat system. Colonel Grégoire Potiron de Boisfleury, Doctrine and Studies Department Head, French Engineer School, French Armed Forces

1215 – All-Terrain multi-purpose vehicles for efficient transportation and material handling • Commercial off the shelf solutions from a mass-tailoring professional • All-Terrain operation capability and ease of use on operations • Worldwide service network and support organisation Valtra

1245 – The impact of the Armed Forces initiatives on the Canadian military engineer • Identifying requirements to support the deployment of forces • Current overview of the Canadian engineering acquisitions projects • Prioritizing immediate requirements and the impact on capability development Major General Sylvain Sirois, Chief Military Engineer – Chief of Staff (Infrastructure & Environment), Canada Department of National Defence, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)

1315 – Protected mobility across the spectrum of conflict • Challenges faced preparing forces for asymmetric scenarios • Equipping a single vehicle platform to perform multiple tasks in support of asymmetric operations • Mine clearance, counter-IED and EOD remotely operating platforms Pearson Engineering

1330 - Lunch and networking

MOBILITY OPTIMISATION THROUGH VEHICLES AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS Technology is rapidly advancing in all domains and emerging autonomous solutions are frequently being analysed within the engineering field. New advancements in unmanned systems such as EOD removal are prompting the war fighter and industry experts to converse over imminent future solutions that can assist in preparing troops for the future operation environments. This section sets out to look at these solutions and concepts and understand the role of autonomous and robotic systems in enhancing mobility.

1500 – US Army’s approach to improving bridging capabilities in line with vehicle SWaP specifications • Vehicle dimension challenges and the current mobility requirements • How land force vehicle procurement affects engineering capabilities • Analysing the engineering autonomous systems of the future Colonel Lynn W. Ray, Branch Chief Program Integration, US Army

Page 3 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

1530 – Engineering vehicles variables for specific operational requirements • The importance of working with the consumer throughout the tender process • Adapting a vehicle rapidly to be able to assist in different operations • Mechanised engineering equipment – What needs to be considered

1600 – Utilisation of advanced mobility capabilities • Current mobility and counter-mobility operations of the German Armed Forces • Requirements for future mobility systems • Further considerations to incorporate area denial capabilities Colonel Frank Ennen, Branch Head – Engineer Branch, Bundeswehr – Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre

1630 – Afternoon coffee and networking

STREAM 1: INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES AND THEIR FUTURE REQUIRMENTS With engineering commands differing amongst nations, it is important to focus on interoperability between the forces. Each brigade needs to be able to support allied forces to increase force protection, mobility and counter- mobility whilst addressing capability gaps to enhance future operations. This section will look at some of the national engineering commands and their objectives to support allied forces.

1700 – Current engineering programmes for the Brazilian Engineering Materiel Directorate – DME • Future procurement projects surrounding mobility, counter-mobility and survivability • Understanding supplier expertise to enhance Brazilian capabilities • International agreements and the effect on military engineering Colonel Alexandre Nogueira, Deputy Director of the Engineering Materiel Directorate, Brazilian Army

1730 – The Twofold role of the Hellenic Engineer Corps • Increasing force protection through civil and military expertise in construction • The Hellenic military engineering structure and the Army’s formation • Looking to the future engineering contribution of the Engineer Corps Colonel Dimitrios Kourkoulakos, Head of the 2nd Section, Engineers’ Directorate, Hellenic Army General Staff

1745 – Enhancing the operational structure to support national missions in Guatemala • Current objectives to modernise national force protection and infrastructure • Perceived future threats for the armed forces of Guatemala • The department of engineering’s vision and the importance of allied training Major Jorge Giovanni Aquino Guidel, J4 – Sapper Battalion, Department of Engineering, Ministry of Defence of Guatemala

1800 – Anticipating the future – The Netherlands engineering vision • The role of the Centre of Expertise in engineering operations and the future environment • The positive impact of future technological innovations to assist mobility on operation • The engineering capabilities in the Royal Netherlands Army into the next decade Lieutenant Colonel Paul van der Heul, Chief of Military Engineering CoE, Royal Netherlands Army

1830 - Chairman’s summary Major General (Retd) Mungo Melvin CB OBE, Former GOC UK Support Command and Former Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, British Army 1835 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room

Page 4 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

STREAM 2: DRIVING THE BRITISH ARMYS ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES With a rich history of experience within military engineering, it Is important for the Royal Engineers and the British Army to stay at the forefront of capability development. This section will look at how the British Army is preparing for future conflict through smart decision making and planning with reference to specific upcoming programmes.

1700 – Evolving the British Army ‘s decision making and delivery in engineering programmes • Current outlook of the delivery space in the British Army’s military engineering • Being able to understand the immediate requirements to produce a suitable capability • Driving the ‘whole’ capability and examining benefits leading to potential material changes Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Warhurst, Programme Manager ME CBT 35, British Army

1730 – Improving situational awareness and precision to engineers through MAKEFAST development • The ability to communicate and allocate resources around the battlefield • Increasing task tempo whilst on deployment whilst maintaining greater accuracy • MAKEFAST developments within GIS, gap crossing, service management and minefield management Major John Miller, Desk Officer – MAKEFAST Digitisation, British Army

1745 – Assessing current British military engineering bridging components based on mission objectives • Incorporating innovative bridging capabilities to fulfil MLC requirements • Utilizing joint-procurement programmes with allied nations • Prioritising the ability to efficiently lay tactical bridging systems Major Chris Lowrie, Desk Officer – TYRO | THAUMA | MGCC, British Army

1800 – Working with the British Army to understand the engineering requirements • The future planning initiatives to work with the British Army from planning to execution • How capability development has been enhanced through a joint approach • Asymmetric warfares effect on future requirements and our response

1830 - Chairman’s summary 1835 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room

STREAM 3: UTILISING CORE ENGINEERING ASSETS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Setting up base and base support in the future operating environment presents its own set of engineering challenges. Due to this, a number of nations are investing in new deployable infrastructure assets in addition to training in construction relevant to the terrain. This session will explore some of these assets that can aid commanders in assessing engineering expertise to ensure appropriate resource allocation.

1700 – Framework nations concept – Sub cluster engineering support to Joint Logistics Support Network • Defining requirements for future material developments with field accommodation • Deployed force infrastructure engineer support to rear operation areas • Future opportunities for innovation within general engineering equipment Lieutenant Colonel Carsten Erdmann, MILENG Staff Officer – Development Branch, German Logistics Command

1730 – Utilizing specialist construction platforms for military use • Feedback from current military customers in constructing operational estates • Availability of specialist vehicles for military bases and infrastructure • Developing capabilities based on the defence customers bespoke requirements

Page 5 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

1800 – Deployable survival shelters ability to withstand close-range detonation • Funded projects by the Royal Higher Institute of Defence • Importance of deployable infrastructures ability to withstand extreme ballistic force on operation • Future programmes of the Belgian Armed Forces in Construction and Infrastructure Dr Ir Major David Lecompte, Head of the Department of Construction and Materials Engineering, Belgian Royal Military Academy

1830 - Chairman’s summary 1835 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room

Page 6 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

13th NOVEMBER 2019: FOCUS DAY – STREAM 1 BRIDGING & GAP CROSSING

Freedom of movement and manoeuvre is a critical aspect to achieve optimal results across the full spectrum of conflict. Gap-crossing operations are crucial to allow the war fighter to continue and support their missions. Future operations of NATO will require a constant and coordinated response from combat engineers to properly plan, resource and facilitate the execution of a successful gap crossing. The bridging focus stream will address the interoperability of NATO and NATO friendly forces to maximise operational productivity in the pursuit of an efficient rapid response.

BRIDGING INNOVATIONS TO SUPPORT TROOPS IN FUTURE DEPLOYMENTS It is in NATO’s view that future combat zones will reside in mainly temperate urban terrains which has led to the increasing need to be able to manoeuvre efficiently within these differing environments. Innovations in this field aim to support allied forces by engendering interoperability which is key for multinational operations. This section will look at the importance of this fundamental gap crossing capability and national requirements to fulfil specific operational requirements.

0900 – Solving the issue of the wide wet gap problem to maintain momentum on the attack • Current road capabilities compared to military vehicles • Current bridging capabilities • Expanding volume requirements (conceptual passage requirements) Colonel Samuel Volkman, Chief Engineer, US Army Europe

0930 – Analysing developments surrounding line of communication bridging • Understanding the use of modular bridges as a permanent solution • Contract support from industries on NATO deployments • Future developments to accommodate heavier loads and faster installation Janson Bridging International

1000 – Development of military engineering and the need to regain knowledge with bridging technology • NATO MILENG CoE’s support to nations on engineering development in bridging • Creating a tactical advantage through enhancing manoeuvrability with military technology • Working with allied nations to enable development of bridging capabilities Lieutenant Colonel Sean Matten, Deputy Director & Chief of Staff, NATO Military Engineering CoE

1030 - Morning coffee and networking

Page 7 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

CLOSE SUPPORT BRIDGING IN THE THEATRE OF OPERATIONS Rapid response on operation requires the engineer to be able to assist with mobility even when under fire. Allowing all land platforms especially armoured vehicles to be able to manoeuvre is top of the priority list and this is where assault bridges come into action. This section analyses the complexity of such a task whilst understanding previous lessons learnt from recent exercises.

1115 – Evolution of Sweden’s wet gap crossing capabilities to support national operations • Analysing the current driving force behind gap crossing procurement decisions in Sweden • The need for an enhanced amphibious bridging capability • Current specifications required to support the mobility of the force Erik Wistedt, Head of Combat Engineering Department, FMV

1145 – Maximising cross-country and in-water manoeuvrability through interoperability • Operational feedback from exercise Anakonda in the future environment • Deploying the world’s most modern and fastest amphibious bridge and ferry system • Minimizing the effects of operational terrain by providing mobile realistic solutions Rolf Wenning, Senior Manager – International Business& Services, General Dynamics European Land Systems

1215 – Hungary’s close support bridging requirements to meet its interoperability needs • Assessing Hungary’s bridging capabilities by evaluating current equipment • The Visegrad Battle group and Hungary’s role as the leading engineer framework nations • Future engineering requirements to meet national needs

1245 - Lunch and networking

SUCCESSFUL WET GAP CROSSING OPERATIONS TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM The architecture and size of any obstacle poses a unique set of challenges for a mobile force; river crossings requiring precise measures differing from other tactical operations. At this point, a force is at its most vulnerable, making it vital for engineers to be concise and detailed in their planning. This section sets out to understand the survivability of units during wet gap crossing operations.

1415 – Progression of Romania’s bridging program to fulfil its capability gap • The main assumptions of the Romanian bridge program • Environmental conditions in Romania • Outcomes of the Romanian Bridge program Major Serban Danut, S3 Planning Officer – 10th Engineer Brigade, Romanian Land Forces

1445 – Flexible and versatile wet gap bridging capabilities • Modern wet gap crossing capabilities used throughout Europe • Adaptation of wet gap crossing capabilities to support todays modern Armed Forces • The future in wet gap crossing capabilities to comply with NATO’s heaviest fighting vehicles Christophe Moehle, Vice President Sales – Defence, CNIM Industrial Systems

1515 – Overcoming unique gap crossing challenges in exercise ANAKONDA 2018 • Understanding the complex variables that can affect any wet gap crossing with 12,500 troops • Demonstrating the Polish Armed Forces bridging capabilities in high intensity warfare • Planning exercise ANAKONDA 2020 and the importance of military and industry collaboration Colonel Rajmund Giera, MILENG Department Chief, Polish Armed Forces Operational Command

1545 – Afternoon coffee and networking

Page 8 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

CHALLENGES IN SPECIALISED ENGINEERING OPERATIONS Amphibious operations present a unique set of challenges that naval forces must contend with. Marines specialize in expeditionary engineering techniques and capabilities, seeking to maximize the efficiency of limited resources. This section aims to inform about the relevancy of amphibious forcible entry, planning considerations, and potential applications of unmanned systems.

1630 – US Marine Corps Amphibious operations – Going against the trend • Developing a lighter bridging capability vs the army’s heavier approach • Manned vs Unmanned – Looking to the future • Potential applications of RAS to support amphibious manoeuvre Major Christopher Thrasher, Force Engineer, US Marine Force Europe and Africa

1700 – Utilizing innovative infrastructure to enhance bridging capability efficiency • Enhancing the speed of assembly and disassembly • Case studies from customers based on operational use • Possibility of repeated use in various static and assembly systems ViaCon Sp z.o.o

1730 – Conducting covert and clandestine operations and the role of special operation engineers • The role of military engineers for special operations command • Mobility operations to provide fully capable special operation forces • Adapting the joint component command to enhance the engineers

1800 - Chairman’s summary Major General (Retd) Mungo Melvin CB OBE, Former GOC UK Support Command and Former Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, British Army 1805 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room

Page 9 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

13th NOVEMBER 2019: FOCUS DAY – STREAM 2 SUSTAINING A DEPLOYABLE FORCE

Mission success is highly dependent on the infrastructure within the forces host nation. Deployed forces within NATO must retain an operational infrastructure capability to develop and sustain military units whilst also using this to stabilise the operational environment through the restoration and maintenance of essential services. With future operational environments changing from recent areas of conflict, deployable infrastructure is a fundamental aspect in maintaining NATOs capability to respond to threats.

0800 - Registration and welcome coffee 0855 - Chairman’s opening remarks Major General (Retd) Robert Talbot-Rice, Former Director of Land Equipment, UK MoD – DE&S

INTEROPERABILITY AND STANDARDS OF DEPPLOYABLE FIELD CAMPS As part of any multi-national operation, generous hosts must acquire the necessary provision of base assets and equipment to support allied forces in the area. Interoperability and standardisation of these field camp facilities is an ongoing struggle and this section will look to assess the capabilities available and the steps nations can take in order to prepare the deployed forces.

0900 – NATO Smart Energy: Save Energy – Gain Power • Showcasing NATO Smart Energy during exercise Capable Logistician (CL19) • NATO’s need for interoperable power generation for deployed force infrastructure • Future technologies to assist modern forces in deployable infrastructure Dr Susanne Michaelis, Officer, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO HQ

0930 – Deployable camp solutions to maximise troop deployment efficiency • Simplifying planning through modular design • Reducing risk along the value chain • Lean setup and breakdown Massimo Mazzella, Export Sales Manager, G&G Partners

1000 – Developing an interoperable energy metering and simulation solution for NATO deployed camps • Interoperability between forces through NATO funded Science for Peace and security projects • Using a camp energy model to predict the future operational energy requirements • Future developments in dual-use applications and the importance of sustainable power Martin Kegel MASc, P.Eng, Project Manager & Research Engineer - CanmetENERGY, Natural Resources Canada

1030 - Morning coffee and networking

ENHANCING POWER MANAGEMENT TO INCREASE SELF-SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY The rise of information technology, software applications and sensor technology mean systems could have the ability to auto-manage in a smart way, depending on the needs of a camp. Coupling this with new green energy technology such as the use of renewables and low-cost electricity storage allows militaries to better meet energy demands.

1115 – Supporting deployable military projects whilst ensuring environmental standards • Deployable base camps requiring superior performance, compliance and product reliability • Sustaining troops with fuel as the lifeblood of any military operation • Increasing self-sustainability through optimal fuel storage Murray Leflaive, Global Key Account Manager, Western Global

Page 10 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

1145 – Reducing energy demand to enable the incorporation of hybrid systems into infrastructure • Evaluating design requirements to allow integration with localised power systems • Challenges faced in the design process for force support operations • Future research objectives and where to collaborate WO2 Peter Egan, QMSI Construction, 36 Engineer Regiment, British Army

1215 - Smart systems to optimise energy and water production/consumption • Smart sensors to improve energy efficiency • Dashboards and sensors for legacy technologies to improve energy and water usage • Standard for smart technology and the integration of micro grids for future systems

1245 - Lunch and Networking

ASSESSING DEPLOYABLE INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS A major priority for any military force is the use and need of rapidly deployable infrastructure. This infrastructure acts as the baseline to meet operational requirements in keeping the forces mobilised and sustained. This section aims to delve into different infrastructure available based on overseas operational environments and how interoperability of equipment can affect efficiency.

1415 – Optimising the use of mechanised equipment to construct deployable base camps • Assisting partner nations to efficiently establish key mechanised equipment projects • Current NSPA projects to ensure infrastructure meets NATO standards • Understanding future requirements to meet operational demands. Krzysztof Nagadowski, Section Chief – SOC-A, Deployable Engineering and Support Branch, Acquisition Section, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

1445 – Supporting rapidly deployable solutions to meet specific infrastructure requirements • Drawing on our proven ability to design, provide and support permanent facilities • Importance of incorporating a range of modular elements • Being able to respond with solutions through constant collaborative efforts in defence Haldun Ozbek, Managing Partner, Mechanical Engineer, GDL Group

1515 – The British Army Deployable Infrastructure 2028 Project • Using the ‘Whole Force’ to meet the British Army’s operational infrastructure demands • Ensuring an agile capability to provide deployable forces with shelter • Developing evolving capabilities to meet current and future requirements Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hoult, SO1 Military Engineering Infrastructure, British Army

1545 – Afternoon coffee and networking

Page 11 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

UTILISING DEPLOYALE INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES A core requirement of most engineering corps of land forces is to assist and aid in the event of a natural disaster, humanitarian effort and reaching NATO environmental standards. Immediate requirements are needed in terms of temporary facilities to support both the land forces and civilians effected. This section will aim to analyse the challenges that are faced by engineers as well as NGO’s when met with limited timeframe as well as analysing water treatment challenges in different types of operation.

1630 – Water – Source of Life – Present Day water treatment issues and solution • Overcoming abstraction challenges under varied field conditions • Importance of optimal water treatment to reach NATO standards • Current and future solutions being analysed to enhance effective water treatment Agnieszka Dylong, Ph.D., Head of Department, Polish Military Institute of Engineer Technology

1700 – Meeting water quality requirements in deployable bases • Accessing clean, drinkable water in austere environments • Meeting water quality requirements using deployable water purification devices • Minimising the logistical burden of supplying water Andy McClelland, Defence Industry Market Manager, Parker Hannifin Corporation

1730 – Jamaican Defence Forces efforts in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief • HADR Operations conducted in austere post-disaster environments following Haiti earthquake • Devastation caused by Hurricane Urma in 2017 to Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda • Procuring the latest deployable infrastructure equipment that supports HADR operations Major Markland Lloyd, Acting Commanding Officer, 1 Engineer Regiment, Jamaican Defence Force

1730 - Chairman’s summary 1735 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room Major General (Retd) Robert Talbot-Rice, Former Director of Land Equipment, UK MoD – DE&S

Page 12 of 17 Defence Leaders© agenda subject to change depending on speaker availability

13th NOVEMBER 2019: FOCUS DAY – STREAM 3 MOBILITY & COUNTER-MOBILITY

Counter-mobility operations affect an enemy’s ability to manoeuvre freely and selectively deny them the use of terrain. They may also reduce the effect of an attacker’s superiority in numbers, and channel them into areas of our choosing where they can be defeated. Counter-mobility planning must also take account of own-force manoeuvre requirements. By successfully denying enemy freedom movement, militaries are better placed to defeat the enemy.

0800 - Registration and welcome coffee 0855 - Chairman’s opening remarks

DETECTING AND IMPEDING AN ENEMY FORCE Denial operations require extensive organisation usually within a limited amount of time. Priority must be given to the action that contributes with the greatest effect to disrupting key access routes or transportation links of enemy forces. Overall mission success relies heavily upon optimal completion of these missions and this section will set out to assess future doctrine and requirements in the future operating battlefield.

0900 – Maximising counter-mobility on operations • Why do we have counter-mobility? • Problems faced when trying to achieve maximise the potential of counter-mobility • Achieving true counter-mobility with non-explosives, mines and system concepts Alasdair Hood, Military Engineering Principle Advisor, UK MoD – DSTL

0930 – Innovations in technology to enhance security of military camps and deny enemy movement • Improving counter-mobility objectives through assistance with surveillance systems • Challenges faced by customers when securing military facilities • The future of surveillance tech and its impact on base planning in international missions

1000 – Ongoing engineer projects to address counter-mobility challenges in Latvia • Current overview of ongoing engineering projects • Urgent counter-mobility requirements • Overcoming counter mobility challenges by utilising new technologies Major Marek Strods, Senior Officer, J-3/5/7 Combat Support Cell, Latvian Armed Forces

1030 - Morning coffee and networking

FUTURE COUNTER-MOBILITY TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS With nations exploring new innovative ways to disrupt and unsettle enemy movement, technological innovation needs to remain at the forefront especially with the effects of the electronic and information age. This section will investigate the possible capabilities that nations can invest in.

1115 – Analysis of the future counter-mobility concept in the Finnish Defence Forces • Overview of the concept, TTPs and equipment • Cooperation between the military engineer and civil actors in counter-mobility ops • Future plans for the development of the counter-mobility concept Colonel Matti Lampinen, Inspector of Engineers, Finnish Defence Forces – Army Command

1145 – Enhancing area of denial operations through Insensitive munitions (IM) technology • Manufacturing innovative defence systems for the Armed Forces • Utilizing new technologies surrounding plastic bonded explosives • Integrating all systems with the training of military engineers FORCIT DEFENCE

1215 – ‘Stopping it in its Tracks’ – Part of the British Army’s Counter-Mobility research programme • Understanding how to halt main battle tanks using novel materials and technology • Identifying suitable technologies based on the current requirements • The role of the DSTL in selecting the appropriate capability Colin Potter, Principal Systems Engineer, UK MoD - DSTL

1245 - Lunch and Networking

OVERCOMING HOSTILE CHALLENGES TO ALLOW FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Many nations are met with unique challenges when met with hostile counter-mobility methods. As technology with explosives and obstacle laying capabilities improves, engineers are forced to adapt and utilise bespoke mobility equipment. This section will look at areas surrounding C-IED and route clearance to keep the force mobile.

1415 – Challenges faced with Improvised explosive devices (IED) in the African environment • US Army’s Africa defeat the IED mission objectives • Importance of collaboration and training with African nations • Utilizing the latest innovations to enable efficient C-IED Bob Kaiser, C-IED Branch Chief, US Army Africa

1445 – Supplying state of the art technology and system in all domains • Working with the engineering personnel in developing more efficient mobility capabilities • Producing a complete support system • Integrating all systems with the training of military engineers Mislav Manda, Area Sales and Marketing Director, DOK-ING

1515 – Overview of the LITPOLUKR Brigade and current mobility requirements • Fulfilling operational tasks set by the UN, EU and NATO • Feedback from recent operations and exercises in mine contested environments • Understanding how the latest solutions in the field of engineering equipment can enhance mobility Major Piotr Niwa, Chief Engineer, LITPOLUKR Brigade

1545 – Afternoon coffee and networking

SUBTERRANEAN OPERATIONS Also referred to as tunnel warfare, engineers can utilise underground facilities for both mobilisation and counter-mobility operations. Tunnels are commonplace within complex, urban environments and with the future battlefield anticipated to being within this terrain, it is imperative to understand the modern techniques and equipment that may be used on these types on missions; This section will look to analyse this.

1630 – Capabilities required to detect and deny the subterranean environment to our adversaries • Exploring the history of underground operations • Detecting and utilizing explosives for subterranean operations • Future research into capabilities that deny the enemy’s mobility Lieutenant Colonel Robert Macdonald, SO1 Manoeuvre Support Plans and Interoperability, British Army

1700 – Transforming capabilities for the subterranean challenge • Challenges with communication and situational awareness in inexperienced areas • How can we enhance breaching tools and equipment for underground units? • Does AI have a role to play in the next-gen battlefield?

1730 – Exploiting underground warfare to enhance mobility and counter-mobility operations • Understanding the true benefits of subterranean ops • The role of subterranean warfare in the future urban environments • How can we expose vital assets of enemy forces?

1800 - Chairman’s summary 1805 - Networking drinks reception in exhibition room

14th NOVEMBER 2019 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION, DAY 3 SUPPORTING TROOPS OPERATING IN COMPLEX, DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS

PREPARING THE ENGINEER FOR THE FUTURE BATTLEFIELD The variables of warfare are evolving at a rapid rate and if nations do not keep up with this pace, their adversaries will be able to exploit new areas of capability shortfalls. These developments affect all domains of a military force and the engineers are no exception. This section aims to give an insight into the engineers of the next 20 years and understand the fast capability and skills that need to be enhanced to keep up with the force of the future.

0900 – Utilising multi-domain assets to enhance engineering operations in urban terrain • Where is the fight of the future? • An insight into US research and development to enhance the future combat engineer • Challenges that need to be conquered to mobilise troops through innovative collaboration Dr. David W. Pittman, Director, U.S. Army Engineer, Research and Development Center

0930 - Delivering mine clearing and armour protection solutions • The vital role of protected construction equipment in support of the battle space • Developing customisable capabilities and integration solutions for maximum effect • Steps toward remote control and semi-autonomous solutions on the battlefield Isaac Malson, Foreign Military Sales Account Manager, Caterpillar Defense

1000 – Polish Challenges of the new equipment acquisition • Current force laydown of both national and international units • Recent operations and how these are shaping Polish acquisition • Future intentions and opportunities for international collaboration from partners and industry Major General Krzystof Król, Deputy Chief of General Staff, Polish Armed Forces

1030 - Morning coffee and networking Hosted by Caterpillar Defense

ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS: RESEARCH AND APPLICATION Unmanned and autonomous systems are regularly seen in the civil and commercial sectors and a few nations are seeing those systems at the forefront of land force development programmes. With several potential solutions available to engineers where a soldier can be replaced, it is vital we build on those current programmes and analyse the various tasks where RAS can be used. This section will look at the innovation, research and application that is being currently being developed by world experts and the defence sector.

1100 – Autonomous and robotic engineering systems as the future of land forces • Expanding the area of influence whilst reducing the risk to soldiers • Analysing the future impact of RAS on military engineering operations • Understanding the military robotic system timelines and initiatives Ted Maciuba, Deputy Director, Robotics Requirements, Maneuver Capability Development Integration Directorate, US Army Futures Command

1130 – Taking a step towards next-gen mobility systems • Evaluating the evolution of autonomous systems in different market sectors • Why unmanned teaming between multi-domain systems is vital for the future soldier • Industry’s role in pushing the armed forces capabilities to optimal functionality

1200 – Polish Military Engineer Robots – Where we see development • The main assumptions of the future developments of robotic technology in Poland • Working with allies to asses current challenges that will be faced by introducing this tech • Current timelines of robotic systems Colonel Wieslaw Kuchta, Chief of Acquisition and Development Division, Military Engineering Directorate Combat Support Inspectorate General command of the Polish Armed Forces

1230 - Lunch and networking

THE EFFECTS OF URBAN TERRAIN ON MILITARY ENGINEERING OPERATIONS It’s a commonly shared opinion that operations for NATO and NATO friendly nations will reside in urban terrain. This type of environment will always possess its own set of unique challenges on an engineer and this section will assess the possible challenges with a view to understand future NATO missions in these areas.

1330 – Development of protective constructions for urban demining • Mitigating risk due to accidental or international detonation of an explosive charge • Test and evaluation of two systems; TERP and HESCO Bastion Mitigation Structure • Implication of the research and recommendations for future demining in urban terrain Dr Ir Major David Lecompte, Head of the Department of Construction and Materials Engineering, Belgian Royal Military Academy

1400 – Panel Discussion: Understanding the impact of future autonomous systems on the engineering role • What is the future of a Combat Engineer? • How is the near pear threat going to change planning and capabilities in engineering? • Analysing interoperability issues based on operational requirements

1500 - Chairman’s summary and close of conference Major General (Retd) Mungo Melvin CB OBE, Former GOC UK Support Command and Former Colonel Commandant of the Royal Engineers, British Army