Agenda

Panel Discussions, Workshops, Innovation & Industry EXPO
May 28
ATTA CENTRE,
Krasta Street 60, Riga, Latvia

About

Drone Summit 2025 will feature thought-provoking panel discussions covering critical aspects of drone technology, defence strategies, and industry collaboration. These sessions will bring together experts from military, academia, and industry to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in unmanned systems.

Stay tuned for speaker announcements and the final schedule!

Preliminary Agenda

10:00–10:15
Opening Speech
10:15–11:30
This panel will aim to explore the role of ad hoc coalitions and military support mechanisms in modern security frameworks, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities. Experts will discuss Europe’s readiness to address emerging challenges, including threats in grey zones, and assess the strategic adjustments needed to enhance resilience and coordination.
11:30–12:00
Break
12:00–12:40
As drones become a defining element of modern warfare, this discussion will examine their impact on military tactics, technology, and the evolving warrior ethos. Panelists will assess the advantages and limitations of drone warfare, considering how these advancements will shape combat operations, ethical considerations, and the nature of military service.
12:40–14:00
Lunch Break
14:00–14:40
This session will focus on the key challenges and solutions in optimizing drone capabilities through stronger collaboration between the military, scientific research, and industry leaders. Panelists will explore emerging trends driving the future of drone deployment, highlighting strategies for innovation, integration, and operational effectiveness.
14:40–15:20
Bringing together key takeaways from the conference, this plenary session will reflect on the most pressing challenges, emerging trends, and strategic recommendations for the future of the region. Panelists will offer final insights and discuss actionable steps for advancing security, technology, and cooperation in the evolving defence landscape.
15:30–17:00
Startup Pitch Presentations
12:00–12:40
Universities play a crucial role in fostering innovation and advancing drone technology through collaboration with public institutions and the private sector. This discussion will highlight how academia can serve as a catalyst for start-up development, technology transfer, and international partnerships to accelerate breakthroughs in drone capabilities.
12:40–14:00
Lunch Break
14:00–14:40
This panel will showcase the latest innovations in drone and counter-drone technology, with a focus on AI-driven solutions, high-performance autonomous systems, and scalable production. Experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities in transferring these innovations into effective military applications and the future trajectory of drone development.
15:30–17:00
As drone threats evolve, counter-drone strategies must integrate multiple layers of defence. This session will examine real-time detection, electronic warfare, and kinetic countermeasures, as well as regulatory frameworks guiding airspace management. Panelists will assess how governments and industries can collaborate to neutralize unmanned threats effectively.

Speakers

Andris Sprūds
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Kaspars Pudāns
National Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia
Commander
Liene Briede
Riga Technical University
Vice-Rector for Innovation
Carl Larson
Defense Tech for Ukraine
Executive Director
Yaroslav Filimonov
KVERTUS
CEO, Co-Owner
Artis Pabriks
Military Technology, Drones & Robotics Association
Chairman of the Board
Dace Melbārde
Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia
Veiko-Vello Palm
Frankenburg Technologies
Management Board Member
Kadi Silde
Helsing
Director of European Engagement
Kaspars Pollaks
Latvijas Mobilais Telefons
Director of LMT Defence
Lennart Bult
Emergent Swarm Solutions B.V.
Co-Founder, Managing Director
Hans-Christian Mathiesen
Sky-Watch
Vice President Defence Programs
Ilmārs Ozols
Latvian Civil Aviation Agency
Head of Unmanned Aircraft Flight Safety Section
Tomass Pildegovičs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Advisor to the Minister
Julia Gifford
Truesix
Co-Founder, CEO

Innovation & Industry Expo

The Innovation & Industry Expo at Drone Summit 2025 provides a unique platform for companies to showcase cutting-edge drone technologies that align with the summit’s key themes. This exclusive exhibition space is available to a limited number of participants, carefully selected to ensure a high-quality and impactful experience for attendees.

As participation is by invitation only, we are reaching out directly to industry leaders. However, if your company is interested in exploring potential opportunities to exhibit, we encourage you to get in touch.

For inquiries about participation, please contact us at [email protected]

Ensure a seamless showcase of your cutting-edge technologies by exploring the Expo Manual, which contains essential guidelines, setup details, and key information for exhibitors at Drone Summit 2025. Download it here

Workshops

The event will also include workshops on military drones, featuring international university and college researchers, innovation and new technology adopters from the military field, industry innovators, and leading companies. Additionally, Youth Guard participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training, exploring cutting-edge drone technologies, mission planning, and real-world tactical applications.