Kyiv, Ukraine – January 19, 2024 – The Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC) proudly participated in the “Innovative Unmanned Systems and Technologies” conference held at the National Technical University of Ukraine (NTUU KPI). This landmark event brought together key stakeholders to address the urgent technological needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) through collaboration and innovation.
A highlight of the conference was the address delivered by Lynndy Smith, President of GDIC and its chapter, the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition. Smith joined online and praised the event for fostering open dialogue between military and industry leaders, describing it as “a cornerstone of any robust defense ecosystem.” She emphasized the critical role of such collaboration in advancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and ensuring that innovations align with the needs of those on the front lines.
The conference focused on identifying priority needs for innovative unmanned technologies. Attendees included representatives from combat brigades, military branch commanders, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense, and leading developers and manufacturers of unmanned systems. Discussions addressed challenges faced during the operational deployment of unmanned systems, such as the gap between test-site performance and real combat conditions, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence to create autonomous combat units.
Colonel Andriy Lebedenko, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, highlighted the need to streamline the transition from innovation to practical application in combat scenarios. He stressed the importance of equipping commanders and engineering personnel with modern training to maximize the effectiveness of unmanned systems.
Sergii Demydenko, CEO of Rebuild Synergy Ukraine, strategic partner of GDIC, and a member of the conference’s organizing committee, underscored the importance of forward-looking collaboration. Quoting Winston Churchill, he remarked, “‘Generals always prepare for the last war.’ In this hall are gathered those whose joint efforts will define what the battlefield of tomorrow will look like. The demonstrated technologies and the readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to implement the best of them should provide a technological advantage on the battlefield and help save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.”
The conference also featured insights from NTUU KPI, highlighting the significance of direct communication between developers and end-users to ensure innovations meet operational needs. Vice-Rector Serhiy Stirenko noted, “Whoever can receive technically high-quality feedback from the front will create developments that are as relevant and in demand as possible. It is also necessary to strategically assess technological trends and proactively plan R&D to develop and implement truly innovative, science-intensive solutions.”
The proposals and recommendations from the conference will be taken into practical implementation to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
About the Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC):
The Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC), alongside its Arizona chapter, the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition (AZDIC), is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration between defense and industry leaders worldwide. In Ukraine, GDIC and AZDIC focus on strengthening defense capabilities by connecting U.S. and international partners with Ukrainian stakeholders to address critical technological needs, support industry-to-industry collaboration, and drive initiatives that aid Ukraine’s defense and recovery efforts.
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info@defensecoalitions.org