Speakers

Presenters

• 

  Miss Alexandra Ayton

  Strategy And Policy Advisor, Independent

  Presentation:

  The Shadow Outbreak: An Epidemiological-Intelligence Framework for Coalition Information Warfare Resilience

  Abstract:

  Hostile information operations in the Indo-Pacific increasingly behave like infectious diseases, exploiting demographic, linguistic and platform vulnerabilities to spread across borders faster than governments and militaries can respond. This paper conceptualises disinformation as an epidemiological phenomenon with measurable transmission dynamics, including susceptible populations, superspreader nodes, multi-platform vectors and a narrative reproduction rate (R-info). Drawing on a socio-technical systems framework, the analysis identifies where individuals, groups, technologies and governance processes in the region create vulnerability to high R-info outbreaks and where intervention levers can suppress propagation.

  The paper introduces a novel R-info matrix which integrates epidemiological modelling with an eight-step applied innovation methodology for developing cognitive resilience in individuals, groups, technology and systems. This approach enables coalition partners to systematically identify susceptible segments, map cross-border infection chains, prototype countermeasures and model and evaluate their impact on R-info under realistic conditions. Field-trial evidence from synthetic social networks, wargaming environments and coalition simulations demonstrates how interventions - such as pre-bunking modules, coordinated cross-government messaging loops, adaptive sensing architectures and rapid decision pathways - can measurably reduce effective R-info across key Indo-Pacific ecosystems.

  The paper then proposes a Coalition Information Surveillance System modelled on public health architectures, enabling early detection, shared situational awareness and coordinated response utilising case examples across Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. By reframing disinformation as a Shadow Outbreak, the research offers a practical, interoperable framework for reducing narrative transmission, strengthening cognitive resilience and supporting credible deterrence in the region's contested information environment.

  Biography:

  Miss Alexandra Ayton is a strategic policy advisor with expertise in policy development, program delivery and evaluation across complex health, government and defence portfolios in the Western Australian public sector.

  She holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Pathology and Laboratory Medicine) and a Master of Public Health from the University of Western Australia, alongside five+ years of experience working in State Government departments.

  She has supported and led major projects and initiatives such as AUKUS readiness and STEM engagement in defence industry, Western Australia's 10 Year Science and Technology Plan, Virtual Emergency Medicine (later the Western Australian Virtual Emergency Department "WAVED") at the Kaartdijin Innovation Centre and the North Metropolitan Health Service COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

  With a systems-thinking mindset and a focus on stakeholder engagement, she is passionate about innovating to align policy with delivery and building national resilience in public health and defence. Miss Ayton has presented at national security and military strategy conferences in Australia and the United States.
• 

  Mr James Dean

  Director, Information Warfare, Swordfish Computing Pty Ltd

  Presentation:

  ChatEW: Assured EW Mission Planning Through Human-Machine Teaming

  Abstract:

  ChatEW is an AI-enabled decision-support system prototype that transforms how Electronic Warfare (EW) missions are planned, analysed, and assessed by combining advanced Large Language Models (LLMs), semantic reasoning, and agentic AI with EW modelling and simulation. Through an intuitive natural-language interface, ChatEW allows analysts to explore complex electromagnetic scenarios conversationally, complementing traditional Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based approaches and reducing reliance on complex technical workflows.

  Serving as an intelligent co-pilot, ChatEW understands analyst intent, interprets scenario context, and remains aligned with doctrine and mission constraints. Integrating Swordfish's AI Knowledge Interface For Dialog and Operation (AIKIDO) reasoning engine and DSTG's Force Level Electronic Warfare Simulation (FLEWS) environment, it builds a conceptual understanding of the EW battlespace, enabling analysts to focus on mission objectives while the system ensures consistency, traceability, and explainability.

  ChatEW accelerates EW planning by answering questions using operational context, system characteristics, EW ontological relationships, supplied rule sets, and simulation-based insight. Its future evolution is toward goal-oriented agentic behaviour where analysts will issue high-level directives (e.g., "Develop an electronic attack plan to degrade Red's air defences while preserving Blue's SATCOM"), and ChatEW will interpret, develop and assess options, and provide justified courses of action.

  By reducing training burden, increasing analytical speed, strengthening mission assurance, and enabling human-machine teaming, ChatEW delivers immediate operational advantage while paving the way for autonomous, goal-oriented EW assistants in future contested electromagnetic environments.

  Biography:

  James Dean is Swordfish's Director of Information Warfare, responsible for leading engineering teams to deliver projects across Information and Electronic Warfare and related domains.

  James is responsible ensuring that programs deliver resilient capabilities to maintain an advantage in the information domain, and ensures the alignment of Swordfish's internal R&D initiatives with Defence priorities.

  James is a chartered professional engineer and team leader with over a decade of experience leading distributed engineering teams in software intensive environments to deliver quality outcomes for clients.
• 

  Dr George Elias

  Senior Scientist, L3Harris Technologies Inc.

  Presentation:

  Project ARKENSTONE – Accelerating Agentic AI for Cognitive EW – Meet the first ever Team of Agentic AI EW Virtual Crows

  Abstract:

  Over the past year, L3Harris Advanced Combat Systems EW team achieved a breakthrough in cognitive electronic warfare through Project ARKENSTONE with the first rapid development of an Agentic AI team capable of executing complex cognitive EW missions in contested modern battlespace environments. This innovation was developed in parallel with AI advancements from industry leaders including Anthropic, Google, and strategic partners like Palantir. Unique by its disruptive and unconventional methodology, ARKENSTONE introduces revolutionary EW reasoning capabilities supported by the proprietary Echo Omega Agent Language.

  ARKENSTONE accelerates agentic AI adoption for cognitive EW. Virtual teams of EW operators/officers work collaboratively within a sophisticated hybrid architecture. This system integrates specialized EW tools, fragmented reasoning models, domain-specific world models, and LLMs enabling seven distinct collaborative agents to communicate authentically replicating human EW cell operations. Through precision-engineered context management, ARKENSTONE leverages next-generation LLM capabilities optimized specifically for EW reasoning tasks, demonstrating exceptional performance within mission-critical scenarios. Virtual agentic AI teams provide critical force multiplication for INDOPACOM partner nations whose armed forces face challenging shortages of specialized EW personnel. ARKENSTONE empowers adopters with sophisticated electromagnetic operations without extensive human expertise requirements.

  This presentation examines ARKENSTONE's technical architecture, critical design decisions, and their relationship to foundational AI/ML ethical considerations. Results showcase the system's transformative potential across essential cognitive ISR and EW tasks: Electronic Order of Battle understanding, Electronic Attack techniques composition & optimization. Finally, ARKENSTONE addresses the technically demanding challenge of robust, adaptive cognitive EW solutions for War Mode Reserves (WARMs) & dynamically evolving threats.

  Biography:

  Dr. Marc Olivieri is a Senior Fellow at L3Harris for the Airborne Combat System in the SAS Segment where he supports a variety of advanced Electronic Warfare programs. He is currently a key SME for the EW/SIGINT products.

  As Senior Fellow and Chief Engineer for SIGINT and AI/ML supports he has developed many advanced technology solutions in external R&D programs to support tactical and national systems for the IC and special forces. He mentors several engineers in the area of applied AI/ML for ISR, Electronic Warfare, RF/Antennas and communications/networking solutions.

  He provides a wide network of relationships with key technologists across the DoD/IC ecosystems to include government sponsors, in academia and with partners in industries. He supports L3Harris goals in AI/ML and advanced technologies adoptions and he works across segments to capture large opportunities for the corporation.

  He also supports blue sky ideas programs in L3Harris and collaborates closely with the Tech Networks for Corporate on resilient comms, autonomy and machine learning as well as artificial intelligence topics.
• 

  Prof Ted Goranson

  Scientist, Sirius-Beta Labs and George Mason University

  Presentation:

  Active EW: Categorified Modelling in EMSO

  Abstract:

  This reports on work begun in the US National Labs, continued in an ADF program of record, demonstrated in an ASCA EDT program, and slated for implementation studies in a US EW-inclusive mesh orchestration project.

  The enabling technology is category theoretic abstraction, widely studied for EMS reasoning. The approach described here is supported by an experimental device, exploring a topos-based percept-act mission command paradigm. The desired utility is in modelling adversarial targeting systems with the goal of a virtual cyber break-in — exploiting weaknesses to confuse and fool targeting.

  This paradigm has been called 'Active EW'; we have demonstrated this on a typical but quite tenable missile threat. A simple example will be presented in the context of AESA mesh spoofing in a congested littoral context.

  A general method for spoofing advanced targeting systems is described in an unclassified context, using non-mathematical metaphors. A focus will be on category theoretic hardware that could supplement existing AESA architectures for adaptability in a next generation playbooks-as-code command paradigm.

  Biography:

  Ted Goranson was director of advanced research for the US National Security Agency (Section 41), and served as Office Scientist for nearly a decade at the DARPA Defence Manufacturing Office.

  In several roles, he advised or managed basic and applied sensor/seeker research over 50 years. He now has projects in Australia for next generation 'plays' in electromagnetic spectrum operations.
• 

  Mr Oskar Jakubowski

  Student, University of Adelaide

  Presentation:

  Titanium Additively Manufactured Kinetic Interceptor

  Abstract:

  This presentation evaluates Ti-64 AM kinetic interceptor drones for neutralisation of small UAS by physically striking or cutting rotors/airframes. The development process of such an interceptor drone is presented from design stage to manufacturing. The drone interceptor project has shown that Australian industry has adequate capabilities manufacturing prototypes of such interceptors. The presentation also considers system trade-offs between direct terminal effect (high local kinetic energy, low collateral fragmentation) against the difficulties of guidance and hit-probability in cluttered/urban environments. The presentation covers examples and capability claims of the COTS Interceptors, which are designed to ram Class-1 and Class-2 UAS at high speed. The presentation evaluates the effects of the interceptor mass & speed, the interceptor's effective impact radius, guidance & sensing on lowering Circular Error Probability and collateral risks.

  Biography:

  Oskar Jakubowski is a student at the University of Adelaide, currently in his final year completing a double degree in mechanical engineering and finance.

  Oskar has industry experience through his internship at VPG Innovation, with whom he is currently partnered for his group's Honour's Project; the design and development of a titanium 3d printed unmanned aerial vehicle for physical interception roles.

  Alongside his passion for engineering, this project exemplifies Oskar's entrepreneurial mindset, having independently engaged with multiple defence organisations to explore contribution pathways and strategic partnerships. He has also undertaken an internship with the Polish Australian Chamber of Commerce to further develop his passion for trade development.

  Oskar is focused on an interdisciplinary approach to defence challenges in the modern day, grounded in an understanding of engineering principles and economic forces shaping the future workforce.
• 

  Dr Nutsinee Kijbunchoo

  Electro-Optics Consultant, DEWC Services

  Presentation:

  Battle of the Beams: Evaluating LiDAR Architectures for Counter-UAV Detection

  Abstract:

  Small commercial UAVs are difficult to detect using conventional radar due to their low radar cross-sections. LiDAR offers a complementary solution, providing high angular resolution and precise ranging for counter-UAV applications.

  This study evaluates three LiDAR architectures—static multi-array, single rotating, and a proposed hybrid rotating multi-array design. The static configuration enables full 360° coverage but is costly and power-intensive, while the single rotating system reduces hardware complexity at the expense of scan latency and coverage gaps. The hybrid rotating multi-array design achieves the best balance, enhancing responsiveness and coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity.

  A physics-based simulation framework was developed to integrate UAV laser radar cross section, atmospheric extinction, and LiDAR range budgets. Evaluations considered 905 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths with both analogue and photon-counting detectors. Results show detection ranges from hundreds of meters to several kilometers, depending on UAV surface properties, system aperture/energy, and visibility.

  Photon-counting detectors significantly outperform analogue types under low-signal conditions. Wavelength trade-offs reveal that shorter wavelengths offer stronger reflectivity but greater atmospheric loss, while longer wavelengths provide better transmission and eye safety.

  Surface orientation, propeller glints, and coatings strongly affect detectability. Across rural, suburban, and urban conditions, LiDAR-based detection remains feasible. The proposed hybrid rotating multi-array system consistently outperforms static and single-rotating designs, providing a compelling balance of performance, coverage, and cost.

  This presentation forms part of a program on COTS UAV detection and countermeasure technologies, encompassing evaluation, simulation, and testing methodologies.

  Biography:

  Nutsinee is an experimental physicist with over a decade of experience in laser systems, optical metrology, interferometry, and quantum optics. Her work spans fundamental physics, precision measurement, and advanced optics R&D—from operating kilometer-scale gravitational-wave detectors to designing benchtop quantum experiments.

  During her PhD at the Australian National University and LIGO Hanford Observatory, she helped build and commission the world's first vacuum-compatible quantum squeezer, which enhanced LIGO's sensitivity and increased gravitational-wave detection rates by 50%. As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Adelaide, she designed and led an experiment investigating photodarkening in nonlinear crystals, advancing the understanding of material degradation in squeezed-light systems.

  Nutsinee was also on shift as a control-room operator the night the first gravitational wave was detected—an event that contributed to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. She is currently an electro-optics consultant at DEWC Services, where she applies her expertise to defence applications.
• 

  Mr Jeff Malone

  Secretary, AOC Australia/NZ Chapter

  Presentation:

  From 'Command and Control Warfare' to 'Operations in the Information Environment': The Australian Defence Force's Evolving Approach to Information-Based Functional Concepts

  Abstract:

  In the contemporary global security environment, the employment of information-based functional concepts (IBFC) has become an increasingly important aspect of military operations. State and non-state actors increasingly leverage informational capabilities, operations, and activities (ICOA) to achieve strategic objectives across the spectrum of competition and conflict. It is through the integrated employment of various ICOA that actors can achieve success at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of conflict. Cunning adversaries will employ IBFC below the threshold of overt armed conflict to slow and complicate responses. It is therefore vital that military professionals have a sound understanding of how IBFC can be employed in the contemporary global security environment.

  In this presentation I provide an overview of the Australian Defence Force's (ADF's) evolving approach to IBFC. In the first part of the presentation, I address fundamental conceptual matters: key definitions; the relationship between operating concepts and doctrine; and the place of doctrine in generating military capability. In the second part of the presentation, I provide an account of the origins and evolution of IBFC in Australian joint operations doctrine from the late1970s to the present. In the final part of the presentation, I examine the future evolution of IBFC in the ADF in the context of the evolving global security environment, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

  Biography:

  Mr Jeff Malone is a Senior Analyst in the Defence Science and Technology Group of the Australian Department of Defence. In his current role he is a science program manager supporting the delivery of the Defence Innovation, Science, and Technology Strategy.

  For the last decade he has held a persistent secondary duty as the Theatre Information Warfare (IW) Evaluator in Headquarters Joint Operations Command J8 Branch. He previously served in the Australian Army as an Australian Intelligence Corps officer.

  In a previous Australian Public Service role he served as the Director of Intelligence of the Office of Transport Security (prior to its incorporation into the Department of Home Affairs). He was also a part time Senior Lecturer in the School of Systems and Computing, UNSW Canberra for over a decade.
• 

  Mr Glenn Murray

  CEO, SOIO – School of Information Operations

  Presentation:

  EW in Counter UAS Operations

  Abstract:

  EW in Counter-UAS Operations provides a foundational understanding of Electronic Warfare use in Counter- Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) operations, and the technologies used to detect and mitigate associated threats. Participants will explore key UAS vulnerabilities across various operational environments and learn to assess potential threats effectively. The discussion covers a range of detection technologies—including radar, Lidar, audio, electro-optical systems, and electronic support measures—and emphasizes the strategic integration of these tools into a cohesive CUAS network. Learners will gain insight into the principles of UAS threat detection and the importance of layered adaptive countermeasures in modern security operations.

  Biography:

  Glenn Murray is the CEO and lead instructor for SOIO - School of Information Operations.

  Glenn is a C4IEW system expert with significant ADF training experience and over 30 years' operational experience with C5ISREW systems. This includes their interaction and operations within EW, Cyber and Space domains.

  Glenn has managed the integration and testing of C5ISREW systems across various ADF platforms and operational environments. This includes the use of EW and space-based systems to support operational tasks. Glenn has managed and operated sensors including imaging radars, EO/IR cameras, EW, and C4 systems and has been an instructor of these systems.

  Glenn has deployed on national and international operations and exercises. His EW operational experience includes numerous deployments providing direct C5ISREW support to ADF, Coalition and Joint Special Forces.
• 

  Mr Darren Nicholls

  Sales Director – UK, Ukraine, Middle East and Australia, CRFS Ltd

  Presentation:

  One Sensor, Many Missions: RF Convergence for Countering Threats in the Indo-Pacific

  Abstract:

  From PLA drone incursions over Taiwan's ADIZ to GPS jamming in the South China Sea and North Korean RF interference along the DMZ, spectrum in the Indo-Pacific is under constant pressure. Overlapping tensions and diverse conflict types—commercial, asymmetric, and peer-level—create a uniquely complex operational environment.

  This highly connected and disparate electromagnetic battlespace is congested, contested, and constrained. To succeed in such a complex theatre, where denial, deception, and drone warfare escalate daily, spectrum operations must adapt fast and move away from stovepiped systems.

  This presentation introduces a scalable, modular, plug-and-play model for electronic warfare: an ecosystem of passive RF sensors, built on COTS technology and deployable across fixed sites, mobile assets, and unmanned platforms (USV, UGV, UAVs). These sensors support multiple users for multiple missions across multiple domains: EW teams defending against drone swarms, SIGINT analysts monitoring adversary comms, and spectrum managers deconflicting allied emissions—simultaneously and in real time. 

  An RF sensor network helps address three critical challenges in EMSO: reducing the operator burden, the number of personnel, and the required training. These sensors are interoperable across joint and coalition forces, and they are also resilient in GNSS-denied environments, with proven effectiveness in areas where satellite navigation is jammed, such as the Philippines' EEZ or Taiwan Strait. When paired with Human Machine-Teaming (HUM-T), they enable persistent, cost-effective coverage in hard-to-reach or high-risk zones.

  By deploying shared RF infrastructure ahead of time, allied forces can act quicker, reduce their electronic footprint, and enable a distributed response across domains and partners.  

  Biography:

  Darren Nicholls has specialised in RF for the Aerospace and Defence sector throughout his career. Specialising in EW, Radar, Underwater and Satellite communications, Darren intuitively understands the customer problem and draws upon his experience to deliver the ideal solution to solve it.

  He is also on the board of directors for the AOC UK Chapter and holds a BEng (Hons) in Electronic communications. Darren is currently responsible within CRFS as Sales Director for UK, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand and previously US forces in Europe and Africa and Middle East.
• 

  Mr Alex Parkinson

  Senior Manager Cybersecurity, EY Australia

  Presentation:

  Making It Work Together - Integrating EW Applications and Systems into Secure ZT/MLS Environments

  Abstract:

  As electronic warfare (EW) capabilities evolve, the integration of EW software applications and systems into secure ICT environments is critical to achieving Coalition Convergence outcomes. This session will delve into advanced security frameworks of Zero Trust (ZT), Data Centric Security (DCS), and Multi-Level Security (MLS), exploring their impact on the integration of EW technologies and software applications into military deployed information environments.

  We will begin by outlining the fundamental principles of ZT, DCS, and MLS, emphasizing their roles in safeguarding sensitive military systems against evolving cyber threats. Key topics will include the challenges of implementing EW applications in ZT environments, the importance of data-centric approaches to protect critical information, and strategies for achieving compliance with MLS requirements while maintaining operational effectiveness.

  Biography:

  Alex Parkinson is Senior Manager Cyber Security at EY Australia; joining the EY Defence and National Security team after 12 years as senior cybersecurity architect at Thales Australia.

  Alex's qualifications include a Master of Science (Internetworking), a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and CISSP, CRISC and SABSA Practitioner (SCP) professional certifications. Alex has over 30 years of experience in understanding and dealing with complex systems and organisations in multiple sectors, including 13 years in Australia Regular Army (RASIGS), Financial Services & Trading sector, Defence and National Security sector and Mission Critical Engineering programs.

  Alex's achievements include being the cybersecurity lead for major space systems tenders (SouthPAN SBAS and JP9102 MILSATCOM) and being systems security architect for the CMATS / OneSky project (a joint civil military national ATM system for Australia).

  Alex is motivated by the big-picture outcome, rather than just a short-term goal or number. He is attracted to understanding and solving the 'difficult problem'. Being able to successfully apply cybersecurity to real world mission critical systems is an example of this.