The second day of the Counter-UAS Middle East & Africa Conference delivered technical insights alongside regional perspectives and strategies to address the evolving threat of unmanned aerial systems.
A key theme of the day was multinational cooperation, with sessions reflecting the urgency and complexity of coordinating modern airspace defense.
Be we wrap up some of the key sessions from the day.
Non-Wireless UAV Threats and Countermeasures
Brigadier General Eng. Shadi R. Khashashneh opened the day with a focused look at UAS that operate without wireless communication links, which represent an increasingly sophisticated threat.
His session highlighted the challenges of detecting and neutralizing drones that rely on pre-programmed routes or onboard autonomy, highlighting the need for non-RF-dependent countermeasures.
- UAS Intelligence and Forensics
- A multi-speaker session featuring:
- Lt. Col. Ahmad Quadah, Officer, JordanLt. Col. Emad Al Momani, Officer, Jordan Armed Forces DMI
- Eng. Ahmad Al Mousa, Electrical and Electronics Design Section Head, Jordan Design & Development Bureau
- Eng. Jawad A. Alnaimat, Strategy and Business Development Engineer, Jordan Design & Development Bureau
The panel explored the critical role of intelligence and forensic analysis in counter-UAS operations. The discussion covered how data from intercepted drones can inform threat profiling, system design and strategic planning.
Regional Cooperation in Africa
A diverse panel of military leaders from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Jordan examined the challenges and opportunities of regional collaboration.
With insights from Lt. Col. Juma Mayamba, Wing Commander IA Okere, Lt. Col. Celestin Karekezi and Lt. Col. Eng. Ahmad Trabishi, the session highlighted the importance of shared intelligence, harmonized protocols and cooperation across African nations.
Cutting-Edge Technologies and Trends
Muhammet Sami Ulukavak from Türkiye’s Secretariat of Defence Industries spoke on Developing and integrating cutting-edge technologies and trends in drone threats and next generation counter measure systems.
His session emphasized the integration of electronic warfare and radar systems to stay ahead of increasingly agile and autonomous UAS.
NATO’s Strategic Outlook
Major General Adrian Ciolponea delivered a live virtual address focused on advancing counter-UAS capabilities for NATO members and allied nations. His remarks emphasized the importance of robust, interoperable systems to protect forces and assets across diverse operational theaters.
Allied Efforts in the Middle East
The final session brought together:
Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Khodier Mohammad Abaid , Officer, The Iraqi Air Defence Command
Colonel Ziad Al Shakhatrah, Royal Field Air Defense Directorate, Jordanian Armed Forces
Group Captain (Ret.) Gary Darby, Former Head UK Joint C-UAS Office
The panel discussed allied efforts in the Middle East and explored practical approaches to building resilient counter-UAS measures, highlighting the value of joint planning, shared threat assessments and integrated defense strategies.
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