The opening day of the Counter-UAS Middle East & Africa conference brought together senior military leaders, government officials and industry innovators to address the evolving threat of unmanned aerial systems and the urgent need for integrated, sovereign defence solutions.

Below we go through each of the key sessions and the key topics they covered.

Opening Ceremonies and Remarks

The day began with the welcome of His Excellency Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunati, followed by opening remarks from Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eng. Ayman Al-Batran, CEO of the Jordan Design & Development Bureau (JODDB), who framed the strategic importance of sovereign C-UAS capabilities.

Miles Dixon, Managing Director of SAE Media Group and C-UAS Hub, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in counter-drone defence.

Setting the Global Scene

Group Captain (Ret.) Gary Darby, former head of the UK Joint C-UAS Office, provided a global overview of the C-UAS environment. He highlighted the increasing complexity of drone threats and the need for layered, interoperable defence systems across allied nations.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Military Assets

A high-level panel featured:

  • Bassam Sarhan, Chairman of Commissioners, TRC Jordan
  • Brigadier General Eng. Shadi R. Khashashneh, Director General of the Special Communication Commission, Jordanian Armed Forces
  • Captain Ahmad Alkhraisha, Flight Operations Inspector, CARC Jordan
  • Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Quadah, Officer, Jordan
  • Fares Abu Dayyeh, Secretary General, Ministry of Transport – Jordan

The panel explored the challenges of defending critical infrastructure and military assets. The discussion focused on regulatory frameworks, operational vulnerabilities and the need for real-time threat detection and mitigation.

European & NATO C-UAS Initiatives

Senior representatives from Germany and the UK, including Brigadier General Oliver Prost, Group Captain Julian Weekes and Group Captain (Ret.) Gary Darby, discussed NATO’s evolving approach to counter-UAS.

Topics included the challenges faced by both the UK and Germany in countering UAS threats as well as the progress that is being made. Panellists discussed how military can better work with industry and how international collaboration has become key in preparing for modern drone threats.

Protecting US and Allied Warfighters

Colonel Hamza Asweidat of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Group Captain (Ret.) Gary Darby and Dr. Whitney Grespin, Fellow of the Irregular warfare initiative explored how drone threats are reshaping battlefield dynamics.

The panel emphasized the need for layered defenses, regional coordination and flexible strategies that combine technology with policy. The discussion brought together perspectives from both military and academia to share insights on the need for new approaches to counter-UAS.

Advancing Local Capabilities

Representatives from JODDB Eng. Rateb Abu Al-Ragheb and Eng. Ahmad Al-Zyoud, presented Jordan’s efforts to develop indigenous C-UAS technologies. Their session highlighted the importance of sovereign innovation in Jordan and regional collaboration in securing national airspace.

JODDB’s strategy emphasizes local manufacturing, SME integration and talent development and has led to the development of systems such as the Sky Storm and Signal Striker.

Collaboration between JODDB and Robin Radar

Marcel Verdonk of Robin Radar Systems introduced the IRIS radar, designed to flexibly adapt to diverse operational environments in both domestic and military capacities. Verdonk was joined by Eng. Ahmad Al-Zyoud of JODDB who offered insights into how the IRIS radar has been integrated with JODDB’s counter-UAS solutions, such as the Sky Storm system.

CUAS for Homeland Security

A diverse panel featuring experts from Jordan, Brazil, Kenya and JODDB discussed the role of C-UAS in homeland security. Panel speakers included:

  • Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Quadah, Officer, Jordan
  • Eduardo Maia Bettini, Agent, Brazil Federal Police
  • Lieutenant Colonel Emad Al Momani, Officer, Jordan Armed Forces DMI
  • Lieutenant Colonel Juma Kenya Mayamba, Commanding Officer Technical Intelligence Battalion, Ministry of Defence – Kenya
  • Lieutenant Colonel Eng. Ahmad Trabishi, Head of Operations Department, Jordan Design & Development Bureau

The panel members shared insights into the UAS threats that their countries face, which included criminal drone use such as smuggling or surveillance as well as the potential for weaponized hostile drones. Speakers also shared the challenges they are facing in preparing for and countering such threats.

Strategic Planning for Urban Defence

The final session of the day focused on urban C-UAS strategies, with insights from Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Aldainat, Eng. Jawad A. Alnaimat and Colonel Ziad Al Shakhatrah Lieutenant representing the Jordanian PSD, JODDB and the Jordanian Armed Forces alongside Colonel Ahmad Khodier Mohammad Abaid representing the Iraqi Air Defence Command

The panel discussed the challenges of detecting and countering drones in urban areas and emphasized the importance of passive defences, public safety considerations and rapid approaches to countering urban UAS.