Loitering Munition Systems Summit

DSI’s 2nd Loitering Munitions Systems Summit will convene senior military leaders, leading experts, policymakers, acquisition authorities, and innovators to explore the latest advancements and applications in loitering munition systems and technologies to support the Warfighter and national defense objectives. Discussions at the event will provide valuable insights into the evolving global landscape of drone warfare and the associated opportunities and challenges.

The Department of War continues to accelerate the development, acquisition, and deployment of loitering munitions as demand for low-cost, precision strike capabilities grows across the Joint Force. The global loitering munition market is projected to increase from approximately $5.4 billion in 2025 to more than $13 billion by 2030, driven by rapid adoption of autonomous and AI-enabled systems. The widespread employment of one-way attack drones in both the Russia-Ukraine War and the 2026 conflict involving Iran has demonstrated the operational value of loitering munitions for precision strike, suppression of air defenses, and massed attacks against high-value targets. This year’s Summit will highlight how senior leaders from across the DoW, Military Services, Industry, & Academia are working to develop loitering munitions systems and integrate them into offensive and defensive capabilities to keep pace with ever-changing global battlespace. Panels at this year’s iteration will offer attendees insight into discussions surrounding allied nation collaboration to thwart global drone threats, advancements in maritime one-way attack drones, how attritable systems are shaping current global conflict, and looking ahead to future AI integrations into loitering munitions systems.