National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)

Welcome to the 2026 Support Equipment & Vehicle Modernization Summit.

As we stand at the forefront of an era defined by great power competition, this summit embodies our collective resolve to ensure that our armed forces remain unmatched in their power projection capabilities. It is here, at the nexus of technology and strategy, that we unite – military personnel, engineers, scientists, and industry leaders – to propel forward the modernization and innovation essential for maintaining global peace and security.

The 2026 Summit is especially pivotal as we support the “Great Power Competition Enabling Power Projection.” Our discussions and collaborations will be critical in navigating the complexities of contemporary geopolitical dynamics. They will highlight the innovative strategies and groundbreaking technologies that are fundamental to enhancing our operational readiness and strategic deterrence.

We are gathering to not just exchange ideas but to forge a future where our defense mechanisms are so advanced that they deter conflict and ensure stability in an unpredictable world. The path we chart together will define our ability to uphold peace, to protect our interests, and to support our allies and partners in the face of emerging threats.

Let this summit serve as a beacon of progress, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in every facet of defense modernization. May our discussions inspire action and our collaborations yield solutions that fortify our nation’s defense, enabling us to project power with precision and purpose on the global stage.

Thank you for your dedication to this critical cause, your invaluable service, and your active participation. Together, we are shaping the future of our defense forces, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of great power competition with unwavering strength and innovation.

The NTSA Simulation Gala, presented by the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), brings together the training and simulation community for a celebratory evening at Fort Leavenworth—the historic home of leadership, doctrine, and strategic thought. This event celebrates the people, teams, and partnerships advancing readiness through modeling, simulation, and training. From government and industry leaders to innovators and rising talent, the Gala honors those whose work ensures our forces are prepared to meet today’s complex operational challenges and tomorrow’s evolving threats.

The Gala reflects the strength of collaboration across service, sectors, and disciplines. Guests will enjoy an evening of recognition, connection, and reflection in a setting that blends Fort Leavenworth’s rich legacy with the forward momentum of modern training technologies, data-driven readiness, and workforce development.

Why Attend

• Celebrate excellence and leadership in training, modeling, and simulation
• Connect with peers across government, industry, and academia
• Honor innovation that directly impacts readiness and national security

Online Registration Will Be Available!

This bi-annual conference, presented in partnership with the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), serves as the forum for executive-level security leadership and policy-makers across the federal agencies and U.S. Industry to convene to address major government security topics. Don't miss this opportunity for candid discussion, high-level networking, and updates on important subjects.  

Themes and challenges addressed include:

• Continuing security clearance reforms and implementation
• Insider threat guidance
• Transitioning cybersecurity requirements and policy
• Sharing knowledge of "the business" of security
• Late-breaking special security and NISPOM issues, and more

A series of moderated expert panels and key leadership speakers provide insights from diverse perspectives, enabling participants to identify critical issues and needs in order to develop government-and industry-partnered creative solutions--solutions that can advance our nation’s security and mission success.

Radiation biology is the study of how ionizing radiation—energy and particles released from radioactive materials, nuclear reactions, or produced in high-energy technologies such as accelerators used in the radiation oncology clinic—interacts with living systems. At its core, this field examines how radiation transfers energy to cells and tissues, potentially damaging DNA and other critical molecules. Such damage can lead to a range of biological effects, from harmless repairable changes to cell death or long-term health impacts such as cancer.

Understanding radiation biology is essential for informed decisions in public health, environmental protection, military planning, and national security. It provides the scientific base for establishing exposure limits, developing medical countermeasures, managing radiological emergencies, and guiding the use of nuclear technologies in medicine and defense. Unlike the immediate blast effects of a nuclear event, radiation’s biological effects are often delayed and depend on both the dose and the type of radiation.

For policymakers and strategic planners, radiation biology acts as a bridge connecting science and policy—it translates complex molecular interactions into actionable insights for preparedness, protection, and ethical governance of nuclear and radiological technologies. Appreciating these principles enables more balanced assessments of risk, resilience, and response in a world where radiation can be both a tool and a threat.

A particularly useful framing is that radiation biology is not just about understanding harm—it also supports innovations in radiation oncology-based cancer therapy, radiation diagnostics, and radiation-resistant materials for use in space exploration and defense. This shows how a deep grasp of radiation biology and its associated physics can turn danger into discovery and innovation.

The Industrial Committee on Operational Test & Evaluation (ICOTE) is run by the Test & Evaluation Division with a mission to gain feedback from senior industry representatives, discuss OSD and military service policies which affect relationships with suppliers, discuss emerging issues in government and industry which affect the readiness and capabilities of U.S. defense systems, and to cooperate on projects of mutual benefit to the ICOTE participants.

The ICOTE has forged a reputation as a productive forum for enhancing DoD-industry cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of effective, efficient and economical test and evaluation processes, standards and procedures that will ensure quality products at affordable costs for the DoD. ICOTE meetings are held on a quarterly basis in varying venues.

Join us on May 20 for the next meeting at NDIA Headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Participation is by invitation only, and discussions are held strictly non-attribution.

 
THE EVENT IS CLOSED TO THE MEDIA.

This meeting will be held at the TS//SCI Level and is closed to non NDIA members. 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are transforming how nuclear energy can be deployed, offering factory-built, scalable systems designed for faster implementation, flexible siting, and reliable, carbon-free power.

Join NDIA’s Emerging Technologies Institute (ETI) for a Tech 101 session that provides a clear, policy-relevant overview of SMRs, from design to deployment. This session will explore how SMRs work, the key factors driving cost and schedule, and the licensing, fuel, supply chain, and security considerations that will determine their role in supporting grid resilience, remote operations, and defense energy needs.

Make plans to join us for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Supply Chain Alliance Symposium & Exhibition June 2-3, 2026, in Columbus, OH. This event is hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency.

WHY ATTEND

• Gain insight into solutions for issues impacting global supply chains 
• Hear from logistics and acquisition professionals on critical issues across the DoD supply chain 
• Learn tips on conducting business with DLA representatives
• Network and share ideas with industry and government colleagues 
• Establish or strengthen relationships with DLA partners

This conference and exhibition, tailored for small and large businesses, will offer new concepts, insight on Government policy and processing, and will allow for networking, opportunities to share issues, and collective problem solving for a long-term, sustainable supply chain.

No matter if you are a small business looking to begin a working relationship with DLA or an established large business that wants to strengthen the relationship you have already developed, we look forward to your participation at this event. DLA welcomes new businesses that want to join the team and those businesses that have been working with us for years.

Join us and learn more about DLA, and how we can partner together to continually improve Warfighter Support!

The IA-IL Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 17th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium on June 2nd and 3rd 2026 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL to give Defense Contractors working in our region valuable resources and opportunities in this field.

In an era defined by rapid change, global instability, and emerging multidomain threats, readiness can no longer be defined by traditional boundaries. ‘Readiness Without Limits’ emphasizes the urgency to innovate, adapt, and modernize faster than ever before—across technology, logistics, sustainment, manufacturing, cyber, space, and mission command.

This year’s symposium highlights the partnership between government and industry as we work together to build a resilient, future-ready force capable of operating and winning in contested environments. Through collaboration, data-driven decision-making, advanced manufacturing, AI integration, and resilient supply chains, we can deliver the capabilities needed to sustain U.S. overmatch well into the future.

NDIA will sponsor a two-day conference at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL where we will bring in Defense Experts to examine the recent current events throughout our World and how our Defense Department will sustain and grow the U.S. Industry Base, Supply Chain and Mission Command.

By attending, you will be receiving the latest information on hot topics in government contracting and Army Doctrine, as well as taking advantage of the chance to interact with key government and industry experts. You won’t want to miss this vital networking opportunity!

The Emerging Technologies Institute and the Good Food Institute are excited to partner on a half-day hybrid event, offering both in-person attendance at the National Defense Industrial Association headquarters in Arlington, VA, and a virtual option for remote participants. This program will explore why and how food biomanufacturing can be leveraged to strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience, agility, and competitiveness.

Programming will cover:

• The threats to our current food system and how food biomanufacturing can provide a safeguard
• The global state of play in biomanufacturing and why food-grade capacity is essential to competitiveness
• Defense-specific use cases for food biomanufacturing 
• Policy opportunities to advance the field

The NDIA 2026 Future Force Capabilities Conference & Exhibition is crucial for understanding how new technologies and capabilities will influence future military operations. The conference will provide a platform for collaboration between the defense industry and military organizations to ensure that emerging threats can be addressed.

This world class conference aims to create an innovative environment by bringing together experts from diverse fields such as armaments, robotics, and munitions technology. The objective is to foster creative interdisciplinary conversations and collaborations among the attendees. The agenda is designed to stimulate creative thinking and encourage collaborative problem-solving, ultimately advancing these fields.

Join more than 700 global leaders, defense innovators, and strategic thinkers at a groundbreaking conference exploring the future of warfare. From AI-driven operations and high-level autonomous systems to cyber dominance and next-generation defense technologies, this event dives deep into the forces reshaping conflict in the 21st century.

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has proven to be a critical element in securing our nation’s future. As we face new challenges around the world and within our borders, our nation’s resilience has been a topic of conversation both in Washington, within our Defense community, and across the nation’s businesses and academic institutions. The 2026 Congressional M&S Leadership Summit will bring together thought leaders to explore resilience – what that means for our national defense, for the safety and security of our citizens, for our nation’s healthcare system, and for our critical national infrastructure. This summit will explore this intersection of AI and M&S within the context of national resilience and the role of federal policy, legislation and regulation.

The M&S Leadership Summit is an event sponsored by the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA) in support of the Modeling and Simulation Congressional Caucus. The purpose of the event is to bring the M&S Community of Practice together to discuss important issues related to M&S, and to try to reach consensus on one or two specific, actionable initiatives for the Congressional M&S Caucus to take for action.