Concept

The 2025 edition of the Unmanned Systems Forum will be held in Bucharest on February 24, 2025, at the Military Technical Academy Ferdinand I. This momentous event, organized by New Strategy Center in partnership with the Ministry of National Defense, will address the ongoing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare, the strategic impact on Europe’s security, and how these systems are transforming defense operations across land, air, and sea domains. This year’s edition will focus on developments in the maritime domain, in the context of renewed regional interest in Black Sea energy security. With many Black Sea countries investing in critical maritime infrastructure, the question of countering hybrid threats in a region characterized by conflict becomes a most pressing issue. In order to tackle these, the Unmanned Systems Forum aims to bring together officials, defense experts, academics, and business leaders to discuss the strategic implications of unmanned systems on both military and civilian security.

Building upon the themes of previous editions, this year’s forum will take place in a challenging geopolitical context, three years after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has dramatically reshaped security dynamics in Europe. This year’s discussions will emphasize practical lessons from the most recent developments in Ukraine, offering a roadmap for integrating unmanned technologies into national defense strategies. Such an approach aims to guide policymakers on both operational and legislative measures to strengthen resilience against hybrid threats.

A key emphasis will be placed on the emerging threats posed by advanced drone capabilities in the Black Sea region, particularly in relation to the protection of critical infrastructure and economic interests in the Black Sea’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). The future of the naval domain becomes paramount in the strategic calculus of several Black Sea states, especially in the case of Romania whose main energy project is currently being developed. Neptun Deep, the largest natural gas project in Romania’s EEZ and the first deep-water offshore project in Romania, promises to ensure the energy independence of both Romania and several other neighbours – delivering a significant blow to one of the traditional strategic leverages of an aggressive Russian Federation. The protection of such critical infrastructure therefore becomes the new primary concert of modern debates in hybrid warfare

With a focus on technological advancements and innovation, the forum will also explore the future of unmanned systems, the use of AI in warfare doctrine, and industry cooperation for the development of next-generation unmanned systems. Experts will also address the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the integration and effective use of unmanned technologies in national and international defense strategies.

The Unmanned Systems Forum remains a premier event, known for its high-level discussions and distinguished speakers from NATO, EU member states, and other key international partners. This diverse assembly ensures a multidisciplinary approach to the challenges at hand, facilitating innovative solutions to complex security issues. Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage with high ranking officials and experts and gain insights into cutting-edge advancements in unmanned technologies.

The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation, with attendance by invitation only, adhering to Chatham House rule for confidentiality and deeper discussions.

Panel I. Three Years of the Aggression War in Ukraine. Possible Developments and the Strategic Impact on Europe ‘s Security

What are the potential scenarios for the next phase of the conflict, and what role can regional and international actors play in shaping these outcomes?
The past months have seen the first moves towards a peace process. What will be its pillars going forward?
No peace process can be long-last without ironclad security guarantees. What configurations can we envisage at this point in the negotiation process?
How will the NATO’s Eastern Flank look after the end of the war?
What innovative uses of unmanned vehicles have been observed in the Ukraine conflict, and how might these shape military strategies and procurement priorities in Europe?

Panel II. Unmanned Systems and the Future of Naval Domain

How are unmanned systems reshaping naval operations in contested maritime environments like the Black Sea?
What are the primary challenges and opportunities in integrating unmanned systems into existing naval fleets, particularly regarding command, control, and interoperability?
How can navies balance the use of unmanned systems alongside traditional maritime forces to enhance deterrence and force projection?
What role do private sector innovations and partnerships play in advancing unmanned technologies for naval applications?

Panel III. Critical Infrastructure in the Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zones. How We Can Better Protect Our Economic Interests

What are the main vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure in the Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zones, particularly in light of recent developments in the exploitation of natural resources in the region by NATO member states?
How can unmanned systems contribute to the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, such as offshore energy platforms and undersea cables?
Attacks on critical infrastructure located in EEZs are not covered under NATO’s Article 5. How does this impact NATO deterrence efforts in the region and how should the defense of these strategic targets be integrated into the defense strategy of the Alliance?
How can private companies cooperate with state actors in securing their common economic interests with regards to critical infrastructure?

Panel IV. AI and the War of Drones. Lesson Learned from the Ukrainian Front

How has AI-enabled drone technology reshaped battlefield tactics and operational planning in Ukraine?
What role does private-sector innovation play in advancing AI-driven drone capabilities, and how can governments support their integration into defense strategies?
How do AI-driven drones impact the offense-defense balance on the battlefield, and what are the key considerations for NATO and allied forces?

Panel V. How We Prepare Society for a Drone War: Training, Operation, Maintenance

What key skills and competencies are required to effectively operate and maintain advanced unmanned systems across military and civilian sectors?
How should military training programs evolve to incorporate AI-enabled drones and autonomous systems into operational doctrines?
How can governments engage civil society, academia, and private organizations to create a robust ecosystem for drone warfare preparedness?
What are the biggest logistical and technical challenges in maintaining large fleets of unmanned systems over extended operational periods?

Panel VI. Industry Cooperation and Unmanned Systems. Benefits and Challenges.

What measures can be taken to ensure that rapid technological development does not outpace regulatory frameworks and operational doctrines? How can Romania enhance its partnerships with international defense companies to foster innovation and production of unmanned systems?
How can government policies and regulations be optimized to support innovation, streamline procurement, and foster a competitive unmanned systems industry?
How did the war change the acquisition processes in Ukraine and what lessons does it hold for NATO Allies seeking to improve their own processes?

Panel VI. Industry Cooperation and Unmanned Systems. Benefits and Challenges

What lessons can be learned from successful public-private partnerships in the unmanned systems sector, and how can they be applied in the Black Sea region?
What are the key barriers to seamless industry-government cooperation in the unmanned systems sector, and how can they be overcome?
What are the benefits and challenges of fostering cross-border industry cooperation in unmanned systems development, particularly between NATO allies and strategic partners?