The Inaugural Advanced Weapons Technology Summit Kicks Off in Huntsville, Alabama to Collaborate on New Weapons Technologies

Day one of the Advanced Weapons Technology Summit at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama is in the books! More than 500 attendees were on hand to kick off this inaugural event convening all of the key players developing new Missiles, Munitions, and Materials technologies.

National Armaments Consortium Executive Director Charlie Zisette started the jam-packed proceedings with opening remarks followed by a video message from Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL-05) welcoming the group to Huntsville.

“The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent terrorist actions in Israel make crystal clear that the United States must continue to stay on the cutting-edge of advanced weapons development.  At the same time, we’ve got to make our supply chain stronger and more resilient and expand the defense industrial base to promote innovation.” said Representative Strong, “This Summit is a vital part of how the United States retains our decisive edge over our adversaries.”

From there, a series of senior leaders from the Department of Defense (DoD) presented how the industrial base and academia can help address warfighter technology needs.

Notable day one speakers included:

• COL Richard H. Pfeiffer, Jr., Military Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement
• Anthony DiStasio (SES), Director of Manufacturing Capability Expansion & Investment Prioritization
• COL Guy Yelverton, III, Project Manager for the Integrated Fires and Rapid Capability Office and the Acting PEO Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management

Additionally, program managers for each of the NAC’s three OTs provided program updates. Specifically, Christina Brantley presented on the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC), Tim Garry on the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium, and Dr. Chris Wilhelm on the Naval Energetic Systems and Technologies (NEST) Program.

The three program managers then convened for a panel discussion hosted by Mr. Paul Dudley, Vice President of the Armaments Division at ATI.

The activities continued into the evening with a reception event where Advanced Technology International (ATI) President & CEO Chris Van Metre addressed those in attendance. Lastly, Charlie Zisette concluded Day one activities by providing awards for Outstanding Service to James Miller and Dan Hartman for their nearly 20 years of combined service to the NAC.

Day two will feature another busy schedule of speakers and see approximately 60 new technology requirements valued at $3 billion from AMTC, DOTC, NEST, and the Joint Enhance Munitions Technology Program (JEMTP) briefed to attendees.

Day two speakers include:

• Lieutenant General Robert A. Rasch, Jr., Director of Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition
• Mr. David Zecher, Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering and Integration Director (A), Aviation & Missile Center, Combat Capabilities Development Command
• Mr. Ashley Johnson (SES), Technical Director, Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division
• Mr Eric Edwards, Executive Director, Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium

We look forward to seeing everyone back at the Von Braun Center for day two beginning at 8:00 AM CT!