UDT 2022 Takes Teamwork to the Grey Zone

Senior military personnel and industry experts will put the operational dynamic of ‘the Grey Zone’ front and center when the global undersea defense community comes together at UDT 2022 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in June.

The Grey Zone’s complexity, ambiguity and importance is widely recognized by military planners and governments. Offensive operations in this space, if well planned and executed, can preclude categorical attribution whilst also avoiding a substantial military reprisal, and yet can potentially contribute significantly to the long-term strategic goals of the aggressor.  

The underwater domain – one of the harshest operating environments on earth - adds a further layer of complexity to efforts to protect against offensive Grey Zone operations. National industries and wealth are dependent on open and unheeded sea lanes of trade and communication; and offshore industries and seabed infrastructure must be protected against attack. 

UDT 2022 puts these issues in the spotlight, bringing together thought-leaders from across military, government, industry and academia to support operators in expanding their maritime global presence, leverage existing capabilities, and develop new technologies and methodologies for success in the complex and unrelenting underwater domain.  Within the Grey Zone theme, the UDT conference has been built around six core pillars: Platform Design, Sensors &

Processing, Weapons & Countermeasures, Uncrewed, Remotely Piloted & Autonomous Systems, Operational Drivers & Imperatives, and Artificial Intelligence & Big Data.  

With a focus on continuous learning and development, conference sessions will look at how to equip nations to deal with the increasing diversity of threats and challenges in the underwater space, taking a deep-dive into the latest disruptive technology developments, platform design innovations and emerging operational drivers.  

On the exhibition show floor, organizations from around the world will showcase equipment from mine warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities to the crewed/uncrewed platforms, military diving, communications and sensing equipment that will enable national fleets and joint maritime forces mission success over the coming decades. 

“The UDT conference and exhibition is the leading global event focused on enabling mission success in the underwater domain,” RAdm Jon Pentreath, Senior Naval Advisor, Clarion, said. “The 2022 event will connect top-ranking naval personnel, the brightest minds in academia, the most innovative industry operators and policy decision makers - at a time when the international political situation demands our focused and united attention.  

“I look forward to welcoming attendees to Rotterdam next month, and am ready to be inspired once again by the enthusiasm and innovation the underwater defence community always brings to this event.” 

To register and attend UDT 2022 click here.