Online Event

Defense Nation

July 15, 2025 - August 5, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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OVERVIEW

The Defense Nation series explores the evolving landscape of modern warfare, focusing on the critical role of technology and data in achieving mission success. This series delves into key challenges and opportunities within the defense sector, from accelerating operational outcomes with AI and automation to enhancing cyber resilience and overcoming data hurdles in complex theaters like the Indo-Pacific. Experts from both government and industry will discuss leveraging commercial innovation, addressing emerging threats, and adapting to the rapid pace of change. Join us as we examine how technology is shaping the future of defense and national security.

Virtual event details

Date: July 15, 2025 - August 5, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Any questions? Please email sboltz@redhat.com


Sessions

July 15 - Accelerating mission outcomes: delivering technology to accelerate operational imperatives

The pace of modern warfare is accelerating, and the ability to detect, defend, and respond to cyber threats drives successful outcomes more and more. With more sophisticated, distributed information systems comes more sophisticated adversary behaviors. In this talk we will discuss strategies to leverage automation and artificial intelligence to create more robust, resilient information systems to support the data sharing and force coordination necessary to be successful on the modern global stage.

During this session we will discuss:

  • Moving from periodic static inspections to continuous monitoring of the cyber terrain
  • Building perimeterless systems
  • The challenges of multi-domain operations
  • The roles automation and artificial intelligence play
Speakers:
  • Christopher Yates, Chief Architect, Army and Joint Agencies, Red Hat
  • Travis Steele, Chief Architect, Air Force and Space Force, Red Hat
July 22 - Cloud to Combat: strengthening DoD cybersecurity and operation resilience

In today’s modern warfare of evolving digital threats, the DoD is leading the charge in developing robust cybersecurity and resilience strategies to protect its mission-critical operations. This webinar offers an in-depth look at approaches for securing the DoD’s technological future while ensuring operational continuity against cyber adversaries.
Participants will discover the innovative technologies and forward-thinking approaches the Air Force and other agencies are adopting to bolster their cybersecurity framework and enhance system resilience. Key topics include the deployment of advanced threat detection tools, the adoption of zero-trust security models, and the use of secure cloud environments to safeguard vital networks. The webinar will also highlight resilience efforts, such as redundant system designs and real-time monitoring, aimed at enabling rapid recovery and maintaining mission readiness in challenging conditions.
Designed for a broad audience—ranging from cybersecurity experts and tech enthusiasts to defense professionals and decision-makers—this session breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable takeaways. Whether you’re a technical specialist or new to the field, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how the DoD is staying ahead of cyber risks and building a resilient, future-ready force.

During this session we will discuss

  • DoD and industry implementation of advanced cyber defense
  • Strategies for DoD operational readiness and mission continuity
  • Real-world applications of DoD/Air Force cybersecurity measures
  • Preparing forces for future cyber challenges
Speakers:
  • Scott Heitmann, Chief Technology Officer, Department of the Air Force
  • Travis Steele, Chief Architect, Air Force and Space Force, Red Hat
July 29 - From Readiness to resilience: strengthening cyber operations with AI to unlock competitive advantage

Cyber attacks can occur at any time, and proceed at unprecedented speed. In order to detect, protect, and respond in an effective, timely manner, operations must execute at machine speed, not human speed. This means that systems must natively leverage automation and agentic artificial intelligence to effectively respond to threats across the cyber terrain.
In this conversation we will discuss how automation and AI can be leveraged within our systems infrastructure to deploy systems at speed to support readiness and maintain operational capability in the face of adversarial behavior by improving resilience.

During this session we will discuss:

  • Readiness vs resilience
  • Outmaneuvering the adversary - decision dominance
  • Accelerating decision making at the speed of relevance
Speakers:
  • Christopher Yates, Chief Architect, Army and Joint Agencies, Red Hat
  • Travis Steele, Chief Architect, Air Force and Space Force, Red Hat
Aug 5 - Innovating in the battlespace: How commercial technology is impacting the defense sector

Innovative use of commercial products, like consumer drones, are showing significant impact on the battlespace: from usage by untrained operators to the ease of obtaining these capabilities at high volume through commercial methods.
How will we prepare against the ease of access and asymmetric investment in modern warfare?
How will emerging technology shape the usage of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and how do we counter the violent non-state actors (VNSAs) with this revolution in warfare?

In this conversation we will discuss how the US DoD can adapt to these new threats by leveraging the innovation of the commercial technology industry.

During this session we will discuss:

  • History of non-traditional actors
  • Current novel challenges
  • What the future brings in threats and counteracting these threats
Speakers:
  • Leslie Babich, Director, SOFWERX
  • Col. Nate Huston, Director of Innovation, CENTCOM
  • Moderator: Mike Zizza, Strategic Account Director, U.S. Army, Red Hat
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