17th NMIOTC Annual Conference 2026
From 3 to 4 June 2026, the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre had the pleasure of hosting its 17th Annual Conference, entitled “Blue Resilience 360°: Securing Maritime Infrastructure in the Era of Multi-Domain Operations”.
The Conference brought together over 100 participants from 19 nations, including representatives from the NATO Command Structure, the European Union, national authorities, international organizations, academia, research institutions, and the shipping, energy, telecommunications, and defence industries.
The NMIOTC Commandant, Commodore Pavlos Angelopoulos, delivered the welcome address, followed by Major General Nikolaos Dimitrakos, Commander of NATO Missile Firing Installation (NAMFI), who provided the opening remarks on behalf of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
The Conference featured keynote addresses by Dr. Thanos Dokos, Secretary General of National Security at the Presidency of the Government of the Hellenic Republic and Dr. Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security in the Security and Defence Policy Directorate of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with securing maritime infrastructure in an era characterized by strategic competition, technological innovation, and increasingly sophisticated hybrid threats. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing situational awareness through the integration of all operational domains; strengthening resilience through close cooperation between governmental authorities and industry stakeholders; and advancing collective approaches to deterrence and defence.
The Conference also explored the role of emerging and disruptive technologies in supporting the protection of critical maritime assets. Discussions highlighted the growing relevance of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensing capabilities, quantum technology, secure communications, and data-driven decision-making in addressing current and future security challenges across the maritime domain.
The 17th Annual Conference concluded with a shared understanding that safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure requires a truly multi-domain approach, combining technological innovation, operational integration, public-private sector cooperation, and international collaboration. Participants reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and collective action to enhance the resilience of the maritime ecosystem in support of stability and prosperity.
NMIOTC extends its sincere appreciation to all keynote speakers, moderators, panelists, and attendees, whose expertise, engagement, and insights ensured the success of the 17th Annual Conference.
