A Joint DEPS - ITEA Event
The 2026 DE Test & Evaluation Joint Conference on T&E Support to Prototyping and Experimentation focused on
"Rapid Development and Deployment of Directed Energy Technology".
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| Albuquerque Skyline
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This joint DEPS/ITEA conference leverages the DoD vision setforth in the
DoD Prototyping Guidebook and
the recent significant increases in prototyping and experimentation efforts to explore the role of
T&E in prototyping, experimentation and other developmental activities.
Key plenary speakers, panel discussions, and technical sessions worked together to identify challenges, solutions,
innovations and a future state; all contributing to moving us closer to the creation of an infrastructure
and principles conducive to testing and training in a more operationally realistic environment.
This event is jointly sponsored by DEPS and the International Test & Evaluation Association.
Conference Highlights
Esteemed Speakers
Technical Breakout Sessions at Open, CUI and Classified levels
Exhibit Hall
Professional Development Short Courses and Tutorials
STEAMhack Challenge featuring teams from area High Schools
Tour of AV Facility's LOCUST Site
DEPS arranged for guided tours of the AV facility, where the LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) is manufactured and tested.
This visit offered attendees a firsthand look at the end-to-end lifecycle of a directed energy system - including component integration, system
assembly, and validation processes.
Participants were able to observe key stages of production and testing, gaining insight into performance verification and operational
readiness considerations unique to high-energy laser systems.
Designed to complement the technical sessions, the tour provided practical exposure to how advanced LWS capabilities are developed,
refined, and prepared for deployment.
Training Simulation on AV's LOCUST LWS
The hands-on training simulation focused on the operation and tactical employment of AV's LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems (LWS).
Participants were immersed in realistic engagement scenarios that replicate contemporary operational environments,
including counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), sensor capabilities, and dynamic threat response. Attendees interacted with a
high-fidelity simulation framework designed to model beam control, tracking, and neutralizing targets.
The training emphasized decision-making under operational stress, system safety protocols, and coordination across multi-domain platforms.
Participants gained practical insight into LWS performance trade-offs, rules of engagement, and mission planning considerations.
By bridging theoretical concepts with experiential learning, this session aimed to enhance operator readiness and inform best practices for
the deployment and sustainment of directed energy capabilities in modern defense contexts.
Program and Agenda
View the detailed agenda here (note: you must be logged into your DEPS account).:
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Conference Co-Chairs |
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Patchen Toser-Whitty,
Michael Barton |
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Technical Co-Chairs |
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Zack George,
Themistoklis "Tim" Andreadis |
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DOW and Service Experimentation and Prototyping Campaigns and Test Results |
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Zack George |
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T&E Capabilities for DE |
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Sean Ross |
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Testing Considerations for AI/ML Integration in Prototype Systems |
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Bonnie Johnson |
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Targets and Instrumentation for HEL and HPM Testing and Experimentation |
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Andrew Hall |
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HPM Sources & Sensors |
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Jeff Schleher |
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Atmospheric Characterization and Effects |
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Don Harris |
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Offsite Session |
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Christopher Wilcox |
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Technical Program Coordinator |
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Devona Valdez |
(505) 998-4910 |
devona@deps.org |
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Short Course/Tutorial Chair |
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Melissa McCrary |
(505) 998-4910 |
melissa@deps.org |
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Exhibits & Sponsorships |
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Cynnamon Spain |
(505) 998-4910 |
cynnamon@deps.org |
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Jenna Reza |
(505) 998-4910 |
jenna@itea.org |
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Conference Coordinator |
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Cynnamon Spain |
(505) 998-4910 |
cynnamon@deps.org |
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Registration and Receipts |
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Raheela Bokhari |
(505) 998-4910 |
raheela@deps.org |
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Security |
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Heather Chacon |
(505) 998-4910 |
Heather@deps.org |
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Presentations and Release Forms |
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Devona Valdez |
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devona@deps.org |
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Last updated: 31 May 2026
