Key theme: „Closing the Gap – Meshed Unmanned EW Core“
Now in its 15th year, the PLATH Intelligence Day on 19 May 2026 once again brought together the international community of government agencies, armed forces, industry and research – traditionally serving as the kick-off event for AOC Europe, which took place in Helsinki in 2026. Under this year’s theme, ‘Closing the Gap – Meshed Unmanned EW Core’, participants discussed current challenges, technological developments and future capabilities within the electromagnetic spectrum.
The urgency of this exchange was evident in many contributions: „Modern conflicts evolve faster than ever before. The challenge today is no longer access to information. Information gaps can emerge within seconds.” , summarised PLATH CTO Heiko Fimpel.
Recap Video 2026
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Our recap video provides an overview of the 15th PLATH Intelligence Day, which took place on 19 May 2026 in Helsinki.
Under this year’s theme, ‘Closing the Gap – Meshed Unmanned EW Core’, participants discussed current challenges, technological developments and future capabilities within the electromagnetic spectrum.
Keynote „The Military Perspective on the Innovation Lab Ukraine“
Following a welcome address by PLATH CEO Gregor Zowierucha, the technical discussions began with the keynote speech “The Military Perspective on the Innovation Lab Ukraine” by Colonel Matthias Puschnig (Federal Ministry of Defence, Ukraine Task Force).
The focus was on the pace of technological change, new demands on the armed forces, and the growing importance of networked and unmanned capabilities.
Current challenges in dynamic front systems
The first session, “Solving new frontline challenges”, focused on current challenges posed by dynamic front lines. Among other topics, the experts examined CEMA-enabled unmanned systems, modern UAS approaches and the latest developments in the field of electronic warfare. This also included the “Closing the Gap” concept presented by Heiko Fimpel, which addresses the challenges of modern, dynamic, fragmented operational environments, which are also increasingly characterised by disruptions in the electromagnetic spectrum. Shifting front lines and interrupted communication links mean that existing sensor systems are reaching their operational limits. Although existing systems provide valuable information, critical gaps often arise precisely where reconnaissance is particularly important: on the flanks, behind the front line or in areas affected by electronic countermeasures. The PLATH approach describes the expansion of existing reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities through networked, unmanned sensor elements.
Unmanned EW Range Extension in the centre
The focus is on the Unmanned EW Range Extension. Autonomous platforms such as UAVs deploy EW microcells, known as µCells, directly into the operational area. These compact and cost-effective sensor nodes passively monitor RF and electromagnetic signals, detect communication activity across various frequency bands, and can be flexibly configured for different mission profiles. If necessary, they can also be used as decoys.
Self-organising mesh network
Once deployed, the µCells form a self-organising mesh network. This network requires no fixed infrastructure, utilises dynamic routing via intermediate nodes and is based on store-and-forward mechanisms. If individual nodes fail, the connection is automatically rerouted. Even in the event of jamming, disrupted connections or changing front lines, the system remains operational and supports the flow of information.
The subsequent panel discussion involving all speakers from Session 1 also highlighted just how significantly the operational environment is changing: „The incredible speed of innovation and changes in warfare — it’s another war compared to five years ago. Everything that is happening is around drones.“, as summarised by PLATH CEOs Gregor Zochwierucha and Dr Andreas Schwolen-Backes.
Networking and further professional exchange
Following a lunch break devoted to intensive networking, the second session, “Expanding the operational picture for improved site protection”, focused on software-based threat detection using airborne multi-sensor systems, the development of modern ELINT payloads, and multi-domain warfare, before four companies, including PLATH, jointly examined future requirements for the protection of critical infrastructure.
The day’s central theme ran as a unifying thread through many of the presentations and discussions. Gregor Zowierucha summed it up as follows: „Closing the gap, for me, is the reaction to the new challenges we see at the frontline, but also with regard to critical infrastructure.”
Alongside the specialist presentations, personal interaction remained a central feature of the event. Two panel discussions, as well as numerous conversations between participants – including representatives from industry, research and the armed forces, as well as government officials – provided an opportunity for a change of perspective, discussion and networking.
After all, many challenges cannot be solved in isolation. Or, as Heiko Fimpel put it in the video: „The speed in technology change demands that all of us need to collaborate faster.“
Now in its 15th year, the Intelligence Day organised by PLATH once again underscores its role as an international platform for exchange, cooperation and the joint development of modern electronic warfare, SIGINT and multi-domain capabilities.
For one thing became particularly clear in Helsinki: “It (the technology change) is evolving too fast to make it alone. And together, we are much stronger,” said Fimpel.
Next year, the AOC and EW community will gather in Lisbon. And PLATH will host the 16th Intelligence Day. Don’t forget; simply subscribe to our newsletter!
