Frontline Technology Innovation: Insights from Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Commander at Federal Technology Symposium (Sept 9-10, Fayetteville)

Session Summary
Frontline Technology Innovation: Rapid Iteration Under Fire

This session features Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, one of Ukraine’s most decorated and innovative commanders and the founding leader of the world’s first dedicated Unmanned Systems Forces. From the trenches of Donbas to the creation of a national unmanned command, Colonel Sukharevskyi has overseen the development, integration, and deployment of drone technologies across logistics, reconnaissance, strike, and counter-drone missions.

Drawing on real-world combat experience, Colonel Sukharevskyi will share how Ukrainian forces innovate on a weekly cycle, including embedding engineers with frontline units to adapt drones and ground robots under fire.

He will highlight critical operational lessons including: how unmanned systems have reshaped logistics and casualty evacuation in 20–50 km “kill zones;” why rapid iteration and industry-warfighter co-development are decisive against adversaries who adapt at scale; and the successes and failures (e.g., imported drones collapsing under EW) that provide a roadmap for U.S. defense innovation.

For attendees — small businesses, academics, and federal program managers — this session will directly relate frontline lessons to U.S. SBIR/STTR opportunities, agile acquisition practices, and dual-use technology development. Participants will leave with a sharper understanding of how to align innovations with DoD’s evolving priorities in unmanned systems and counter-drone defense.

Biography: Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi (“Badger”) is the founding commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, the world’s first dedicated unmanned military branch. A decorated war hero and Deputy Commander of Operational Command East, he has led Ukrainian forces through every phase of the conflict since 2014, from commanding frontline brigades to pioneering drone warfare doctrine. Colonel Vadym brings unmatched frontline experience and technological innovation, offering U.S. and allied audiences rare insight into how unmanned systems are transforming modern combat.

Interpreter.  Hosts of the Federal Technology Symposium gratefully acknowledge the Center for Slavic, Eurasian, and East European Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for generously providing interpreter services in support of Colonel Sukharevskyi’s remarks.

The fourth annual Federal Technology Symposium (FTS) is hosted by the Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, the Office of US Senator Ted Budd, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), and the North Carolina Military Business Center.

When: September 9-10, 2025 

Where: Fayetteville Technical Community College
Tony Rand Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room (building #7)
2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC

Campus Map: Parking is available in parking lots: 4, 6, & 10.  View campus map.  

The FTS will highlight the advanced technology needs of major military commands in North Carolina, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with the correlating capabilities of the innovation ecosystem in North Carolina and the Southeast. The Symposium aims to establish dialogue and partnerships between industry, academia, and government to address the future technology needs of America’s warfighters and security agencies. 

Beginning with a pressing tactical scenario and a series of in-depth roundtable discussions, thought leaders with diverse views will explore pressing Defense and Homeland Security needs and how they may be addressed collaboratively through an expansive innovation ecosystem. Discussions will include emerging technologies, collaboration for innovation, the future of warfare and security in the face of mounting threats, and demonstrations of dual-use advanced technologies that may help satisfy rapidly evolving requirements. 

The value for you is a day-to: 

  • Engage with Innovators: Meet and interact with key personnel from government, academia, and industry all in one place, fostering critical collaborations.
  • Discover Solutions: Learn about cutting-edge technologies and strategies to address your organization’s challenges and gaps.
  • Expand Your Network: Strengthen your connections within the North Carolina Innovation Ecosystem, opening doors to future partnerships and opportunities. 
  • Maximize Networking: Benefit from extensive networking opportunities to connect you with influential leaders, peers, and potential collaborators. 
  • Broaden Perspectives: Gain insights from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies, expanding the scope of your understanding and capabilities. 

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