TUMON, GUAM -- In a significant move to bolster regional security, representatives from 11 allied and partner nations, along with members of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian organizations, gathered in Guam for the second annual Multilateral Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) Symposium, August 3-6, 2026.
The primary theme for the symposium was the escalating threat posed by Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (s-UAS), which underscored the necessity of a unified and integrated defense strategy across the Pacific region and NATO.
The symposium was hosted by the Pacific Integrated Air & Missile Defense Center in response to the growing global challenges s-UAS present to military and civilian security. These systems, which can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and direct attacks, require a new paradigm of defense.
The event examined existing gaps in capabilities and responsibilities among partners, identifying actionable, collaborative solutions to help allies and partners mitigate this complex and emerging threat.
“We can defend anything, but we can NOT defend everything,” Col. Matthew Belote, Pacific Integrated Air & Missile Defense Center Director, stressed during his opening comments.
A key objective of the symposium was to create a collaborative environment that encouraged networking, trust-building, and the exchange of vital information among a diverse group of stakeholders. The agenda was designed to move beyond theory, fostering candid dialogue between military air defense professionals, civilian airspace authorities, and local law enforcement. This integrated approach is crucial for developing the seamless military-civilian cooperation required for rapid detection and response.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions, along with a fictional tabletop scenario, which focused on the most pressing aspects of counter s-UAS operations. A major topic was the synchronization of diverse defense systems to counter saturation and swarm attacks, a tactic that can overwhelm traditional air defense measures. The exercises focused on preventing "blue-on-blue" engagements, integration between the military and civilian agencies, and ensuring that complex systems can work together harmoniously under pressure.
“This symposium MUST focus on joint and combined processes that work, and it is imperative that these plans are developed, trained on and refined in order to allow for efficient execution,” Col. Belote continued.
A critical focus area was the challenge of identifying hostile intent, particularly when adversaries blend drone operations within civilian activities and employ cyber intrusions. Through simulated scenarios, attendees explored the friction points and complexities of making split-second decisions in ambiguous environments, aiming to refine protocols for distinguishing legitimate threats from benign activities in crowded airspaces.
The symposium saw a broad coalition of international and domestic partners, as 11 allied and partner nations attended, including Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
They were joined by representatives from key U.S. organizations, including:
- Pacific Integrated Air & Missile Defense Center
- National Security Agency Tailored Solutions’ Mission Threat Validation Team
- Counter Small UAS University
- Joint Task Force-Micronesia
- U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia / Sector Guam
- Headquarters Air Combat Command
- Pacific Air Forces Security Forces Requirements Branch
- Marine Forces Pacific Headquarters
- Andersen Air Force Base's 36th Security Forces Squadron and 36th Operational Support Squadron
- United States Army Pacific Theater Fires Element
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
- Guam National Guard
- Lockheed Martin
- iroquoiSystems
- Federal Aviation Administration (virtual)
Ultimately, the Multilateral SHORAD Symposium '26 represented a proactive step towards building a resilient and coordinated defense network. By emphasizing seamless military-civilian integration and fostering deep partnerships, the event aims to ensure a rapid, coordinated, and effective response to aerial threats across all domains. The outcomes will help forge a safer and more secure future for the entire Pacific region.