GSOF Symposium Europe: Meeting of the Special Forces

From October 4th to 6th, the GSOF Symposium Europe in Budapest, Hungary, will open its doors to the European community of Special Operations Forces (SOF) to discuss and collaborate on topics related to SOF operations worldwide for three days.

Organized by the Global SOF Foundation in partnership with Clarion Defence and Security, the 6th GSOF Symposium Europe brings together military, government, commercial, and educational stakeholders to build networks, explore current developments, and conduct business to advance SOF capabilities and partnerships in the face of global and interconnected threats, with a focus on European requirements and operations.
The Symposium

The three-day symposium in 2022 includes keynote speeches, plenary sessions, informal roundtable discussions, and panel discussions on a range of topics, including "the importance of tailored financing for special operations", "the value of special operations as part of an integrated deterrence", "expanding SOF aviation", "bridging between SOF, science, and industry", and "the impact of drones in modern warfare".

The government seminar on the first day begins with a welcome by Stu Bradin, President and CEO of the Global SOF Foundation, and an opening address by Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, Commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces, who will present the host country's perspective. The day continues with insights into Hungarian funding and procurement processes by Gáspár Maróth, Government Commissioner, Hungary, and a keynote address by Jim Smith, Acquisition Executive at the Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, U.S. Special Operations Command. The day concludes with three panel discussions focusing on the impact of SOF financing on operational commanders, joint procurement for Composite-SOCC, and NATO SOF funding: NSPA vs. Gov-to-Gov, and the need for a European Defense Fund for research and development, as well as a look at how military organizations can compete with the private sector in seeking new talent.

The full program of the symposium starts on the second day with an opening address by Hungarian Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, who will outline his vision for Hungarian special forces and multinational cooperation in the region. Subsequently, SOF leaders from across Europe will discuss ideas and opportunities for a shared regional SOF headquarters serving multiple regions and theaters.

In the afternoon, senior executives including Lieutenant General Edwin "John" Deerdrick Jr. as the U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee, will consider the changing role of NATO SOF forces in the future and discuss how NATO should prepare for irregular warfare.

The third and final day of the symposium begins with the SOF Commanders Roundtable (by invitation only), followed by a keynote address by Lieutenant General Antonio "Tony" Fletcher, Commander of the NATO Special Operations Headquarters. This is followed by the SOF Slam focusing on the role of drones in modern warfare, and a panel discussion on the growing role of aviation in SOF operations. The closing keynote address will be delivered by Lieutenant General Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, Commander of the Hungarian Defense Forces.

Register HERE for the GSOF Symposium Europe

GSOF Symposium Europe online