Exclusive Interviews

As the U.S. continues to modernize its ground combat systems, defense exports have become a critical tool in enhancing the capabilities of allied nations and reinforcing strategic partnerships around the globe. 

This exclusive presentation, delivered at the 2024 Armored Vehicles USA Conference by Sandra Long, Senior Advisor for Defense Exports at the U.S. Department of Defense, offers a unique window into:

• The global footprint of U.S. armored vehicle exports
• Defense cooperation initiatives with key international partners
• Lessons learned from Ukraine and European engagements
• Foreign Military Sales (FMS) reform priorities and process enhancements
• The DoD’s evolving role as a strategic enabler of interoperability 

Whether you're involved in acquisition, program development, export logistics, or international defense cooperation — this briefing provides a strategic overview of where the U.S. is heading and how it's enabling its allies.

The role of armor has experienced renewed interest due to the Ukraine conflict. While there have been many opinions on the trends we have been seeing, General David G. Perkins offers unique insight through the eyes of someone who has left his mark on armored warfare. A veteran of the Iraq War, he compares his experiences to what is happening in Ukraine and what we can expect in the future for allies and adversaries. Perhaps, most importantly, he shares his reasoning for the importance of the Armored Vehicles conference.

Despite what critics have alluded to the age of the tank is far from over. We had the privilege of interviewing tank commander Colonel Oleg Hrudsevych on his experience as a Tank Commander in Ukraine. He also holds the prestigious title of Hero of Ukraine for his actions in Mariupol. His experience and knowledge invaluable to anyone who even has a passing interest in armored warfare. In this interview he delves into:

• His combat experience
• Russian Armor
• Needs of the Ukrainian
  

Ted Maciuba, deputy director of Robotic Requirements at the US Army Futures Command, pulls back the veil on the cutting-edge world of uncrewed combat ground vehicles. He ventures into the new technologies while also explaining the challenges and trends one needs to adapt to succeed in some of the army’s most cutting-edge programs, including gaps and potential in the private sector.

This interview is a must for anyone who:

• Is interested in the latest developments related to the Next Generation fighting vehicles.
• Would like a better understanding how the army sees the crewed and uncrewed dynamic working in the field.
• Requires an insight into acquisition trends