--- eventsindex_id: "EI-00408" slug: aoc-europe title: "AOC Europe" title_alt: ["AOC Europe Symposium", "Electronic Warfare Europe", "AOC EW Europe"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/aoc-europe.html" next_edition_year: 2027 date_start: "2027-05-04" date_end: "2027-05-06" venue: "not disclosed" city: "Lisbon" country: "Portugal" organiser: "Association of Old Crows (AOC)" organiser_url: "https://crows.org/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security, researcher] format: [conference, exhibition, summit] purpose: [networking, policy, education, business, procurement] geography_scope: [pan-EMEA] season: spring meta_description: "AOC Europe 2027, 4-6 May, Lisbon. Annual Association of Old Crows symposium on electronic warfare, CEMA and SIGINT. Rotates European cities annually." editorial_take: "AOC Europe is the only annual European-facing event where active EW operators, programme managers, and policy makers discuss electromagnetic spectrum dominance outside classified channels, making it indispensable for anyone in the EW or SIGINT supply chain." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 39/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # AOC Europe > *AOC Europe is the flagship annual European conference and exhibition of the Association of Old Crows (AOC), the world's leading professional organisation for electronic warfare (EW) and electromagnetic spectrum management. Held in a different European city each year, the 2027 edition runs from 4 to 6 May in Lisbon, Portugal. The three-day programme combines high-level policy and technical conference sessions with a dedicated expo hall, attracting EW operators, programme managers, acquisition officials, systems manufacturers, and academic researchers from across NATO and partner nations.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **4–6 May 2027** | **Lisbon, Portugal (venue TBC)** | **Association of Old Crows (AOC)** | not disclosed | | 3 days; annual; rotating European cities | Lisbon, Portugal | International professional association | EW/SIGINT/CEMA community | --- ## Definition AOC Europe is an annual symposium and exhibition organised by the Association of Old Crows (AOC), the US-headquartered but internationally active professional association for electronic warfare (EW) and electromagnetic spectrum management. The event rotates among European cities, providing NATO and partner-nation EW communities with a conference that bridges government, defence industry, academia, and operational military. The 2026 edition was held in Helsinki, Finland (19–21 May 2026) and was the most recent completed edition. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 4–6 May 2027 in Lisbon, Portugal. The AOC also hosts a flagship annual symposium in the United States. ## History and the AOC The Association of Old Crows was founded in 1964 in the United States by electronic warfare practitioners who had served in World War II – the name is a reference to the wartime term for electronic countermeasures officers. The AOC has grown into a global membership organisation covering EW, Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Operations (EMSO), Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and information operations (IO). AOC Europe began as the AOC's European chapter event, typically formatted as a two-to-three-day symposium with an accompanying exhibition floor and has been running for more than 25 years. Past host cities have included Warsaw, Amsterdam, and Helsinki. The 2027 Lisbon edition follows directly from Helsinki 2026. ## The 2027 edition: Lisbon The 2027 edition is scheduled for 4–6 May 2027 in Lisbon, Portugal. The specific conference theme had not been announced at the time of writing (10 June 2026) – the 2027 website (2027.aoceurope.org) confirms the dates and city but lists the theme as "coming soon." Based on the 2026 theme ("Re-Arming Europe for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority"), the 2027 programme is expected to continue addressing European EMS posture in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war, hybrid threats, NATO spectrum management, GNSS/PNT denial, and the integration of unmanned platforms in EW operations. Exhibition stands for 2027 are already being solicited; interested exhibitors should contact Kenneth Andres at exhibits@crows.org. ## The 2026 edition in context: Helsinki The 2026 edition (Helsinki, 19–21 May) was themed "Re-Arming Europe for Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority" and focused on Nordic and European EMS concepts, doctrinal evolution, and capability implementation against the backdrop of Russian hybrid actions and the Ukrainian conflict. The expo hall was close to sold out. Sponsors included PLATH (diamond sponsor), Aaronia, Reaktor Solutions, Textron, and L3. Media partners included the Journal of Electronic Defense (JED), Armada International, and Microwave Journal. The AOC confirmed 40+ countries were represented. ## Where AOC Europe sits in the defence calendar AOC Europe typically takes place in May, before the main summer pause and the autumn exhibition rush (Eurosatory, DSEI, AAD). Its spring slot gives European defence ministries, procurement programmes, and industry a focused EW-specific moment before summer budget cycles close. It sits alongside the annual AOC International Symposium (held annually in Washington, DC area) and complements regional AOC chapter events. Among EW-specific events, it has no direct European competitor in scale or prestige – its nearest analogues are specialist tracks at larger shows such as DSEI or EUROSATORY. ## Who attends AOC Europe AOC Europe draws a highly specialised audience: acquisition officials from European ministries of defence, MOD staff, military EW and SIGINT programme managers, operational command staff EW officers, national and military intelligence organisations, test range personnel, EW training and educational personnel, EW laboratory officials, EW and SIGINT systems manufacturers, EW operators, and EW support, maintenance, and logistics managers. The event deliberately bridges the government-military-industry-academia divide, with speakers including serving military officers, civil servants, industry CTOs, and academic researchers. NATO-member nations dominate attendance, with partner and observer nations also represented. ## What the AOC Europe format includes The three-day programme includes: (1) Pre-convention training courses (optional, day before main event) providing hands-on technical instruction in EW disciplines. (2) Plenary keynote sessions addressing strategic-level EMS and defence policy themes. (3) Technical and operational conference panels covering specific EW capability areas and operational lessons. (4) A dedicated expo hall where industry exhibitors demonstrate EW systems, SIGINT equipment, CEMA platforms, and related technologies. (5) Structured networking sessions. In 2026, a PLATH Intelligence Day was hosted as a dedicated sub-event within the programme. A Show Daily and podcast were produced during the event. ## What AOC Europe covers Core thematic areas: - Electronic Warfare (EW): jamming, electronic support, electronic protection - Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Operations (EMSO) - Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) - Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) - Information Operations (IO) - GNSS/PNT denial and protection - Counter-UAS using EW means - Networked EW and distributed EMS operations - EW in the Ukrainian and hybrid warfare context - NATO spectrum coordination and interoperability - EW training, simulation, and exercises ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Edition (2026) | Helsinki, 19–21 May 2026 | | Countries represented | 40+ | | Expo hall status | Near sold out | | Pre-convention courses | Yes | | PLATH Intelligence Day | Yes (2026) | | Next edition | Lisbon, 4–6 May 2027 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Who is the Association of Old Crows? The Association of Old Crows (AOC) is a US-headquartered international professional membership organisation founded in 1964. It serves individuals and organisations with interests in electronic warfare, electromagnetic spectrum management, CEMA, SIGINT, and related fields. It publishes the Journal of Electronic Defense (JED), organises the annual International Symposium in the USA, and manages regional events including AOC Europe. Website: crows.org ### Is AOC Europe open to civilians or only military personnel? AOC Europe is open to both military and civilian professionals. The audience spans serving military EW officers, government acquisition officials, industry engineers and programme managers, academic researchers, and commercial technology providers. There is no military-only restriction, though some sessions may have specific access controls. ### How does AOC Europe 2027 in Lisbon differ from the 2026 Helsinki edition? The 2027 theme had not been announced at the time of writing. The Lisbon venue has not been specified. The core format (3-day symposium + expo hall) is expected to remain. Portugal is a NATO member and has growing EW industry relevance. The conference contact for 2027 exhibitor enquiries is Kenneth Andres (exhibits@crows.org). ### Are proceedings or presentations published after the event? Some presentations and show daily content are made available to AOC members through the AOC website (crows.org) and vimeo channel. Full proceedings access typically requires AOC membership. A podcast and show daily are produced during the event. --- ## The venue: Lisbon, Portugal The specific venue for AOC Europe 2027 in Lisbon had not been announced at the time of writing (10 June 2026). Lisbon is Portugal's capital, a NATO-member nation with a mid-sized defence industry and an active cybersecurity and space sector. The city hosts several large conference facilities capable of the AOC Europe format, including the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa and hotel-based conference centres. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is approximately 7 km from the city centre. The city is well connected by direct flights from major European, North American, and Middle Eastern hubs. ## The organiser: Association of Old Crows (AOC) The AOC (Association of Old Crows) is the global professional home for the EW and electromagnetic spectrum community. Founded in 1964, it operates from headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, USA and manages an international network of chapters and events. For AOC Europe, the AOC's International Programmes team manages the conference programme, speaker recruitment, exhibitor sales, and delegate registration. The European community is also served by the UK AOC chapter (ukaoc.org) and various national-level AOC affiliates. Social media: LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/2483509/), Facebook (facebook.com/aocrows/), X (@AOCrows). --- ## Editorial take *AOC Europe is the only annual European-facing event where active EW operators, programme managers, and policy makers discuss electromagnetic spectrum dominance outside classified channels, making it indispensable for anyone in the EW or SIGINT supply chain.* --- ## How to register and what it costs For the 2027 edition, registration details had not been published at the time of writing (10 June 2026). The 2027 website (2027.aoceurope.org) is live. Interested exhibitors should contact Kenneth Andres at exhibits@crows.org. Delegate registration for past editions was available through the official AOC Europe website; pricing was tiered by AOC membership status. AOC members typically receive discounted delegate rates. For updates, subscribe to AOC communications at crows.org. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### Do I need an AOC membership to attend? AOC membership is not required to attend AOC Europe as a delegate or exhibitor. However, AOC members typically receive reduced registration rates. Membership is available at crows.org. ### What security considerations apply? AOC Europe is an unclassified event held in commercial venues. Some sessions may be designated for cleared-personnel only or handled through separate briefings. The event does not require attendees to hold security clearances. Classified discussions are not held in the main conference programme. ### What is the language of the conference? English is the working language of AOC Europe. All plenary and technical sessions, the expo hall, and official communications are conducted in English. --- ## First time at AOC Europe? How to prepare - **Join the AOC before registering.** AOC membership provides discounted delegate rates, access to the Journal of Electronic Defense, and the full archive of past conference materials. For most defence industry or military professionals with ongoing EW relevance, membership pays for itself against the delegate fee discount alone. - **Study the programme theme and pre-select sessions before you arrive.** AOC Europe compresses a large volume of high-quality technical content into three days. Review the published agenda and select your priority sessions in advance to avoid the paralysis of choosing on-site. - **Book the pre-convention course if you are new to EW.** The optional pre-convention training day (day before the main symposium) provides condensed technical instruction from experienced practitioners. For first-timers or those moving into EW from an adjacent field, this is the most efficient orientation available. - **Target your expo hall visits around specific capability gaps.** The expo hall at AOC Europe is specialised; every exhibitor is selling something genuinely EW-relevant. Come with a list of capability areas you are evaluating and use it to structure your floor time rather than browsing generically. - **Attend the networking functions.** The EW community is tight-knit and relationship-driven. Evening receptions and informal social events are where the most candid conversations about programme challenges, procurement intentions, and technology trends take place. These conversations rarely happen in panel sessions. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://aoceurope.org/ | | 2027 edition site | https://2027.aoceurope.org/ | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/2483509/ | | X | https://twitter.com/AOCrows | | Register | https://2027.aoceurope.org/ | | Programme | not disclosed (2027 theme TBA) | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-12-01 **Notes:** 2027 edition (Lisbon, 4–6 May 2027) confirmed from aoceurope.org navigation menu and 2027.aoceurope.org. 2026 edition (Helsinki, 19–21 May) confirmed as past edition from aoceurope.org homepage. AOC founded 1964; 25+ years of AOC Europe from showsbee.com and aoceurope.org/aoc. 2026 sponsor names (PLATH, Aaronia, Reaktor Solutions, Textron, L3) confirmed from aoceurope.org sponsors page. Attendee profile confirmed from official site. Exhibitor contact for 2027 (Kenneth Andres, exhibits@crows.org) sourced from aoceurope.org 2026 homepage. Venue for 2027 Lisbon not yet disclosed. **Variables:** 39/58 **Concept definition:** applicable