The need to strengthen domestic production capabilities and ensure an essential degree of technological sovereignty will be a primary focus of the international congress at ExpoNaval 2026. On Wednesday, December 2, the agenda will feature a panel titled “Defense Industry and Strategic Autonomy in Chile”—a forum designed to assess the current state and future development prospects of the national defense industry. Moderated by prominent researcher Marcelo Masalleras, the discussion will delve into integration mechanisms between the public and private sectors—a partnership crucial for transforming operational requirements into long-term, locally developed technological solutions. The panel will examine concrete opportunities for technology transfer and innovation processes that will enable Chile not only to maintain and upgrade its existing systems but also to foster sustainable scientific and industrial development, all while navigating the complexities of budgetary constraints and economic cycles. The discussion will incorporate perspectives from key players in national technological development, including Eduardo Estrada (Brigadier General, Ret.), General Manager of S2T; Francisco Calvanese, Commercial Manager of SISDEF; and Vice Admiral (Ret.) Ramiro Navajas, representing DTS. This local expertise will be complemented by an international industry perspective from Aras Balli, Country Manager for ASELSAN, as well as a state-level viewpoint provided by Óscar Bustos Carrasco (Major General, Ret.), Head of the Technological Development and Industry Division within the Undersecretariat for Defense. Together, these participants will engage in a significant dialogue regarding the strategic direction of the defense sector. Rodrigo Bastidas, the exhibition’s manager, highlights the role of the event as a multisectoral meeting point: “ExpoNaval serves as a platform where we can reflect on these strategic issues and connect local capabilities with international cutting-edge developments, thereby fostering an industry that directly impacts the nation’s sovereignty and competitiveness”.