The impact of unmanned surface and sub-surface vessels in contested waters, paired with the logistical strain of sustaining prolonged wars, will set the tone for the launch of the ExpoNaval International Conference. On Wednesday, December 2, following the Keynote Address by Minister of National Defense Fernando Barros Tocornal and Admiral Sir Antony Radakin—former First Sea Lord of the British Royal Navy and Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom—the focus will turn directly to operational debate with the panel “Industrial Lessons from Contemporary Conflicts”. Moderated by John Griffiths, the conference’s premier discussion will cut straight to one of the most pressing transformations reshaping the global defense landscape: the resurgence of protracted, high-intensity conflicts, and the urgent imperative to rethink naval manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. This discussion will bring into sharp focus the decisive role assumed by naval drones and uncrewed maritime systems—capabilities that are altering strategic balances and forcing rapid adaptation across industry players and shipyards alike. The session will draw on the strategic vision of Chile’s senior military educators, featuring the directors of the Army War College, Colonel Cristóbal Álamos; the Naval War College, Captain Christopher Green; and the Air War College, Colonel Gustavo Trejo. Joining them to provide a global perspective is international guest Dr. Andrew Gee, Director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), rounding out a key forum to assess how surging ammunition demand and vulnerable supply chains are actively defining modern maritime security.