The future of warfare on display in downtown Tampa during Special Operations Forces Week

SOF Week 2026 in Tampa highlights the military’s growing reliance on drones, AI, and autonomous systems.

TAMPA, Fla. — As military leaders, defense contractors and special operations forces from around the world gather in downtown Tampa for SOF Week 2026, this year’s convention is expanding beyond the walls of the Tampa Convention Center — reflecting what organizers say is a rapidly changing battlefield increasingly shaped by drones, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

The annual Special Operations Forces conference, held in Tampa because of its proximity to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, connects military leaders with companies developing the next generation of defense technology.

“This year, everything right now is about unmanned,” said Donte Conrad with Getac. “If you can make our force more lethal without putting an individual in harm’s way — absolutely do it.”

Inside the convention center, vendors showcase unmanned aerial vehicles, remote-controlled maritime systems and AI-powered communications and surveillance platforms aimed at helping military forces operate faster and more efficiently.

Conrad said the military’s push is toward systems that are “lighter, newer, quicker,” allowing troops to deploy equipment rapidly in the field.

“We are a perfect fit for our customer here as far as what their mission is and what our mission is as a corporation,” Conrad said.

Another major focus this year is artificial intelligence and its role in military decision-making.

“I think everybody is talking about AI,” Conrad said. “Implementing new technology using AI in ways that are going to create efficiencies in the field.”

He added that AI-driven systems are designed to improve battlefield awareness and speed up decision-making for troops in combat situations.

“Getting all the information to the edge as quick as possible and being able to make better decisions at the edge with that information,” Conrad said.

Companies are also increasingly focused on counter-drone technology — systems designed to detect, jam or disable enemy drones before they become threats.

Meanwhile, SOFWERX officials said they are searching for emerging technologies that can meet evolving military needs.

“We are looking for all innovative technology,” said Marcus Tatum with SOFWERX. “Whatever our stakeholders are looking for, that’s what we are going out to see.”

For the first time, SOF Week is also expanding to the new “SOF Week Outpost” at Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands, where companies are conducting live aerial demonstrations and drone operations.

The expansion allows contractors to demonstrate systems too large or complex for indoor convention displays.

Some Davis Islands residents said they are curious to see the demonstrations unfold.

“I love anything to do with looking up at the seaplanes, whether it’s the Cessnas — and drones are definitely a conversation these days,” said resident Tina Worrall. “So why not check them out?”

Resident Lucas Welch said he was interested to see how the aircraft demonstrations would impact the neighborhood.

“Wondering how loud or quiet they will be,” Welch said. “It’ll be interesting.”

SOF Week runs through Thursday in downtown Tampa and at Peter O. Knight Airport.

Organizers say the expanded footprint reflects growing interest in live demonstrations and rapidly evolving military technology designed for future combat operations.