“Finland brings exceptional credibility in national
resilience, defense preparedness, and electromagnetic operations”
Ms. Shelley Frost, Executive Director of the Association of Old Crows.
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Interview conducted by: CHIKH Mouloud (chikh-mouloud@lecourrierdafrique54.com) and Youcef MAALLEMI (maallemi-youcef@lecourrierdafrique54.com).
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Ms. Shelley Frost, could you briefly tell us about your
professional background?
Ms. Shelley Frost: I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Association of
Old Crows. I am an association professional with more than 35 years of
experience leading international, mission-driven organizations, with a strong
focus on governance, strategy, education, and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with government, industry, and
nonprofit leaders to build sustainable organizations that support complex and
evolving professional communities.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: As Executive Director, could you introduce the Association of
Old Crows and explain its mission and objectives?
Ms. Shelley Frost: The Association of Old Crows, or AOC, is an international
professional organization dedicated to advancing understanding and innovation
in the electromagnetic spectrum. For more than 62 years, AOC has served as a
trusted forum where military professionals, government leaders, industry
experts, and academics collaborate on issues related to electronic warfare,
electromagnetic operations, cyber-electromagnetic convergence, and spectrum
superiority. Our mission is threefold: education, advocacy, and connection. We
provide world-class educational programs, support research and
knowledge-sharing, and create opportunities for dialogue across borders and
disciplines. In an increasingly contested and congested electromagnetic
environment, AOC exists to ensure that professionals are equipped, not only
with technology, but with shared understanding and strategic insight.
Ms. Shelley Frost: Preparations for AOC Europe 2026 are progressing extremely well. We
are seeing unprecedented engagement from across the electromagnetic warfare and
spectrum operations community, including a record number of exhibitors seeking
to showcase their products and services. Based on current registrations and
industry interest, we are also expecting record attendance. Helsinki was chosen
very deliberately. Finland brings exceptional credibility in national
resilience, defense preparedness, and electromagnetic operations. Its strategic
geographic position, strong partnership with NATO allies, and robust defense
and technology ecosystem make it an ideal host for this event. In addition,
Helsinki offers excellent infrastructure and accessibility for an international
audience, supporting AOC Europe’s role as a truly global forum.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: This edition is themed "Re-arming Europe for
Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority." Why was this slogan chosen?
Ms. Shelley Frost: The theme reflects a strategic reality. Modern conflicts
demonstrate that control of the electromagnetic spectrum is no longer a
supporting function; it is foundational to operational success. “Re-arming”
does not refer only to platforms or hardware, but to capabilities, doctrine,
training, partnerships, and mindset. Europe is investing heavily in defense
modernization, and electromagnetic spectrum superiority is central to
deterrence, resilience, and freedom of action across all domains. This theme
underscores the urgency of coordinated effort across nations and sectors to
ensure that Europe can operate, protect, and prevail in a contested and denied
electromagnetic environment.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: In your view, what constitutes electronic warfare and electromagnetic
intelligence today?
Ms.
Shelley Frost: Electronic warfare and
electromagnetic intelligence encompass far more than traditional jamming or
sensing. They are integrated activities that involve observing, protecting,
attacking, and managing the electromagnetic environment across land, sea, air,
space, and cyber domains. Today, these capabilities are deeply interconnected
with cyber operations, data fusion, artificial intelligence, and
decision-making processes. Electromagnetic intelligence provides critical situational
awareness and strategic insight, but it is only one component of success.
Achieving effective electronic warfare and spectrum dominance also depends on
the integration of the right technologies, equipment, tactics, and operational
execution. Together, these elements enable forces to generate, protect, and
exploit information advantage in an increasingly contested and complex
electromagnetic environment.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What are the main benefits for participants attending AOC
Europe 2026?
Ms. Shelley Frost: Participants benefit in three essential ways: insight, connection,
and relevance.AOC Europe 2026 offers high-level conference content addressing
real-world operational challenges, emerging threats, and technological
advancements. Attendees engage directly with military leaders, policymakers,
industry innovators, and researchers from across Europe and beyond. For
ministries of defense and interior, the event provides a neutral, trusted
environment to explore capability gaps, share perspectives with allies, and
engage industry in constructive dialogue. Whether from government, industry, or
academia, participants leave better informed, better connected, and better
positioned to respond to the challenges of a contested electromagnetic
environment.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What final message would you like to share with participants?
Ms. Shelley Frost: AOC Europe 2026 is more than a symposium;it is a global forum for dialogue and cooperation in an increasingly contested electromagnetic environment. While the discussions will naturally reflect Europe’s security priorities and operational needs, the challenges of the spectrum are shared worldwide. We are honored to welcome participants from across the globe, all bringing valuable perspectives and experiences. I encourage participants to come prepared to exchange ideas openly, learn from one another, and build partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself. Together, through collaboration and shared understanding, we strengthen not only regional readiness, but global resilience in the electromagnetic domain.
