Live Demonstrations

Presented by

Live Air Operations, Advanced Technology, and Real-World Demonstrations.

Experience The Outpost at Peter O. Knight Airport
(19-21 MAY 2026)

New for 2026, the SOF Week Outpost at Peter O. Knight Airport, presented by Northrop Grumman, gives attendees an opportunity to see large aviation-related static displays, live demonstrations, and an expanded Special Air Warfare Zone in the convenient air-conditioned tent!

Located just minutes from the main convention campus, The Outpost expands SOF Week beyond the exhibit hall and into an operational environment where aviation platforms, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies can be demonstrated at scale.

Throughout the week, attendees can experience:

Live aerial operations showcasing advanced air capabilities
Ground-based demonstrations highlighting next-generation systems
Aircraft displays and aviation technology up close
Operational scenarios demonstrating real-world applications
Direct interaction with the innovators developing these capabilities

Live demonstrations will take place throughout the week. Demonstrations may include capabilities such as:

Advanced sUAS and ISR platforms
Electronic warfare and counter-UAS systems
Next-generation tactical communications
AI/ML-enabled operational tools
Adaptive and multi-layered defense technologies

Live Demonstration Schedule

Outdoor Static Displays

In addition to live demonstrations, attendees can explore outdoor static displays featuring aircraft, systems, and equipment from across the special operations ecosystem.

Static displays will be open during scheduled exhibition hours throughout SOF Week.

Special Air Warfare Zone

Adjacent to the demonstration areas, the Special Air Warfare Zone will feature an indoor, air-conditioned environment showcasing aviation and air-domain technologies.

Aviation platforms and systems
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
Electronic Warfare (EW)
Tactical communications
Multi-domain operational technologies

Plan Your Visit

Transportation details, demonstration schedules, and access information will be available in the SOF Week agenda and mobile app. Attendees are encouraged to plan time in their schedule to visit The Outpost and experience one of the most dynamic elements of SOF Week 2026. A valid SOF Week badge is required for entry.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, 19 MAY: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
*Rally Point Live! 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday, 20 MAY: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
*Deacon Blues Band 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, 21 MAY: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Transportation to the Outpost:

Multiple transportation options are available to access the SOF Week Outpost. Parking is not available at The Outpost. Attendees must utilize the transportation methods listed below. Shuttles run approximately every 20 minutes, take about 20 minutes to travel, and the schedule is subject to change due to traffic and weather conditions.

Both the shuttle and water taxi depart from the Tampa Convention Center. Please follow onsite signage for directions to the designated pick-up locations.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM

WATER TAXI SCHEDULE:

Tuesday: 9:25 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:25 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:25 AM – 4:30 PM

*Only Exhibitors are able to use the shuttles from 7:45 AM – 8:45 AM

Event Extras

The Outpost Biergarten is open as a dedicated area to grab a meal, have a drink, and catch up with colleagues away from the main floor.

Join us at The Outpost on Tuesday, 19 MAY from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM for Rally Point Live, featuring a performance by Hunter Dawson alongside a guided mezcal tasting with O’Kahan Agave, where founder Sean Keane, a former Special Forces and retired Command Sergeant Major, shares small-batch mezcal and a story rooted in tradition, resilience, and reinvention.

Stop by to eat, drink, and reconnect with others across the SOF community.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Outpost comes alive with a performance by the Deacon Blues Band following the Capabilities Demonstration. Made up largely of military veterans and long-time supporters, the band delivers a high-energy blues rock set in a casual outdoor setting. It’s a chance to take a break, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend time with others across the SOF Week community.

WHEN: Wednesday, 20 May, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: SOF Week Outpost
Peter O. Knight Airfield