Defense Industry
Top Defense Industry Speakers at Speakers.com
In a world where global security challenges evolve rapidly, defense industry speakers offer more than commentary—they provide clarity, foresight, and urgency. At Speakers.com, we represent a curated roster of top-tier professionals who have shaped modern military, defense, and security policy. Whether you’re hosting a defense technology expo, strategic summit, or executive retreat, our speakers deliver trusted insight drawn from real-world experience.
Don’t settle for generic insight when the stakes involve national and global security. At Speakers.com, we bring you the voices that inform the mission. Explore our selection of elite defense industry speakers today, and ensure your next event delivers real strategic value.
Eric O’Neill
Cybersecurity Expert, Legendary FBI Operative Featured in the Film Breach, Bestselling Author, Technology Futurist and Attorney
Cybersecurity Expert, Legendary FBI Operative Featured in the Film Breach, Bestselling Author, Technology Futurist and Attorney In 2001, Eric O’Neill helped capture the most notorious spy in United States history: Robert Hanssen, a 25-year veteran of the FBI. The remarkable […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
District Of Columbia, United States
Gus Pagonis
Retired Three-Star General and Bestselling Author of Moving Mountains: Lessons in Leadership and Logistics From the Gulf War
Retired Three-Star General and Bestselling Author of Moving Mountains: Lessons in Leadership and Logistics From the Gulf War When it comes to expertise in logistics and overall leadership in management of very complex projects and organizations, few people are better […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
Pennsylvania, United States
Dave Pelzer
Best-Selling Author and Inspirational Survivor
Best-Selling Author and Inspirational Survivor In a word, Dave Pelzer embodies Esprit: Spirit, Humor & Wit. As a child, his resilience enabled him to overcome extreme life-threatening obstacles. As an adult, for over 20 years, Dave’s inspirational work has encouraged […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
California, United States
Charles Plumb
North Vietnamese Prisoner Of War; Author, I'm No Hero; Motivating and Compelling Speaker
North Vietnamese Prisoner Of War; Author, I’m No Hero; Motivating and Compelling Speaker Captain Charlie Plumb graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and went on to fly the F-4 Phantom jet on 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam. […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
California, United States
Jan Scruggs
A Vietnam vet who raised all the money for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from private funds
Vietnam Vet Who Raised All Funding for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from Private Funds Vietnam veteran Jan Scruggs started and directed the enormously successful effort to create a national memorial to those Americans who served their country in the Vietnam […]
In-Person Fee Range
$5,000 to $10,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
District Of Columbia, United States
Major General Perry Smith
Retired Major General, television analyst and best-selling author of Rules and Tools for Leaders
Retired Major General, Television Analyst and Best-Selling Author of Rules and Tools for Leaders Major General Perry M. Smith is an internationally known speaker, TV commentator, and bestselling author. Hundreds of millions of television viewers world-wide have come to […]
In-Person Fee Range
$5,000 to $10,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
Georgia, United States
Captain “Sully” Sullenberger
“Miracle on the Hudson” Captain and Best-Selling Author
“Miracle on the Hudson” Captain and Best-Selling Author Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger has been dedicated to the pursuit of safety his entire adult life. He recently served as the U.S. Ambassador and Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a […]
In-Person Fee Range
$50,000 or greater
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
California, United States
Scott Waddle
Former Commander of the USS Greeneville, Safety and Ethics Expert, and Author of The Right Thing
Former Commander of the USS Greeneville, Safety and Ethics Expert, and Author of The Right Thing At the age of 38, Scott Waddle was selected to become the Commanding Officer of USS Greeneville (SSN 772) an improved Los Angeles Class […]
In-Person Fee Range
$10,001 to $20,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
North Carolina, United States
Rob Waldo Waldman
Decorated Combat Air Force Fighter Pilot and Best-Selling Author, Never Fly Solo
Decorated Combat Air Force Fighter Pilot and Best-Selling Author, Never Fly Solo Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rob “Waldo” Waldman is the embodiment of grit, resilience, and peak performance under pressure. A Hall of Fame leadership speaker and combat-tested F-16 fighter pilot, […]
In-Person Fee Range
$20,001 to $50,000
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
Georgia, United States
James Woolsey
Former Director of the CIA, Ambassador, and Under Secretary of the Navy, and Green Neoconservative
Former Director of the CIA, Ambassador, and Under Secretary of the Navy, and Green Neoconservative R. James Woolsey is a Venture Partner with VantagePoint Venture Partners and is the Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University; […]
In-Person Fee Range
$50,000 or greater
(Inquire for virtual fee)
Travels From
District Of Columbia, United States
Frequently Asked Questions — Defense Industry Speakers
Who are the best defense industry keynote speakers?
The best defense industry keynote speakers include military leaders, cybersecurity experts, and national security analysts. These speakers are often searched by organizations looking for insights into global threats, defense strategy, and emerging technologies. Many have firsthand experience in government or military leadership roles. Speakers.com provides access to top defense keynote speakers for conferences and corporate events. Top defense industry keynote speakers at Speakers.com include Rorke Denver, David Rutherford, Gus Pagonis, Nick Halley, Scott O'Grady, and many others.
How do I book a defense or national security speaker?
Event planners searching “book defense speaker” or “hire national security keynote speaker” can rely on Speakers.com for a streamlined process. Their team helps identify speakers based on expertise, availability, and audience fit. They also handle logistics and negotiations to ensure a seamless experience. Speakers.com connects you with trusted defense experts for impactful presentations.
What topics do defense keynote speakers cover?
Defense speakers cover high-interest topics such as cybersecurity threats, geopolitical risk, military strategy, and defense innovation. Many also address global conflict trends and their impact on business and government. These topics are highly searched by organizations focused on risk and security. Speakers.com helps match clients with speakers who specialize in these critical areas.
Why hire a defense industry keynote speaker?
Hiring a defense keynote speaker provides valuable insights into global risk, security challenges, and strategic planning. These speakers help organizations better understand uncertainty and prepare for disruption. Their expertise is especially valuable in today’s complex global environment. Speakers.com ensures access to top defense experts who deliver meaningful insights.