A high-gain conformal antenna (“HGCA”) is disclosed. The HGCA includes a plurality of dielectric layers forming a dielectric structure. The plurality of dielectric layers includes a top dielectric layer that includes a top surface. The HGCA further includes an inner conductor, a cavity, a patch antenna element (“PAE”), and an antenna slot. The inner conductor and cavity are formed within the dielectric structure, the PAE is formed on the top surface of the top dielectric layer above the cavity, and the antenna slot is formed within the PAE. The HGCA is configured to support a transverse electromagnetic (“TEM”) signal within the dielectric structure.