Dubai hosts 12th Air Chiefs Conference under UAE leadership
The 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference opened in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, also attended the ceremony.
More than 100 delegations joined, including senior officers, air force commanders, and executives from defence, aviation, AI, and space companies. The conference was held at Atlantis – The Palm, Dubai.
Organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence in partnership with ADNEC Group, the conference carried the theme “Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces.” Delegates discussed emerging technologies and modern airpower strategies.
Participants explored global defence challenges and coalition strategies. They highlighted collaboration and the integration of advanced technology to enhance operational readiness.
Global leaders tackle air and space challenges
The first session, “Hypersonics, UAVs, and Artificial Intelligence: Adapting Airpower to Asymmetric Battlespaces,” opened with remarks from Joseph Guastella of Northrop Grumman. Speakers explained how hypersonics and AI are reshaping air operations.
Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, General Adrian L. Spain, General Jérôme Bellanger, and Lieutenant General J.R. Speiser-Blanchet discussed coalition agility. They emphasized rapid decision-making in complex battlespaces.
The second session, “Beyond the Atmosphere: Integrating Air and Space Capabilities for Strategic Superiority,” featured Major General Vincent Chusseau, His Excellency Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, and Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari.
Delegates focused on integrating air and space operations to maintain strategic advantage. Collaboration among allied nations was highlighted to protect critical infrastructure and enhance readiness.
Preparing the next-generation warfighter
The final session, “The Warfighter of Tomorrow: Standards, Artificial Intelligence, and Accountability in Next-Generation Airpower,” was moderated by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi of EDGE Group. The session covered AI, automation, and building future-ready forces.
Major General Jonas Wickman, General Son Sug Rag, and Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva shared insights on recruitment and accountability for next-generation personnel. Professor Peter Hays presented a paper on intellectual readiness for space operations.
The conference concluded with an official recognition ceremony and group photo. Delegates reflected on emerging trends, global collaboration, and the future of integrated airpower.
