Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE announced the opening of the 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, inaugurated the event.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency; Lt. General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence; and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.

Officials reported that the conference at Atlantis, The Palm gathered more than 100 delegations. Senior military leaders, decision-makers, and executives from defence, aviation, advanced technologies, space sciences, and artificial intelligence also participated.

The UAE Ministry of Defence organised the conference with ADNEC Group under the theme ‘Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces.’ Held ahead of Dubai Airshow 2025, the event reinforced its status as a leading global platform for air and space defence discussions.

Al Mazrouei revealed that the UAE continues to position itself as a global partner and capability builder. He said the country’s recent investments in defence procurement and technology partnerships are driving advanced manufacturing, high-value job creation, and innovation.

He noted that the UAE is entering a major technological shift comparable to the advent of jet propulsion. He added that the nation’s value lies in decisive execution, innovation-driven growth, and strong commitment to partners.

Major General Mohammed Salem Ali Al Hameli highlighted the importance of global dialogue in shaping future air defence strategies. He said DIACC serves as a trusted community where experience and innovation meet.

He added that airpower is rapidly evolving, driven by hypersonic systems, AI-enabled platforms, and asymmetric threats. He warned that the greatest risk is not outdated capabilities but outdated mindsets.

• He stressed the need for a next-generation operating concept
• He emphasised investment in people, institutions, and future leaders

General Adrian L. Spain discussed speed and precision in the hypersonic era. General Jérôme Bellanger addressed preparing air forces for large-scale disruption. Lieutenant General J.R. Speiser-Blanchet spoke about coalition agility in emerging airpower challenges.

The second session, moderated by Mike Shoemaker of Lockheed Martin, explored integrating air and space capabilities. Major General Vincent Chusseau discussed mission assurance in multi-domain operations. Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi presented the UAE Space Agency’s work in strengthening national defence readiness.

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell highlighted the creation of resilient multi-domain forces. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari presented an Indo-Pacific perspective on operationalising space for air superiority.

The third session, led by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi of EDGE Group, focused on future warfighter standards and AI integration. Major General Jonas Wickman addressed recruitment and future force development. General Son Sug Rag discussed mastering asymmetric spaces. Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva spoke about maintaining standards under automation pressures. Professor Peter Hays outlined future space battlespace readiness.

The event concluded with a recognition ceremony and group photo. Participants reported the need for deeper air and space integration and increased investment in AI, unmanned systems, and hypersonic technologies. These capabilities were described as essential for future defence superiority.

Officials affirmed that the 12th edition provided a global platform for shaping the future of air defence. They added that the UAE’s hosting of the conference demonstrates its commitment to global defence innovation and strategic cooperation.

The event was supported by major industry partners including Tawazun Council, EDGE Group, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, Collins Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Saab Technologies, MBDA, Dassault Aviation, Thales, Boeing, and General Atomics. Nation Shield served as the Media Partner.

The organising committee reported that full details are available on the official website, diacc.ae, which also hosts a specialised scientific bulletin on air and space power.

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