Autonomous Defence Systems And AI Reshape Future Battlefields, According To The International Defence Conference 2026

The International Defence Conference 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi ends with strong global participation, drawing more than 750 experts and specialists. Delegates explore how intelligent autonomous systems and artificial intelligence are reshaping future battlefields. Discussions focus on operational impact, legal frameworks and cooperation, reflecting growing interest in autonomous defence capabilities across land, air and sea, including from governments, industry, regulators and research institutions.

Across three main panels, speakers examine command and control, tactical integration and regulation of autonomous systems. They describe artificial intelligence as central to decision-making, mission speed and force protection, yet underline that human judgement and accountability remain essential. Participants call for resilient defence architectures, flexible legislation and shared standards to manage risks, encourage innovation and maintain trust between partners and societies.

The opening session looks at how artificial intelligence, secure networks and data-driven tools are changing command and control. Speakers include Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security of the UAE, Brigadier General Staff Khamis Al Kaabi, Director of Capability Development at the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Najwa Al Araj, and General John Nicholson (Ret.), with Hala Majeed moderating for Lockheed Martin.

Panellists agree that decision cycles are shortening as data volumes grow across hybrid military platforms. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti stresses that data and connectivity now shape operational choices, stating, "Data has become the main driver of decision-making," while underlining the need to balance national sovereignty with international partnerships. Khamis Al Kaabi highlights how armed forces must convert large information flows into real-time, collaborative actions.

Speakers describe command systems moving from fixed command rooms to distributed networks. In these networks, humans and intelligent platforms share analysis tasks, then act together. General John Nicholson explains that artificial intelligence can reduce uncertainty and improve decision accuracy, yet warns against overdependence on algorithms without proper training, robust testing and strong trust between personnel and deployed systems.

The second panel considers artificial intelligence in joint and tactical operations, treating it as a force multiplier across domains. Moderator Hasan Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Solutions at Space42, is joined by Vice Admiral Bob Harward (Ret.) of Shield AI, Dr. Anastacia MacAllister of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Vincent Gicquel of Thales Emarat Technologies, and Khaled Al Zaabi of EDGE, representing diverse operational perspectives.

Panel members explain how artificial intelligence supports faster mission planning, target identification and threat response, while improving coordination among land, air and maritime assets. They note that future defence platforms must adapt quickly to technology shifts and integrate software updates at scale. At the same time, they emphasise clear human oversight, transparent rules of engagement and strong regulatory arrangements to govern autonomous functions.

artificial intelligence and autonomous systems regulation and future cooperation

The final session concentrates on regulatory and ethical questions around intelligent autonomous systems. Representatives from regulatory bodies and industry discuss safety, interoperability, transparency and international coordination. They agree that trust in autonomous defence technologies depends on clear responsibilities, robust certification processes and cooperation between regulators, operators and suppliers, supported by flexible laws that can adjust to new technical and operational developments.

Participants also focus on how different states can align standards while respecting national security concerns. They describe coordinated rule-making and information-sharing as important for cross-border cooperation and joint operations. Certification regimes are presented as key tools to verify performance, cybersecurity and reliability of autonomous platforms, including those used in complex environments such as crowded airspace or shared maritime zones.

At the close of the International Defence Conference 2026, Dr. Nasser Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, thanks H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for support and patronage. Dr. Nasser Al Nuaimi notes that artificial intelligence and autonomous systems already operate in modern defence, and calls for deeper collaboration between governments, industry and research bodies to develop them responsibly, securely and sustainably.

With inputs from WAM