UAE Minister Of State For Defence Affairs Inaugurates 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference On Airpower And Technology

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference was inaugurated by Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs. The event took place at Atlantis – The Palm, Dubai, with over 100 official delegations and senior officers from various countries attending.

The conference, held before the Dubai Airshow 2025, was organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence in partnership with ADNEC Group. It focused on the theme ‘Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces.’ This event is recognised as a leading global forum in air and space defence.

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Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's position as a global partner in his opening speech. He stated: "The UAE is positioned today as a global partner, a capability builder and a place where both leading giants and aspiring start-ups can grow their business with confidence. We are all here because we know that we can together build an enterprising ecosystem for the long haul in the UAE."

He further noted significant investments made by the UAE in defence procurement and technology partnerships over the past two years. These efforts aim to enhance local capabilities, create high-value jobs, and establish the UAE as a regional hub for advanced defence manufacturing.

Major General Mohammed Salem Ali Al Hameli emphasised the importance of strategic dialogue during his welcome address. He said: "The Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference stands as a cornerstone of global air and space power, uniting commanders, strategists, and industry leaders. More than a conference, DIACC is a trusted community where experience meets innovation, and nations collaborate through shared purpose and interoperability."

The first session explored adapting airpower to asymmetric battlespaces. Joseph Guastella from Northrop Grumman introduced this session. Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi discussed how speed and technology shape modern airpower.

Adapting to Changing Airpower Dynamics

Major General Al Shamsi explained: "Airpower today is defined by speed, shaped by asymmetry, and accelerated by technology. We operate in a battlespace dominated by hypersonic weapons, autonomous drones, and AI-enabled systems." He stressed that agility must be supported by strong institutional foundations.

The second session focused on integrating air and space capabilities for strategic superiority. Mike Shoemaker from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics moderated this session. Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi presented on strengthening national capabilities through advanced defence frameworks.

Exploring Future Defence Superiority

The final session addressed standards and AI in next-generation airpower. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi from EDGE Group opened this discussion. Major General Jonas Wickman spoke about rethinking recruitment for future forces.

The conference concluded with participants highlighting the need for operational integration between air and space power. They also emphasised investing in AI, unmanned systems, and hypersonic technologies as key drivers of future defence superiority.

Commitment to Global Defence Innovation

The event underscored the UAE’s commitment to supporting global defence innovation. It reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for strategic dialogue in aviation and defence sectors. The conference served as a platform for exchanging insights on future air defence directions amid growing international cooperation needs.

A group of strategic partners supported the conference's objectives to advance innovation in aviation and defence. Tawazun Council participated as National Industry Enablement Partner while EDGE Group joined as Strategic Partner alongside other prominent sponsors like Airbus and Northrop Grumman.

With inputs from WAM