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, Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, inaugurated the 12th edition of the Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference. The event, held at Atlantis - The Palm, Dubai, saw the attendance of over 100 official delegations, including senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, Air Force commanders, and Chiefs of Staff from friendly and allied nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference was organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence in strategic partnership with ADNEC Group, under the theme 'Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces.' This event serves as a prelude to the Dubai Airshow 2025 and is recognized as a leading global strategic forum in air and space defence. Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's commitment to defence procurement and technology partnerships, emphasizing the nation's role as a regional hub for advanced defence manufacturing.
Major General Mohammed Salem Ali Al Hameli, Deputy Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, stressed the conference's significance in enhancing strategic dialogue on air defence. He noted that the conference fosters a community where experience meets innovation and nations collaborate through shared goals and interoperability. The event's theme underscores the evolving nature of airpower and the need for adaptation to new technological and strategic challenges.
The conference featured several key sessions. The first session, 'Hypersonics, UAVs, and Artificial Intelligence: Adapting Airpower to Asymmetric Battlespaces,' included discussions led by industry leaders and military officials on the changing dynamics of airpower. Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, emphasized the importance of agility and innovation in maintaining airpower effectiveness.
The second session, 'Beyond the Atmosphere: Integrating Air and Space Capabilities for Strategic Superiority,' focused on integrating air and space capabilities. Speakers highlighted the importance of mission assurance in the multi-domain fight and the role of space agencies in strengthening national capabilities.
The final session, 'The Warfighter of Tomorrow: Standards, Artificial Intelligence, and Accountability in Next-Generation Airpower,' explored the future of airpower and the need for building intellectual readiness. Discussions delved into recruitment, standards under pressure, and redefining the warfighter for future challenges.
The conference concluded with a recognition ceremony for participants and emphasized the need for operational integration between air and space power. Participants highlighted the importance of investments in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and hypersonic technologies as key drivers of future defence superiority.
The UAE's hosting of the conference underscores its commitment to global defence innovation and its role as a hub for strategic dialogue in aviation and defence. The event was supported by strategic partners, including Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, EDGE Group, Airbus, and others, reinforcing their commitment to advancing innovation in the sector. Further details are available on the official website diacc.ae.
