Joint Air and Space Power Conference 2024
8–10 October 2024
Congress Centre Essen, Germany
Challenges and Opportunities for Air and Space Power in an Evolving Security Environment
We cordially invite distinguished delegates, stakeholders, and experts in the field of Joint Air and Space Power to attend our annual conference, which will take place from 8 to 10 October 2024 at the Congress Centre ‘Messe Essen’ in Essen, Germany. This event offers a forum to explore the theme of ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Air and Space Power in an Evolving Security Environment’.
Participants can look forward to a comprehensive two-day programme featuring intellectually stimulating panels, thought-provoking sessions, and active engagement and networking opportunities.
Beginning with Panel 1 – A World Reshaped: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Shifting Power Dynamics, we will explore the complex changes in global power dynamics and how they impact NATO’s strategic landscape. From emerging conflicts to evolving international relations and rapid technological advancements, this panel will set the stage for following panellists and speakers.
Panel 2 – Battlefield Evolution: The Role of Joint Air and Space Power in Contemporary Conflict will focus on the crucial role of Joint Air and Space Power in shaping modern conflicts. Through a detailed analysis of adaptability and innovation, panellists will discuss how connectivity and technological advancements have transformed warfare. By examining examples such as Ukraine’s innovations and the impact of connectivity on military operations, this session aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities to operations brought by changing technology.
Panel 3 – Contested Air Superiority: Adapting to the Drone and Missile Age, will examine the implications of advanced drone and missile technologies on current offensive and defensive operational practices. As drones, loitering munitions, and precision missiles challenge traditional concepts of air dominance, this panel will bring together a group of experts to analyse the strategic, operational, and tactical consequences of these developments. Valuable insights will be shared to help maintain freedom of action in an increasingly contested airspace.
In conclusion, Panel 4 – The Role of Industry: Bolstering Deterrence Through Enhanced Capabilities will highlight the crucial partnership between defence agencies and industry in maintaining technological superiority. This panel will explore how industry can support NATO’s efforts in advancing emerging technologies and adapting to the changing nature of warfare. From production capacity to technological innovation, this session will provide a thorough evaluation of options to preserve our technological advantage.
Conference Overview
Conference Panels
Panel 1
A World Reshaped: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Shifting Power Dynamics
As the global security changes, how will NATO adapt to evolving relationships, new conflicts, and emerging technology? Smaller countries and terrorist organizations have shown that small investments can significantly impact the global economy, requiring NATO to look beyond its traditional area of interest. This panel will discuss the changing landscape of warfare and the need for our alliance to adapt in order to effectively deter and prevail in future conflicts.
Panel 2
Battlefield Evolution: The Role of Joint Air and Space Power in Contemporary Conflict
Ukraine’s superior innovation compared to Russia has allowed them to maintain their OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act) loops and ISR capabilities, enabling their much smaller military to effectively impact the enemy at a significant cost. Contemporary conflict capitalizes on connectivity, resulting in campaigns that create effects in the physical, cognitive, and virtual dimensions at speeds that continue to accelerate. How will NATO adapt to effectively carry out operations that surpass, outmanoeuvre, and outsmart our adversaries across all domains?
Panel 3
Contested Air Superiority: Adapting to the Drone and Missile Age
The proliferation of advanced drones, loitering munitions and precision missiles represents a pivotal shift, challenging the conventional paradigms of air dominance. This panel will convene a diverse group of experts to delve into the various implications of these technologies on strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Our goal is to offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of modern air warfare, promoting a comprehensive understanding of how forces can sustain operational advantage in an increasingly contested airspace. Join us in this crucial dialogue on modern air warfare and shaping the future of aerial combat.
Panel 4
The Role of Industry: Bolstering Deterrence Through Enhanced Capabilities
Our concluding panel will explore the industry’s contribution to enhancing NATO Allies’ dedication to the defence sector in maintaining the necessary production capacity for defence in times of peace, crisis, and the preparation for conflict escalation. How can the industry best assist NATO in meeting its needs for advancing emerging technologies and innovating at a pace faster than the changing nature of warfare? Sustaining our technological advantage requires a combination of military and industrial ingenuity, both in terms of processes and capabilities. What is the industry’s perspective on how we can uphold our technological superiority?
Why you should attend
Exhibitor Information
The Joint Air and Space Power Conference, organized annually by the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), offers a splendid opportunity to discuss imminent and future challenges in the Air and other interconnected domains. Together with the team of the Messe Essen Congress Centre, the JAPCC provides a unique setting to enable far-reaching debates for high-ranking leaders and experts from politics and the military, as well as from academia and industry. The conference will as usual be an ideal venue for a stimulating exchange of thoughts and ideas. Industry involvement is greatly valued as part of the networking and cooperation activities that have made the JAPCC conference so special.
