The 2026 Joint Air and Space Power Conference has successfully concluded following two days of high-level discussions, expert insights, and valuable exchanges at the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany.
Held from 22 to 24 September under the theme “Air Power at the Edge: Securing NATO’s New Frontiers”, this year’s conference achieved record-breaking attendance, bringing together an unprecedented number of participants from across the international Joint Air and Space Power community. The distinguished audience included senior military leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, academics, and subject-matter experts from NATO and partner nations.
Against a backdrop of strategic competition extending beyond traditional battlefields into the High North, the Indo-Pacific, the orbital commons, the grey zone, and the human cognitive domain, the conference provided a timely forum for examining the evolving challenges facing NATO and the role of Joint Air and Space Power in addressing them.
Throughout the conference, speakers, panellists, and participants engaged in lively and thought-provoking discussions on the geopolitical, technological, operational, and human dimensions of future air and space power. The exchanges highlighted the importance of credible capabilities, resilience, civil-military cooperation, technological innovation, and strong international partnerships in maintaining NATO’s ability to deter, defend, and operate effectively across an increasingly complex security environment.
The record attendance, combined with the senior level and broad international representation of the audience, contributed significantly to the quality of the discussions. Beyond the formal programme, the conference once again demonstrated the value of bringing the Joint Air and Space Power community together to exchange perspectives, challenge established thinking, strengthen professional relationships, and develop new connections.
A particular highlight was the EUDEX Networking Event, which provided an excellent setting for participants to continue conversations beyond the conference hall. The event offered valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues and partners from across the international defence community in a relaxed atmosphere and proved a highly successful addition to this year’s programme.
The JAPCC would like to thank all keynote speakers, panellists, moderators, delegates, partners, and supporting organisations whose contributions made the 2026 Conference such a success.
While the conference itself has concluded, the discussion continues. Conference Proceedings, capturing the principal themes, insights, and conclusions from the 2026 Joint Air and Space Power Conference, will be published soon.
We look forward to continuing the dialogue and to welcoming the Joint Air and Space Power community again at future JAPCC events.
