WHY

In a constantly evolving strategic and tactical environment, Air Force commanders and policy makers continually need to address the imminent challenges confronting the aviation forces. Any shortage of prepared pilots means incapable Air Force. Any efficient training needs proper modern syllabuses, skilled instructors, platforms delivering on training tasks as well as cooperation with the defence industry and consideration of what the future of airwarfare will look like (i.e. 6th generation fighter, UAVs…). There is here a common task – preparing individual, both physically and mentally, to take the responsibilities of future air force life.

WHAT

Future Air Force Conference brings together the Commanders and Air Chiefs of national air forces, military planners and policy makers, training experts and instructors, academic staff, aviators, pilots, engineers, aviation subject matter experts, research and development specialists as well as the aviation and defence industry executives, to discuss on how to improve the quality of military flight training and operations to make both more effective and less costly.

HOW

The ambition of the organisers is to bring together subject matter experts from all around the world, from military users, defence industry and academia. The Future Air Force Conference is an ideal platform to exchange experiences and establish new and useful relationships that will benefit all participants. It is the opportunity to engage in enlightening discussions, gain valuable knowledge from renowned experts and discover cutting-edge technologies revolutionising flight training practices.

CONCEPT

The conference is built around a comprehensive capability development framework inspired by the DOTMLPFI approach, addressing doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and interoperability. This structure enables a holistic discussion on how air forces can evolve across all domains and functions.

The program is organized into thematic blocks that reflect key capability areas, including advanced sensing and electronic warfare, unmanned and optionally piloted systems, air mobility and multi-role platforms, and the protection and resilience of the critical infrastructures, including air bases. Each block integrates operational perspectives, technological innovations, and training requirements.

Despite the strong emphasis on technology and systems, the conference underscores that the decisive factor in future air operations remains the human element. Well-trained, adaptable, and resilient personnel are essential to effectively employ advanced capabilities and respond to rapidly changing operational environments.

By bringing together stakeholders from armed forces, industry, and academia, the conference promotes a shared understanding of future challenges and supports the development of balanced, effective, and sustainable air power capabilities.

AIM OF THE CONFERENCE

The Future Air Force Conference aims to provide a high-level platform for discussion on the comprehensive development of air power in an increasingly complex and contested security environment. While previous editions focused on Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the evolution of 5th and 6th generation aircraft, this year’s conference expands the perspective to encompass the full spectrum of capabilities required to achieve and sustain air superiority.

A key objective is to incorporate lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, particularly in areas such as unmanned systems, counter-UAS, electronic warfare, resilient basing, and rapid adaptation. The conference seeks to foster dialogue among military leaders, industry representatives, and academia on how to translate these lessons into practical capability development and operational advantage.

OUR TEAM

Major General (Ret.) Bohuslav DVOŘÁK

Chairman of the Steering Committee

former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, currently serving as Defence and Security Advisor to the Czech Defence Industries.

Mr. Petr Markvart

Member of the Steering Committee
Executive Director

Czech lawyer, enterpreneur and business executive in defence and aerospace industry. He is the owner of DEFCON company, supporting international trade and industrial cooperation.

Brigadier General ret. Libor Štefánik

Member of the Steering Committee

former MiG-21 aircraft pilot and Commander of the Air Force from 2013 to 2016. He capped his military career in military diplomacy as the military and air attaché in Sweden.

Mr. Adam Drnek

Member of the Steering Committee

Executive Director & Partner of the FUTURE FORCES FORUM, international platform for trends and technologies in defence and security.

Colonel ret. Petr Tichý

Program Manager

former MiG-29 pilot, who, as Deputy Director of the Force Development Section, participated in the preparation of the Czech Air Force for NATO, the NATINADS system, and the reform of the Armed Forces after the Czech Republic’s accession to the Alliance.

Ms. Marika Přinosilová

Marketing Manager

marketing and communication professional with extensive experience on international programs in leading aerospace and defence corporations.

Mr. Matthieu Szelag

Event Coordinator

consultant in the field of the defence industry, Matthieu works mostly as a facilitator. His background in hospitality and event businesses makes him
 the perfect event coordinator for the Future Air Force Conference.