The Future Air Force Conference is once again preparing to surpass the already excellent interest from the previous year. Currently, the participation of 34 national delegations from all continents of the world, represented by the highest representatives, mostly in the ranks of generals, has been confirmed.
We are very grateful for such interest and are working hard to ensure that our conference also offers a quality program and topics that will be relevant and interesting for such a wide audience. The program already has specific contours and the most important presenters have been confirmed.
The Future Air Forces Conference proudly welcomes Colonel Barksdale, USAF, a distinguished Subject Matter Expert from the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), as a featured speaker.
Colonel Barksdale brings extensive operational experience and strategic insight into the evolving role of airpower in multi-domain operations. As a key cooperator in JAPCC’s forward-looking initiatives, his contributions will enrich discussions focused on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), future pilot training requirements, and air force interoperability in the information age.
The organizers of the Future Air Force Conference 2025 are pleased to confirm the participation of a high-level delegation from the Finnish Air Force, led by Brigadier General Aki Puustinen, Chief of Staff of the Finnish Air Force.
Brigadier General Puustinen will deliver a presentation on Finland’s comprehensive approach to preparing future airmen for complex, multi-domain operations. His insights will highlight Finland’s investment in advanced simulation, adaptive pilot development programs, and integrated manned–unmanned teaming training.
The Finnish Air Force’s participation reflects its growing role in regional and NATO-aligned air defence cooperation following Finland’s NATO accession. The delegation will also engage in expert panels and strategic dialogues with Allied and partner air forces.
We are also looking forward to presentations from other renowned representatives of various armies, who, as in previous years, have often contributed greatly to expanding the thematic areas to include additional questions and possible solutions. The mutual exchange of experience is one of the greatest advantages of this conference and this year will be no exception.
Colonel William BARKSDALE
Present appointment – 5th Generation Aircraft Expert
Fighter pilot and instructor pilot. Entered United States Air Force in 06 as graduate from Reserve Officer Training Corps at Mississippi State University with BSc in Aerospace Engineering. After his commissioning he graduated from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas where he remained as an instructor pilot in the T-38C. From there he graduated the F-22 basic operational training course in 12 and proceeded to 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia. During this assignment he deployed on multiple theatre security packages to the Indo-Pacific region. He commanded the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in addition to the 43rd Fighter Squadron during which time the organization produced a record high number of F-22 basic course graduates. Most recently he graduated from Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He holds MSc in Airpower Art and Science, Military Operational Art and Science, and Strategic Studies. He is Command Pilot with over 2,000 flight hours in the T-38A/C and F-22.
Brigadier General Aki Juhani PUUSTINEN
Present Appointment – Chief of Staff
Fighter pilot F/A-18. Born 24th May 1972. Passed Pilot Reserve Officer’s Course in 1993 and Military Academy Pilot Officer Course in 1997. Served as F/A-18 Sqn pilot, Chief of Tactics and Weapon Offr, Flight Comdr of Sqn 31 Karelia Air Wing (1997-07), Senior Air Staff Offr Flight Ops HQ FAF (2008-10), Assistant COS Ops Karelia Air Wing (2011-13), Deputy Asst COS A5 Plans HQ FAF (2013-14), Air Chief Rep in Finish Defence Command (2017-18), Chief of Policy and Plans A5 HQ FAF (2018-20), Comdr Karelia Air Wing (2021-23), Deputy Chief of Plans and Policy Defence Command (2023-24).
