International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2026 will take place from 3-5 November 2026 in Munich, Germany, bringing together the global combat air community at a time of rapid capability transformation.
Now in its 26th year, the event convenes air force leaders, pilots, program decision-makers, and industry to examine how integration, interoperability, and industrial resilience are shaping future combat air capability.
Image credit: Defence iQ International Fighter Conference
With 600+ attendees, 40+ nations, 40+ senior speakers, and 20+ partners, the conference addresses developments in autonomy, AI, electronic warfare, and manned-unmanned teaming, alongside advances in robotics and autonomous systems.
When is the Event?
International Fighter Conference 2026 is scheduled for 3-5 November 2026.
Attendees are advised to register before Friday, 31 July 2026 to secure an early pass and save €300.
Themes
The conference will center on core themes including firepower, connectivity and digitization, mobility, situational awareness, robotics and autonomous systems, and protection and survivability.
IFC 2026 also focuses on airpower integration across collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), advanced fighters, and allied data architectures.
What’s On?
The event features a program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, industry insight sessions, and themed speaking tracks covering key areas of combat air capability.
Workshops and interactive sessions will explore the event’s core themes, alongside an exhibition and networking space where organizations can present their capabilities. Attendees will also have access to drinks receptions, networking lunches, and private meeting spaces throughout the conference.
Speakers
The conference will feature senior military leaders and defense representatives, including:
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, DSACEUR, NATO SHAPE
- General Adrian Spain, Commander, Air Combat Command
- Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, Chief of Staff, German Air Force
- Lieutenant General André Steur, Commander, Royal Netherlands Air Force
- Vice Admiral David Desfougères, Commander of the French Naval Aviation Force, French Navy
- Major General Jeff Smyth, Chief Air & Space Force Development, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Air Commodore Chris Layden, Combat Air Force Commander, Royal Air Force
- Brigadier General Brian Laidlaw, Director of Operations, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Force
Where is the Event?
Eisbach Studios
Munich
Germany
To learn more about International Fighter Conference 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
