Defence iq

The World's Leading Combat Aviation Conference

3 - 5 November 2026 | Eisbach Studios, Munich, Germany

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Partnership Opportunities

2026 Registration

3-5 NOVEMBER, 2026

Building Combat Mass: CCAs, Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming, and the Future Fighter Force

Returning to Munich for its 26th year, the International Fighter Conference will once again unite more than 600 senior leaders, air chiefs, programme directors, and industry innovators who are shaping the future of combat airpower in an increasingly contested battlespace.

As adversaries rapidly expand their capabilities, Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) have moved from concept to necessity, offering scalable, lethal, and resilient combat mass. At the same time, next-generation fighter programmes continue to advance, while existing 4th- and 5th-generation fleets are expanding and integrating, reinforcing their role as the backbone of coalition airpower.

The 2026 IFC agenda will address a range of topics critical to the current issues faced by fighter pilots and explore what’s possible for the future operating environment. With several full-scale CCAs on display in the interactive exhibition and a senior audience of operators, engineers, and acquisition leaders, the conference offers a rare opportunity to examine how air forces and industry are collaborating on manned–unmanned teaming, combat cloud architectures, AI-enabled decision support, and the practical challenges of integrating new capabilities into legacy fleets. Dedicated tracks on operational readiness and advanced engineering will explore developments in advanced weapons, EW, avionics, C2, mission systems, and the sustainment and training models required to field next-generation airpower at scale.

I look forward to welcoming you to IFC 2026 in Munich, the world’s leading conference, bringing together the greatest minds in combat aviation.

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Make sure to register before Monday, 2nd November 2026

Secure an early pass and save €100!

Snapshot of 2026 Speakers

Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer

DSACEUR

NATO SHAPE

General Adrian Spain

Commander

Air Combat Command

General Francisco Braco Carbó

Chief of Air Staff

Spanish Air and Space Force

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 Tomasz Jatczak

Inspector of the Polish Air Force

Polish Armed Forces

Major General Jeff Smyth

Chief Air & Space Force Development

Royal Canadian Air Force

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Event Highlights

Watch the 2025 Highlights Video

Hear directly from IFC 2025 partners as they share their experience of engaging with the global combat air community. This highlights video captures why International Fighter Conference remains the trusted forum for meaningful dialogue, high-level networking, and strategic collaboration across combat aviation.

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A Proven Global Combat Air Forum

Trusted by the Global Combat Air Community

600+

Attendees

40+

Nations

40+

Speakers

20+

Partners

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Key Themes for 2026

Integration of CCAs into the future fighter fleet

Hear strategic briefings on the role of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, alongside technical sessions how autonomy, mission level AI, and advanced teaming architectures are being integrated into air forces.

Achieving air dominance in an increasingly contested environment

Examining how electronic warfare, spectrum control, and design choices improve survivability in highly contested airspace.

Testing, validation, and operational realities of operating CCAs

Assessing lessons learned from trials, experimentation, and real-world use to bridge the gap between concept and deployment.

Next-generation engineering and technologies

Explore an expanded conference track that distinguishes operational insight from technical expertise, enabling focused discussions on AI, autonomy, EW, training, sustainment, logistics, and the engineering advances shaping tomorrow’s fighter fleets.

2025 Post Show Report

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Become A Partner

Partnership Opportunities

Partnerships at International Fighter Conference 2026 offer an effective way to position your company in front of senior air force leaders, programme decision-makers, and industry experts seeking practical solutions to current and future combat air challenges.

IFC 2026 brings together the global combat air community in one location, connecting military, government, and industry stakeholders. Through targeted networking and curated engagement opportunities, partners benefit from meaningful, face-to-face interactions that support relationship building and long-term business development in a way large trade shows cannot.

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Testimonials

A Word From our Attendees

An Outstanding Event

This International Fighter Conference was an outstanding event. All the critical issues in fighter training were addressed. We all have much work to do to establish a viable training program for 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-generation fighters.

Delegate

IFC Event is Highly Effective

The IFC event is highly effective in fostering collaboration between military experts, engineers, and policymakers. It provided a platform to share the latest technological advancements, operational experiences, and strategic insights, ensuring that innovations are aligned with defense needs. Such gatherings also strengthened international cooperation and accelerated the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in modern air combat.

Turkish Air Force

The Best IFC I've attended

This was the best IFC [2025 event] I've attended since I started participating.

Top Aces

First Time at the IFC, I Will Definitely Come Again

First time at the IFC, I will definitely come again, and even convince my company, Thales, to send more people. Being a fighter and test pilot, previous colonel in the French Air Force, it seems to me that this is the place to be to discuss strategic issues linked with today's and future of Air Power.

Thales

The Conference was Exceptional

The conference was exceptional. There was an exceptional level of presentations, where all participants fostered to achieve a common goal. Thank you very much for this opportunity.

Chilean Air Force