The FCAS and Tempest programmes are moving ahead quickly, with France and Germany welcoming Spain and Italy confirming their collaboration with the UK and Sweden at DSEI earlier this year. The focus is on a system of systems approach for both, which will require new technologies and innovative solutions to sustain air superiority in the future operating environment. Ahead of this year’s International Fighter conference, Defence IQ delved into the three biggest fighter programmes of our time: the F-35, the FCAS and Tempest. 

Download the white paper now >>

This white paper is divided in the following sections:

• Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Chris Bogdan, Former PEO F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, U.S. Air Force shares the lessons he learned from managing the F-35 programme
  
• Major General Jean-Pascal Breton, Programme Lead FCAS, French Air Force discusses achieving air superiority at the horizon 2040 with the FCAS
• Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Combat Air Systems, Airbus speaks on enabling European air forces to find an answer to future air power challenges through the FCAS
• Air Commodore Dan Storr, Head Combat Air Acquisition Programme, UK MoD shares insight into preparing for the post-Typhoon era with the Tempest programme

Top benefits of downloading this white paper:

• Gain exclusive insight on the top three biggest fighter programmes from the heads of these programmes, all of which will attend this year’s International Fighter 
  
• Learn more about how new technologies will be leveraged to prepare air forces for the future operating environment, which will be an ongoing theme at this year’s International Fighter
  
• Get a better understanding on the role of industry in regard to to achieving Air Forces’ vision for their fighter aircraft

From the 5th - 7th November 2024, Berlin welcomed over 350 attendees from 35+ nations for the 24th International Fighter Conference (IFC) - a premier platform for the global combat air community. Over three days, senior military leaders, government officials, and industry experts gathered to explore the latest developments in 4th to 6th generation fighter technologies, interoperability, AI, and multi-domain integration.

With keynote addresses, strategic briefings, and interactive panels, the event generated critical dialogue on achieving and sustaining air superiority amid evolving global threats. The 2024 edition reaffirmed IFC’s role as a vital hub for advancing collective defence capability and cooperation.

This Post Show Report provides a run-down of key topics, speakers, presentations and events of yet another successful IFC conference. 

From the 5th - 7th November 2024, Berlin welcomed over 350 attendees from 35+ nations for the 24th International Fighter Conference (IFC) - a premier platform for the global combat air community. Over three days, senior military leaders, government officials, and industry experts gathered to explore the latest developments in 4th to 6th generation fighter technologies, interoperability, AI, and multi-domain integration. With keynote addresses, strategic briefings, and interactive panels, the event generated critical dialogue on achieving and sustaining air superiority amid evolving global threats. The 2024 edition reaffirmed IFC’s role as a vital hub for advancing collective defence capability and cooperation. This Post Show Report provides a run-down of key topics, speakers, presentations and events of yet another successful IFC conference.

Chapter 7.4 of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review 2025 outlines a bold, forward-looking strategy to secure air superiority in an increasingly contested world. The focus? Next-gen technology, global partnerships, and integrated force readiness.

✈️ Next-Generation Air Combat The UK is advancing sixth-generation air systems through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) — a trilateral initiative with Italy and Japan. These systems will feature AI-driven capabilities and Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) that work seamlessly with both current and future aircraft.

🤖 AI & Autonomy at the Core AI and autonomous systems are central to future air operations. ACPs will enhance mission effectiveness by operating alongside manned aircraft in real time. 🔧 Modernising the RAF Continued investment in the Typhoon fleet and F-35B squadrons ensures cutting-edge readiness. The RAF is evolving into a digitally enabled, integrated force built for speed, agility, and resilience.

🚢 Carrier-Enabled Air Power The UK is developing hybrid air wings that combine crewed and uncrewed systems. This approach boosts flexibility, reach, and rapid response capabilities from sea-based platforms.

🌍 Global Partnerships & Influence Strong international collaboration is key to shaping NATO policy and maintaining the UK’s global influence. Industrial partnerships will drive innovation and ensure long-term strategic advantage.

Read Defence iQ's full summary now!

Defence IQ sat down with General (ret) Frank Gorenc, recently retired Commander of US Air Forces Europe, Africa and NATO Allied Air Command to discuss his thoughts on the future of multi-domain conflicts, the role of combat airpower in NATO security, interoperability and A2/AD environments.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a collaborative project between Dassault and Airbus aims to redefine air combat capabilities in Europe, with a system of systems approach and a fleet of manned and unmanned systems to support the fighter aircraft and achieve air dominance. Ahead of International Fighter 2018, Defence IQ discussed with Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Combat Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space. By reading this exclusive transcript of the conversation, learn more about:

• The vision of the project to operate in a post-2035 environment
• The project’s key landmarks
• The integration of the new system with existing fleets
• The importance of industry collaboration

This November, leading military air combat decision-makers and industry professionals will assemble at the annual International Fighter conference in London. Returning to chair the event is Lt Gen (Rtd) David Deptula, the US Air Force’s former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the defence world, General Deptula served more than 34 years of distinguished service, being the principal attack planner for Desert Storm (1991) and the Director of the Combined Air Operations Center for Operation Enduring Freedom (2001) to name just two of his most prominent assignments.

At the International Fighter conference, Air Vice Marshal Farooq Habib, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Training) at the Pakistan Air Force, discussed the service's modernisation efforts and methods of improving the skills of its pilots. In this article, we take a deeper look at the performance of the PAC JF-17 Thunder, from engine and refueling developments to export rumours. ACR Mahmood Khalid, PAC Vice-Director, talks to Georg Mader for Defence Industry Bulletin.