Position Your Brand at the Forefront of Global Air Combat Innovation

International Fighter 2025 is the world’s leading combat airpower event, returning for its 25th anniversary from 4–6 November 2025 in Rome, Italy. With over 500 military leaders, air force commanders, and defence industry decision-makers in attendance, this is your opportunity to connect directly with the people shaping the future of air combat.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain:

• Unmatched visibility among global defence stakeholders
• Thought leadership opportunities through speaking slots and panel participation
• Tailored networking with military buyers and program leads
• Premium branding across the event, from exhibition space to sponsored drinks receptions

Whether you're showcasing next-gen fighter platforms, AI and autonomy solutions, or advanced avionics and EW systems, IFC 2025 is where your innovations meet their market.

 👉 Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to explore packages, benefits, and how to make your mark at this premier global defence event.

We are proud to share the agenda for the 25th anniversary of the International Fighter Conference (IFC)!

Renowned as the world’s premier gathering for combat aviation professionals, IFC continues to unite the sharpest minds and most influential leaders in the field.

This year, we’re thrilled to announce that IFC 2025 will take place in the historic and vibrant city of Rome, Italy—a brand new location befitting this milestone edition. Over the course of four dynamic days, more than 400 senior leaders, air force commanders, and industry pioneers from across the globe will convene to address the evolving challenges of air superiority in an increasingly contested battlespace.

Inside the Agenda you will find: 

• A Welcome Letter
• Meet The Conference Chairmen 
• The 2025 Speaker Line-up
• The Full 3 Day Agenda with Topics and Discussion Points
• What's New in 2025
• Key Themes and Benefits of Attending 
• Who You Can Meet at IFC 2025 
• This Year's Sponsors and Networking Opportunities 

From cutting-edge technology showcases to high-level strategic panels, IFC 2025 promises to deliver unparalleled value to all attendees. Whether you're a returning delegate or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to be part of a truly global conversation on the future of air combat.

Download Your Copy Today!

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. 

This piece summarises Chapter 7.4 of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025, which sets a forward-looking vision for the nation’s air power strategy. It focuses on strengthening operational advantage in contested environments through cutting-edge technologies, greater interoperability, and international collaboration. Key themes include the development of sixth-generation air combat systems via the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral partnership with Italy and Japan. The review also stresses the importance of integrating AI and autonomy, particularly through Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) designed to operate alongside current and next-generation aircraft. The RAF’s modernisation is another priority, with ongoing investment in the Typhoon fleet and F-35B squadrons, alongside efforts to create digitally enabled, integrated forces. The review also outlines the evolution of carrier-enabled air power with hybrid air wings that combine crewed and uncrewed systems for enhanced flexibility and reach. Additionally, the SDR highlights the value of international partnerships and industrial collaboration in maintaining the UK’s global influence and shaping NATO policy.

SEAD/DEAD has come to the forefront of conversation as RUSI fighter expert Justin Bronk shares his views on this urgent capability gap. This paper is a clarion call for Western forces to recognise the importance of securing the air against ground defence systems.

The economic impact of defence spending is a complicated subject. Detractors of defence spending cite a variety of reasons why defence spending is wasteful, ineffective or harmful and that it diverts resources from more urgent or beneficial areas such as education, healthcare and development. Could NATO’s failure to deter Russia from invading Ukraine be seen as insufficient commitment to defence spending? The answer is not simplistic, and neither is the case for and against spending on defence. Does defence spending benefit the economy or is it a waste of resources? We recently came across a detailed study conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) on the economic impact of defence spending which we thought was interesting.

Defence iQ had the privilege of interviewing active duty Mig 29 Pilot “Juice” and spokesperson Colonel Yuriy Ignat of the Ukrainian Air Force.

Using questions from Chairman General (Retd.) Gorenc, Defence iQ gains rare insight into one of the most complex aerial wars in Europe since the Second World War. This interview touches on the challenges and lessons learnt by the Ukrainian Air Force, as well as their material need to ensure air superiority.

When discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is essential to think about it holistically, not only in terms of capabilities but also in terms of what AI really means for defence. 

Defence iQ is delighted to share with you an exclusive interview with Colonel Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton, Director, DAF-MIT AI Accelerator, U.S. Department of the Air Force, sharing thoughtful insights about a regularly misunderstood topic.

AI sets itself to revolutionise the defence domain, from capabilities to industry. Colonel Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton explains why AI and machine learning have become a focal point for defence. He points out the potential and limitations of AI in the defence domain and the nuances of applying it.

The International Fighter Conference has gained a reputation as the world’s leading conference bringing together the greatest minds in combat aviation.

Find out which key Air Force Commanders, Procurement Specialists, Capability Planners, and Industry Leaders within the fighter jet community attended the International Fighter 2024 Conference!

Air Commodore Howard Edwards attended the 2023 International Fighter Conference where experts from across the globe highlighted the challenges associated with delivering air power from dispersed locations, effective training, and logistics. 

Here is a preview of what you can expect by attending IFC with an exclusive presentation from the Royal Air Force, which was delivered at the 2023 conference by Air Commodore Howard Edwards, Combat Air Force Commander, on Combat Air Force.

Unlock the Future of Fighter Technology: Sixth Generation Fighter

Stay ahead in the evolving world of air combat with Defence iQ’s latest report, authored by airpower expert Dr. James Bosbotinis. Discover how cutting-edge technologies like AI, uncrewed systems, and advanced propulsion are shaping the next generation of fighter aircraft 

This report provides an in-depth analysis of:

🔹The evolution of air combat theory

🔹Key technologies and programmes driving the sixth generation fighter

🔹Lessons learned from recent conflicts 

Get the expert insights you need to navigate the future of airpower.

As the 2024 International Fighter Conference approaches, stay ahead of the curve with Defence iQ's latest must-read: the International Fighter Market Report for 2024-2029.

In a rapidly evolving landscape where cutting-edge technologies are transforming both fighter platforms and supply chains, the stakes for national airspace security have never been higher. Nations worldwide are prioritizing air dominance to deter near-peer adversaries, making it crucial to stay informed.

This comprehensive report offers exclusive insights into the most significant programs across the globe, paired with an in-depth spending forecast. Whether you're a defense professional, industry insider, or strategic planner, this report is your key to understanding the current and future fighter market landscape.

Don't miss out—download your copy today and arm yourself with the knowledge to prepare for the upcoming International Fighter Conference.

In preparation for the International Fighter Conference 2024, we have had the pleasure of interviewing Major General David G. “Baja” Shoemaker, the Director of Operations at Air Combat Command (ACC). This quick sortie interview gives insight into the daily functions, challenges, needs and wants of the Air Combat Command.

It is an excellent piece to prepare yourself for the Major General’s presentation at IFC 2024.