Defence iq

The World’s Premier
Military Flight Training Conference

23rd - 26th March 2027 | Germany

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March 23rd - 25th  2027 

From Pilot to Mission Commander
Preparing Aviators to Dominate Contested Battlespaces Through Safe, Effective, and AI-Enabled Next-Gen Training 

Existing conflicts are fundamentally reshaping the role of the pilot, highlighting the need for training to adapt at the same pace as frontline operations, rather than treating training as an afterthought. Tomorrow’s aviators will increasingly act as mission commanders, managing complex networks of crewed and uncrewed systems, integrated artificial intelligence and making critical decisions in contested operating environments. In this current context, operating effectively in contested battlespaces will become just as important as traditional flying skills.

Pilot shortages, resource constraints, and increasing operational demand are placing unprecedented pressure on training regimes. Traditional approaches focused on progressing as many pilots through the pipeline are no longer sufficient. Air forces must now consider how to generate, sustain and measure mission-ready aircrew across air force, army aviation and naval aviation, under contested conditions, with fewer instructors, fewer aircraft hours, more synthetic training, autonomy, and multinational dependency. Degraded communications, disrupted situational awareness, electronic warfare and increased prevalence of autonomy in a drone-saturated battlefield are driving new training requirements to reflect combat realities.

The Military Flight Training Conference returns to unite our 25+ year community of senior air force leaders, training commands and industry to explore the evolving role of the military aviator, as AI, autonomy and crewed-uncrewed teaming become integral to future air operations. From ab initio to red air training, topics include autonomous systems mission commander training, AI supervision and trust, swarm command and control, human-machine interfaces, ethical decision-making, and the testing and certification of autonomous systems.

Through each dedicated stream covering Fixed Wing, Mission Aircrew and Autonomous Air Systems and Rotary Wing and Vertical Lift Operations, the Military Flight Training Conference will prepare the next generation of aircrew for the future fight. Through a focus on real-world combat readiness, future doctrine, CCA integration and lessons learnt from current conflicts, join the aviation training community to prepare for the realities of contested wartime operations rather than ideal operating conditions.

Key areas of discussion:

  • Autonomous systems mission commander training
  • The impact of drone technology
  • Swarm command and control
  • Human-machine interface management, MUM-T and CCA
  • AI supervision and trust calibration
  • Rules of engagement and ethical decision-making
  • Testing, validating and certifying autonomous systems

Make sure to register before Friday, 27th November 2026

Secure an early pass and save £400!

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Meet our 2026 Speakers

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WE HAVE WELCOMED

26 Years of
Military Flight Expertise and Collaboration

450+

Attendees

40+

Speakers

18+

Sponsors

23+

Nations

Why Industry Should Attend or Sponsor MFT

Meet Training Commanders Shaping Future Aircrew Requirements

Influence Investment Priorities and Position Your Capability Against Live Training, Readiness, and Transition Challenges

Engage Operators, Instructors and Programme Leads Facing Real Pipeline Pressure

Turn Visibility into Meetings with the Military Flight Training Community

Why Military and Government Should Attend MFT

Compare Approaches with Allied Training Leaders and Strengthen Interoperability Across Multinational Training Communities

Understand how Peers are Tackling Pipeline Pressure, Instructor Shortages and Reduced Flying Hours

Explore Practical Uses of Simulation, LVC, AI and Data to Improve Readiness

Access Modern Insights from Commanders Operating in Today’s Conflicts to Prepare for Next-Gen Training

Event Highlights

Watch the 2026 Highlights Video

Hear direct from our attendees and enquire today to discover how you can connect with the military aviation industry's most senior operations leaders. Our event will enable you to secure your position as a leading voice in shaping the future in Military Flight Training.

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Become A Sponsor

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities

Sponsorship provides a unique opportunity to showcase your capabilities to senior military leaders and training professionals actively seeking solutions to enhance readiness, modernise training pipelines and improve operational effectiveness.

Defence iQ's 26th Military Flight Training event convenes the military flight training community, bringing together senior decision-makers from air forces, government and industry in one location. Through tailored networking opportunities, sponsors can build valuable relationships and generate meaningful business conversations that are difficult to achieve at larger, less focused trade shows.

Testimonials

A Word From our Attendees

Jason Hawker

It’s the only opportunity where we get to meet with our colleagues from industry and the military, both informally and formally, so we can really tackle the difficult problems we’re all facing.

Principal Officer for NATO Flight Training Europe

Billie Flynn

It’s an opportunity to gain relevant, real-world insight into how Western air forces are training today and how the technologies we all have are shaping the future. It’s immeasurable to have the chance to spend time with senior decision-makers, to understand where their priorities lie, what they’re looking for as customers, and how we can help them.

VP, Technology and strategic development – International test pilots school ltd

Charles “Magnum” Metrolis

It’s a great venue to connect with all of our allies and partners who are focused on the shared objective of delivering the best military flight training.

Leader, Diplomat, Strategist, Boeing

Luca Rancati

Being in a position to speak directly with the end user is essential for us to develop the right products and solutions. It allows us to better understand their challenges, their perspective, and what they need.

Commercial Director, AEREA S.pA.

Ryan Pulliam

This event has been incredibly valuable for us. Just by being here, we’ve made a tonne of great contacts. We anticipated it would be a good event, but it has really exceeded our expectations, and I believe we’ve made connections with representatives from almost every country, as well as NATO.

Co-founder, Specular Theory

Captain Simone Villetard

It’s a great opportunity to gain different perspectives and ask some of the questions you might think are difficult. They’re actually quite approachable at different levels, so it’s really encouraging to see that you’re not alone in this process and that so many other people are looking at the same issues.

Royal Canadian air force – FFLIT

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