The Chief of the Air Staff’s
Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2023

12 - 13 July 2023

Venue:

IET, Savoy Place, London and Online

Details

Description

Rolls Royce

Free on-demand service

Free on-demand service kindly sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

The Chief of the Air Staff’s Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2023 brings together global leaders in Air and Space Power with captains of industry and technology, enhanced by experts from international academia.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Global Air and Space Power’ and will explore perspectives of delivering Global Air and Space Power through regional lenses, including the High North, the Eastern Area of the NATO Alliance and the Indo-Pacific. Panel sessions will involve a spectrum of Air and Space Chiefs covering their respective areas of expertise as well as a review of progress towards more sustainable operations.

Keynote Speakers are expected to include a leading UK Minister, the Chief of the Air Staff, and International Chiefs of Air and Space Forces. They will provide their unique perspectives on the criticality of maintaining cutting edge air and space power capabilities to operate and if necessary to fight and win across a spectrum of operations, regions and domains, simultaneously.

Panel sessions will cover the following:

Sustaining Net Zero Operations

Our expert panel will review the collective progress made by Air Forces following agreement of our Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration last year. This will include how we are making proactive steps towards operating more sustainably and will examine how we have to evolve to effectively sustain operations within a climate-changed world.

NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North

This session will examine the air and space power implications and lessons identified from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and what they mean for the defence and security of our airspace. The clear focus will be upon achieving credible deterrence and maintaining freedom of manoeuvre and air superiority against near peer rivals. And how we can learn from and adopt best practices from our fellow air forces when addressing the tyranny of proximity.

The Indo-Pacific

Expert speakers will examine the threats posed to this region of key strategic significance from evolving air and space powers, and how our air and space forces will have to prepare for a transition from constant competition to enduring confrontation. This will include an analysis of the air and space capabilities, connectivity, command and control and coalition cohesion which will be required when addressing the tyranny of proximity.

Space & Emerging Technology

The criticality of the space domain to our current and future operations will be the focus of our specialist international panel, who will also address the conundrum of the civilisation as opposed to the militarisation of space. Our technological experts will cover their expectations of the forthcoming epochs of technological evolution, including what they will mean for our civil and military capabilities.

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Air Vice-Marshal Simon S. Edwards

‘As ever, we are very much looking forward to CAS Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference. It has never been more important to come together and share perspectives and thinking on how best to employ and develop air and space power. This matters as we seek to safeguard our collective security and prosperity against the spectrum of strategic threats which face us all.’

Tickets on sale now

Please click on the ticket tab at the top of the page to purchase.

Sponsorship opportunities start from £4,500 + VAT, for more information, please email catherine@airspacepower.com

GOLD TICKETS £899 + VAT  **SOLD OUT** Silver tickets still available

There are a limited numbers of gold tickets available to the conference.  These tickets will provide:

  • Access to the whole conference on both days at the IET
  • An invitation to the VIP Lunch in The Riverside Room on the top floor of the IET on Wednesday 12 July
  • An invitation to the VIP Evening Reception held in The Riverside Room and on The Johnson Roof Terrace (weather permitting) at the IET
  • Lunch on Thursday 13 July will be on the ground floor for all delegates
  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Virtual networking facilities available with opportunities to take part in the live question & answer sessions on the conference days
  • Catch-up facility available

 

SILVER TICKETS £499 + VAT         

Silver tickets provide the holder with:

  • Access to the whole conference on both days at the IET
  • A buffet lunch in the ground floor rooms on both days
  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Virtual networking facilities available with opportunities to take part in the live question & answer sessions on the conference days
  • Catch-up facility available

 

VIRTUAL TICKETS

  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Full access  and Catch-up facilities available.
Strategic Partners

Event Details

Start date: 12 July 2023

End date: 13 July 2023

Start time: 09:00 GMT

End time: 17:00 GMT

Venue: IET London, Savoy Place, WC2R 0BL

Agenda

Day oneWednesday 12th July 2023
0900Venue registration open
1020Day One of the Conference opens. Welcome and IntroductionSusannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force
1030-1200Operating Sustainably
Our Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference will commence by examining the existential threat facing us all, that of climate change. This will include how we can operate in increasingly sustainable ways, and how our operations will have to evolve, taking into account the changes to our operating environment caused by global warming. This initial session will also review the progress made and the initiatives launched by leading Air Forces over the past twelve months, aligned with the Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration, which was agreed at GASCC22
Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings
601 Squadron RAuxAF
James Clare
Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd
Director Support (Designate), Royal Air Force
Roberto Guerrero
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force
Brigadier General Holger Neumann
Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Policy, German Air Force
Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella
Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command
Jill M. Albertelli
President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney
Jey Williams
Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus
1200Networking & Lunch
1300Conference IntroductionsSusannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1315NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North
Air Power specialists will focus upon the current and future challenges to safeguarding our airspace within the NATO and European context, to the North, the East and the South, including identifying the key lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The session will highlight the need for increased agility and enhanced innovation to meet the threats to our security, with a focus upon those currently leading some of the most agile Air Forces
General James B Hecker
Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe
Major General Jonas Wikman
Commander, Swedish Air Force
Air Marshal Harvey Smyth
Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force
Professor Justin Bronk
Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute
Heidi Grant
President of Business Development, Boeing
Rick Breckenridge
Sector Vice President
Strategy & Growth
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
1515Afternoon Tea & Networking
1545The Indo-Pacific
Strategic aviators and technologists will consider the challenges facing leading Air Forces in prosecuting operations at extreme range, large scale and high tempo against near peer rivals. This will include the vital importance of operating alongside allies and in truly integrated ways across multiple domains. And the session will also consider key alternative perspectives, including how potential adversaries will seek to undermine our technological superiority
General K S Wilsbach
Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force
Richard Berthon
Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence
Dr Brendan Mulvaney
Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University
Meia Nouwens
Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies
Ian Muldowney
Chief Operating Officer – Air, BAE Systems
Greg M. Ulmer
Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation
1745Conference Day 1 Reflections
1800-2000VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold tickets only)Kindly supported by BAE Systems & Leonardo
Day twoThursday 13th July 2023
0830Venue registration open
0920Day Two of the Conference opens.
Welcome speech and Introduction
Susannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
0930VIP Speakers
Our VIP speakers will bring their strategic perspectives covering the art of ensuring that we are fit to fight tonight, and that we will be fit to fight into the future, using the agility, flexibility and lethality of air power. This will include their respective priorities and how they intend to ensure integration of effects, across domains, between Air Forces and across theatres of operation
Keynote 1The Rt Hon James Heappey MP
Minister of State (Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans)
Keynote 2Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
Keynote 3Air Marshal Robert Chipman
Chief of the Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force
Keynote 4 General B Chance Saltzman
Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force
1045Morning Coffee & Networking
1115Space & Emerging Technology
Leading space thinkers and practitioners will highlight the evolving criticality of both military and commercial space-based capabilities to the effective delivery of air power. The session will examine how the dual nature of space lends itself both to the increasing commercialisation and in parallel the militarisation of this strategic domain. It will also consider how capabilities in space can be utilised increasingly for the common good, in addressing some of the existential challenges to our species and our planet. And equally important, the session will consider how emerging technologies might offer the solutions to some of the key challenges facing our Air and Space Forces
Professor Anu Ojha
Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate
Dr Nicholas Patrick
former NASA astronaut
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
Commander, United Kingdom Space Command
Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie
Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited
Jonathan Smith
Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo
1245Closing RemarksAir Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
Susannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
1250Lunch & Networking
  • Day oneWednesday 12th July 2023
    0900Venue registration open
    1020Day One of the Conference opens. Welcome and IntroductionSusannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards
    Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force
    1030-1200Operating Sustainably
    Our Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference will commence by examining the existential threat facing us all, that of climate change. This will include how we can operate in increasingly sustainable ways, and how our operations will have to evolve, taking into account the changes to our operating environment caused by global warming. This initial session will also review the progress made and the initiatives launched by leading Air Forces over the past twelve months, aligned with the Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration, which was agreed at GASCC22
    Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings
    601 Squadron RAuxAF
    James Clare
    Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence
    Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd
    Director Support (Designate), Royal Air Force
    Roberto Guerrero
    Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force
    Brigadier General Holger Neumann
    Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Policy, German Air Force
    Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella
    Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command
    Jill M. Albertelli
    President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney
    Jey Williams
    Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus
    1200Networking & Lunch
    1300Conference IntroductionsSusannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    1315NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North
    Air Power specialists will focus upon the current and future challenges to safeguarding our airspace within the NATO and European context, to the North, the East and the South, including identifying the key lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The session will highlight the need for increased agility and enhanced innovation to meet the threats to our security, with a focus upon those currently leading some of the most agile Air Forces
    General James B Hecker
    Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe
    Major General Jonas Wikman
    Commander, Swedish Air Force
    Air Marshal Harvey Smyth
    Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force
    Professor Justin Bronk
    Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute
    Heidi Grant
    President of Business Development, Boeing
    Rick Breckenridge
    Sector Vice President
    Strategy & Growth
    Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
    1515Afternoon Tea & Networking
    1545The Indo-Pacific
    Strategic aviators and technologists will consider the challenges facing leading Air Forces in prosecuting operations at extreme range, large scale and high tempo against near peer rivals. This will include the vital importance of operating alongside allies and in truly integrated ways across multiple domains. And the session will also consider key alternative perspectives, including how potential adversaries will seek to undermine our technological superiority
    General K S Wilsbach
    Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force
    Richard Berthon
    Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence
    Dr Brendan Mulvaney
    Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University
    Meia Nouwens
    Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies
    Ian Muldowney
    Chief Operating Officer – Air, BAE Systems
    Greg M. Ulmer
    Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation
    1745Conference Day 1 Reflections
    1800-2000VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold tickets only)Kindly supported by BAE Systems & Leonardo
  • Day twoThursday 13th July 2023
    0830Venue registration open
    0920Day Two of the Conference opens.
    Welcome speech and Introduction
    Susannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    0930VIP Speakers
    Our VIP speakers will bring their strategic perspectives covering the art of ensuring that we are fit to fight tonight, and that we will be fit to fight into the future, using the agility, flexibility and lethality of air power. This will include their respective priorities and how they intend to ensure integration of effects, across domains, between Air Forces and across theatres of operation
    Keynote 1The Rt Hon James Heappey MP
    Minister of State (Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans)
    Keynote 2Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    Keynote 3Air Marshal Robert Chipman
    Chief of the Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force
    Keynote 4 General B Chance Saltzman
    Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force
    1045Morning Coffee & Networking
    1115Space & Emerging Technology
    Leading space thinkers and practitioners will highlight the evolving criticality of both military and commercial space-based capabilities to the effective delivery of air power. The session will examine how the dual nature of space lends itself both to the increasing commercialisation and in parallel the militarisation of this strategic domain. It will also consider how capabilities in space can be utilised increasingly for the common good, in addressing some of the existential challenges to our species and our planet. And equally important, the session will consider how emerging technologies might offer the solutions to some of the key challenges facing our Air and Space Forces
    Professor Anu Ojha
    Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate
    Dr Nicholas Patrick
    former NASA astronaut
    Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
    Commander, United Kingdom Space Command
    Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie
    Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited
    Jonathan Smith
    Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo
    1245Closing RemarksAir Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    Susannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    1250Lunch & Networking

Speakers

Jill M. Albertelli

President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney

Simon Barnes MSc MBA CMgr FCMI FRAeS

Managing Director, BAE Systems Saudi Arabia

Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie

Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited

Richard Berthon OBE

Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence

Rick Breckenridge

Sector Vice President Strategy & Growth Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

Professor Justin Bronk

Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute

Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella

Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command

James Clare

Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards MA RAF

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey OBE

Commander, United Kingdom Space Command

Heidi Grant

President of Business Development, Boeing

Roberto Guerrero

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force

General James B Hecker

Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe

Dr Brendan Mulvaney

Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University

Brigadier General Holger Neumann

DCOS, German Air Force

Meia Nouwens

Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies

Professor Anu Ojha

Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate

Dr Nicholas Patrick

Former NASA astronaut

Jonathan Smith

Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo

Air Marshal Harvey Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF

Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force

Susannah Streeter

Broadcaster & Analyst

Greg M. Ulmer

Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Major General Jonas Wikman

Commander, Swedish Air Force

Jey Williams

Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus

General K S Wilsbach

Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force

Sponsors

Strategic Partners

Corporate Sponsors

Individual Sponsors

Strategic Media Partners

Associate sponsors

On Demand
Details

Description

Rolls Royce

Free on-demand service

Free on-demand service kindly sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

The Chief of the Air Staff’s Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2023 brings together global leaders in Air and Space Power with captains of industry and technology, enhanced by experts from international academia.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Global Air and Space Power’ and will explore perspectives of delivering Global Air and Space Power through regional lenses, including the High North, the Eastern Area of the NATO Alliance and the Indo-Pacific. Panel sessions will involve a spectrum of Air and Space Chiefs covering their respective areas of expertise as well as a review of progress towards more sustainable operations.

Keynote Speakers are expected to include a leading UK Minister, the Chief of the Air Staff, and International Chiefs of Air and Space Forces. They will provide their unique perspectives on the criticality of maintaining cutting edge air and space power capabilities to operate and if necessary to fight and win across a spectrum of operations, regions and domains, simultaneously.

Panel sessions will cover the following:

Sustaining Net Zero Operations

Our expert panel will review the collective progress made by Air Forces following agreement of our Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration last year. This will include how we are making proactive steps towards operating more sustainably and will examine how we have to evolve to effectively sustain operations within a climate-changed world.

NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North

This session will examine the air and space power implications and lessons identified from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and what they mean for the defence and security of our airspace. The clear focus will be upon achieving credible deterrence and maintaining freedom of manoeuvre and air superiority against near peer rivals. And how we can learn from and adopt best practices from our fellow air forces when addressing the tyranny of proximity.

The Indo-Pacific

Expert speakers will examine the threats posed to this region of key strategic significance from evolving air and space powers, and how our air and space forces will have to prepare for a transition from constant competition to enduring confrontation. This will include an analysis of the air and space capabilities, connectivity, command and control and coalition cohesion which will be required when addressing the tyranny of proximity.

Space & Emerging Technology

The criticality of the space domain to our current and future operations will be the focus of our specialist international panel, who will also address the conundrum of the civilisation as opposed to the militarisation of space. Our technological experts will cover their expectations of the forthcoming epochs of technological evolution, including what they will mean for our civil and military capabilities.

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Air Vice-Marshal Simon S. Edwards

‘As ever, we are very much looking forward to CAS Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference. It has never been more important to come together and share perspectives and thinking on how best to employ and develop air and space power. This matters as we seek to safeguard our collective security and prosperity against the spectrum of strategic threats which face us all.’

Tickets on sale now

Please click on the ticket tab at the top of the page to purchase.

Sponsorship opportunities start from £4,500 + VAT, for more information, please email catherine@airspacepower.com

GOLD TICKETS £899 + VAT  **SOLD OUT** Silver tickets still available

There are a limited numbers of gold tickets available to the conference.  These tickets will provide:

  • Access to the whole conference on both days at the IET
  • An invitation to the VIP Lunch in The Riverside Room on the top floor of the IET on Wednesday 12 July
  • An invitation to the VIP Evening Reception held in The Riverside Room and on The Johnson Roof Terrace (weather permitting) at the IET
  • Lunch on Thursday 13 July will be on the ground floor for all delegates
  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Virtual networking facilities available with opportunities to take part in the live question & answer sessions on the conference days
  • Catch-up facility available

 

SILVER TICKETS £499 + VAT         

Silver tickets provide the holder with:

  • Access to the whole conference on both days at the IET
  • A buffet lunch in the ground floor rooms on both days
  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Virtual networking facilities available with opportunities to take part in the live question & answer sessions on the conference days
  • Catch-up facility available

 

VIRTUAL TICKETS

  • Full access to the conference via The Air & Space Power Association’s virtual platform
  • Full access  and Catch-up facilities available.
Strategic Partners

Event Details

Start date: 12 July 2023

End date: 13 July 2023

Start time: 09:00 GMT

End time: 17:00 GMT

Venue: IET London, Savoy Place, WC2R 0BL

Agenda

Day oneWednesday 12th July 2023
0900Venue registration open
1020Day One of the Conference opens. Welcome and IntroductionSusannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force
1030-1200Operating Sustainably
Our Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference will commence by examining the existential threat facing us all, that of climate change. This will include how we can operate in increasingly sustainable ways, and how our operations will have to evolve, taking into account the changes to our operating environment caused by global warming. This initial session will also review the progress made and the initiatives launched by leading Air Forces over the past twelve months, aligned with the Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration, which was agreed at GASCC22
Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings
601 Squadron RAuxAF
James Clare
Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd
Director Support (Designate), Royal Air Force
Roberto Guerrero
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force
Brigadier General Holger Neumann
Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Policy, German Air Force
Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella
Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command
Jill M. Albertelli
President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney
Jey Williams
Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus
1200Networking & Lunch
1300Conference IntroductionsSusannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1315NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North
Air Power specialists will focus upon the current and future challenges to safeguarding our airspace within the NATO and European context, to the North, the East and the South, including identifying the key lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The session will highlight the need for increased agility and enhanced innovation to meet the threats to our security, with a focus upon those currently leading some of the most agile Air Forces
General James B Hecker
Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe
Major General Jonas Wikman
Commander, Swedish Air Force
Air Marshal Harvey Smyth
Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force
Professor Justin Bronk
Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute
Heidi Grant
President of Business Development, Boeing
Rick Breckenridge
Sector Vice President
Strategy & Growth
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
1515Afternoon Tea & Networking
1545The Indo-Pacific
Strategic aviators and technologists will consider the challenges facing leading Air Forces in prosecuting operations at extreme range, large scale and high tempo against near peer rivals. This will include the vital importance of operating alongside allies and in truly integrated ways across multiple domains. And the session will also consider key alternative perspectives, including how potential adversaries will seek to undermine our technological superiority
General K S Wilsbach
Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force
Richard Berthon
Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence
Dr Brendan Mulvaney
Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University
Meia Nouwens
Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies
Ian Muldowney
Chief Operating Officer – Air, BAE Systems
Greg M. Ulmer
Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation
1745Conference Day 1 Reflections
1800-2000VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold tickets only)Kindly supported by BAE Systems & Leonardo
Day twoThursday 13th July 2023
0830Venue registration open
0920Day Two of the Conference opens.
Welcome speech and Introduction
Susannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
0930VIP Speakers
Our VIP speakers will bring their strategic perspectives covering the art of ensuring that we are fit to fight tonight, and that we will be fit to fight into the future, using the agility, flexibility and lethality of air power. This will include their respective priorities and how they intend to ensure integration of effects, across domains, between Air Forces and across theatres of operation
Keynote 1The Rt Hon James Heappey MP
Minister of State (Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans)
Keynote 2Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
Keynote 3Air Marshal Robert Chipman
Chief of the Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force
Keynote 4 General B Chance Saltzman
Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force
1045Morning Coffee & Networking
1115Space & Emerging Technology
Leading space thinkers and practitioners will highlight the evolving criticality of both military and commercial space-based capabilities to the effective delivery of air power. The session will examine how the dual nature of space lends itself both to the increasing commercialisation and in parallel the militarisation of this strategic domain. It will also consider how capabilities in space can be utilised increasingly for the common good, in addressing some of the existential challenges to our species and our planet. And equally important, the session will consider how emerging technologies might offer the solutions to some of the key challenges facing our Air and Space Forces
Professor Anu Ojha
Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate
Dr Nicholas Patrick
former NASA astronaut
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
Commander, United Kingdom Space Command
Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie
Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited
Jonathan Smith
Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo
1245Closing RemarksAir Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
President, The Air & Space Power Association
Susannah Streeter
Broadcaster & Analyst
1250Lunch & Networking
  • Day oneWednesday 12th July 2023
    0900Venue registration open
    1020Day One of the Conference opens. Welcome and IntroductionSusannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards
    Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force
    1030-1200Operating Sustainably
    Our Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference will commence by examining the existential threat facing us all, that of climate change. This will include how we can operate in increasingly sustainable ways, and how our operations will have to evolve, taking into account the changes to our operating environment caused by global warming. This initial session will also review the progress made and the initiatives launched by leading Air Forces over the past twelve months, aligned with the Global Air Chiefs Climate Change Collaboration, which was agreed at GASCC22
    Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings
    601 Squadron RAuxAF
    James Clare
    Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence
    Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd
    Director Support (Designate), Royal Air Force
    Roberto Guerrero
    Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force
    Brigadier General Holger Neumann
    Deputy Chief of Staff Plans and Policy, German Air Force
    Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella
    Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command
    Jill M. Albertelli
    President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney
    Jey Williams
    Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus
    1200Networking & Lunch
    1300Conference IntroductionsSusannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    1315NATO, The Eastern Flank and The High North
    Air Power specialists will focus upon the current and future challenges to safeguarding our airspace within the NATO and European context, to the North, the East and the South, including identifying the key lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The session will highlight the need for increased agility and enhanced innovation to meet the threats to our security, with a focus upon those currently leading some of the most agile Air Forces
    General James B Hecker
    Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe
    Major General Jonas Wikman
    Commander, Swedish Air Force
    Air Marshal Harvey Smyth
    Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force
    Professor Justin Bronk
    Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute
    Heidi Grant
    President of Business Development, Boeing
    Rick Breckenridge
    Sector Vice President
    Strategy & Growth
    Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
    1515Afternoon Tea & Networking
    1545The Indo-Pacific
    Strategic aviators and technologists will consider the challenges facing leading Air Forces in prosecuting operations at extreme range, large scale and high tempo against near peer rivals. This will include the vital importance of operating alongside allies and in truly integrated ways across multiple domains. And the session will also consider key alternative perspectives, including how potential adversaries will seek to undermine our technological superiority
    General K S Wilsbach
    Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force
    Richard Berthon
    Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence
    Dr Brendan Mulvaney
    Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University
    Meia Nouwens
    Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies
    Ian Muldowney
    Chief Operating Officer – Air, BAE Systems
    Greg M. Ulmer
    Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation
    1745Conference Day 1 Reflections
    1800-2000VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold tickets only)Kindly supported by BAE Systems & Leonardo
  • Day twoThursday 13th July 2023
    0830Venue registration open
    0920Day Two of the Conference opens.
    Welcome speech and Introduction
    Susannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    0930VIP Speakers
    Our VIP speakers will bring their strategic perspectives covering the art of ensuring that we are fit to fight tonight, and that we will be fit to fight into the future, using the agility, flexibility and lethality of air power. This will include their respective priorities and how they intend to ensure integration of effects, across domains, between Air Forces and across theatres of operation
    Keynote 1The Rt Hon James Heappey MP
    Minister of State (Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans)
    Keynote 2Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    Keynote 3Air Marshal Robert Chipman
    Chief of the Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force
    Keynote 4 General B Chance Saltzman
    Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force
    1045Morning Coffee & Networking
    1115Space & Emerging Technology
    Leading space thinkers and practitioners will highlight the evolving criticality of both military and commercial space-based capabilities to the effective delivery of air power. The session will examine how the dual nature of space lends itself both to the increasing commercialisation and in parallel the militarisation of this strategic domain. It will also consider how capabilities in space can be utilised increasingly for the common good, in addressing some of the existential challenges to our species and our planet. And equally important, the session will consider how emerging technologies might offer the solutions to some of the key challenges facing our Air and Space Forces
    Professor Anu Ojha
    Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate
    Dr Nicholas Patrick
    former NASA astronaut
    Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey
    Commander, United Kingdom Space Command
    Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie
    Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited
    Jonathan Smith
    Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo
    1245Closing RemarksAir Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
    Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
    Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell
    President, The Air & Space Power Association
    Susannah Streeter
    Broadcaster & Analyst
    1250Lunch & Networking

Speakers

Jill M. Albertelli

President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney

Simon Barnes MSc MBA CMgr FCMI FRAeS

Managing Director, BAE Systems Saudi Arabia

Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie

Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited

Richard Berthon OBE

Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence

Rick Breckenridge

Sector Vice President Strategy & Growth Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

Professor Justin Bronk

Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute

Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella

Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command

James Clare

Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards MA RAF

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey OBE

Commander, United Kingdom Space Command

Heidi Grant

President of Business Development, Boeing

Roberto Guerrero

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force

General James B Hecker

Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe

Dr Brendan Mulvaney

Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University

Brigadier General Holger Neumann

DCOS, German Air Force

Meia Nouwens

Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies

Professor Anu Ojha

Member Executive Committee of UK Space Agency, Director for the Championing Space Directorate

Dr Nicholas Patrick

Former NASA astronaut

Jonathan Smith

Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo

Air Marshal Harvey Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF

Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force

Susannah Streeter

Broadcaster & Analyst

Greg M. Ulmer

Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Major General Jonas Wikman

Commander, Swedish Air Force

Jey Williams

Head of Engineering Integration – Fuel Systems, Airbus

General K S Wilsbach

Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force

Sponsors

Strategic Partners

Corporate Sponsors

Individual Sponsors

Strategic Media Partners

Associate sponsors

On Demand

Jill M. Albertelli

President of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney, an RTX Business

Albertelli was appointed president of Military Engines for Pratt & Whitney in December 2021.  Jill oversees development, production, and support of the company’s military offerings, including the fifth generation F119 and F135 engines for the F-22 and F-35 fighters, the F100 for the F-15/F-16, the F117 for the C-17 transporter, the TF33 for the B-52 bomber, the PW4062 for the KC-46A tanker, Pratt & Whitney’s Military auxiliary power unit portfolio, and its mobility and diverse engine programs. She is responsible for B-21 bomber engine development and Pratt & Whitney’s adaptive engine portfolio for future combat aircraft.

Jill brings over 30 years of industry experience to this role, from leadership positions in engineering, manufacturing operations and supply chain to sales, programs, and commercial aftermarket, to leading the Quality organization. Most recently, Jill led the Transformation & Strategy organization, partnering across the company to drive performance and alignment and spearheading enterprise-wide initiatives, including Office of the Future and the building of the new, world-class turbine airfoil production facility in Asheville, N.C. Jill has also been a key driver in furthering the company’s digital and sustainability strategies.

Jill received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  She also holds certificates from Harvard Business School, the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and INSEAD Business School.  Jill was inducted into the YMCA Academy of Women Achievers, received the National Diversity Council Influential Women award, and recognized as one of the 2022 Most Influential Women Executives in Corporate America by Women Inc.

Jill is an advocate to advance girls and women in STEM fields. She serves on the Boston University College of Engineering Dean’s Leadership Advisory Board, and the Emeritus Board of Southern New England Junior Achievement.  Jill is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Women in Aviation International, the Order of the Engineer and United Way’s Women United committee. Jill is an executive sponsor of the employee led RTX VETS resource group.

Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell President CB CBE FRAeS

The Air & Space Power Association

Air Marshal (Retd) Greg Bagwell served for 36 years in the Royal Air Force, leading at all levels, and retired as the Deputy Commander and a member of the Air Force Board. He joined in 1981 as a combat pilot and flew the Tornado GR1/GR4 and F-18 Hornet on operations for over 20 years. The latter half of his service career saw him become one of the RAF’s most experienced operational commanders, where he oversaw combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria, as well as numerous humanitarian and peace keeping missions world-wide. He was the UK’s first Director of Joint Warfare, where he was responsible for the development of all UK military capability. He is a graduate of the Indian Defence Services and Staff College, Wellington. Today, he is an Executive Director for Cobham, and a Non-Executive Director at NATS. In addition, to being the President of the Air and Space Power Association, he is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, and a trustee of Flying for Freedom, a group dedicated to helping wounded, injured and sick service women and men learn to fly on flex-wings and microlights.

Simon Barnes MSc MBA CMgr FCMI FRAeS

Managing Director, BAE Systems Saudi Arabia

Simon Barnes is the Managing Director of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia and member of the Executive Committee. 

Appointed in 2019, Simon leads a diverse team in this strategically important market for the BAE Systems Group. In partnership with our portfolio companies, he is responsible for circa 7000 Saudi national and expatriate employees.

Previously, Simon was the Vice President of the Typhoon programme and prior to this has held a number of senior programme leadership and business development roles throughout 25 years of defence industry experience, spanning the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Simon’s career began in engineering with guided weapons manufacturer MBDA. After transferring to BAE Systems in 2001 he gained experience leading large scale, complex programmes followed by business units.

Born in the United Kingdom, Simon holds an MSc in Financial Management and an MBA from the University of Manchester. He is a Chartered Project Manager, a Fellow of the CMI and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Simon is married to Julia, in his spare time loves travel, and is an avid Formula 1 fan.

Honorary Group Captain Anita Bernie

Managing Director, MDA Space and Robotics Limited

Anita is the Managing Director of MDA Space and Robotics Limited. Anita has an acknowledged industry pedigree, having started her career as a spacecraft design engineer at Airbus. She has held many leadership positions in the space industry, including a number of Director roles at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited and several years with space systems experts KISPE. 

Anita has full P&L responsibility for the UK entity and is the face of MDA in the UK with the support of Canada’s largest and most successful space company with a 50+ year heritage in Geointelligence, Satellite Systems and Robotics and Space Operations.

MDA UK is known internationally for its sensor and laser system expertise: supporting Lunar landing, in-orbit rendezvous and proximity operations and space situational awareness missions. MDA UK is also known for its communication system capabilities, having designed and delivered COLKA, the UK’s first major contribution to the International Space Station. The COLKA Ka-band intersatellite link communications system provides near real-time “sovereign” European communications between astronauts and scientists. MDA UK is also partnered with Astroscale to develop a low-cost robotic arm concept for Active Debris Removal missions in support of space sustainability.

Anita is an Honorary Group Captain in Royal Air Force 601 Squadron, providing space expertise to senior personnel in the RAF and MOD. She is also member of the Board of Directors of nanosatellite pioneers AAC Clyde Space and a Trustee of leading UK charity The Air League, whose mission is to inspire young people by awarding scholarships, flight experiences and work opportunities through aviation, aerospace and space.

Anita possesses an Aerospace Engineering Degree and an MBA, is a regular speaker on space industry developments and is an advocate for STEM.

Richard Berthon OBE

Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence

Richard took up post as Director Future Combat Air in the UK Ministry of Defence in January 2020. He is the MOD’s lead for Future Combat Air Strategy and programme delivery. 

As Senior Responsible Owner for the Future Combat Air Portfolio he is responsible for the MOD’s acquisition programmes and investment plans for Future Combat Air capabilities. This includes establishing the Future Combat Air Acquisition Programme, delivering the £2Bn Technology Initiative, Team Tempest partnering with industry, and leading international partnering through the Global Combat Air Programme.

Since joining the UK Ministry of Defence in 1998, he has served in a wide range of Defence policy, programme delivery and operational postings for the MOD and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Richard served as Director Strategic Programmes (2016-19) where he was responsible for delivering a £1Bn pa portfolio of programmes including Complex Weapons and Test & Evaluation; leading the MOD’s cooperation with international partners in military capabilities and defining the MOD’s approach to key sectors of Defence industry, including creating the Combat Air Stategy in 2018 and implementing the 2017 National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Prior to this he was Counsellor Defence Policy & Nuclear in the British Embassy in Washington DC (2013-16), where he was responsible for pursuing an ambitious agenda of bilateral Defence cooperation.

Richard has enjoyed three postings to Afghanistan as Political Counsellor in the British Embassy in Kabul (2011-13), as Director of Stability in ISAF’s Regional Command South in Kandahar during the surge of 2009-10 and as Advisor to Afghanistan’s Minister of Defence in 2003-05.

Richard served in Kuwait and Baghdad in 2003 as UK Political Advisor during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, before which he worked at US Central Command in Tampa, FL during the combined planning. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2004.

Other experiences in the MOD include as Deputy Director Army Resources and Plans (2007-09) responsible for programming the British Army’s budget, Deputy Director Defence Policy with responsibility for the Mediterranean region (2005-07) including the UK’s engagement with Libya, Assistant Private Secretary to the Armed Forces Minister (2001-02) and desk officer for defence relations with Gulf States (1999-2000).

Richard read International Relations at the London School of Economics from 1992-1995.

Honorary Group Captain Kevin Billings

601 Squadron RAuxAF

At the request of the Chief of the Air Staff, Kevin is currently leading the Global Air Forces Climate Change Collaboration. He is founder of Legation Strategies which provides advisory services in strategic positioning, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity within the energy, infrastructure and national security sectors. Kevin was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Air Force and later as Assistant Secretary where his responsibilities included the world-wide management and direction of the Air Force’s $38 billion installations, logistics, environment, and energy programs. Kevin also serves as a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies in Washington, DC. He is a member of a number of corporate and non-profit boards, including the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation Board of Directors and the RAF Rugby Union Board of Trustees. He was awarded the US Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service and the US Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. Kevin is a Distinguished Graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and a graduate of the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Rick Breckenridge

Sector Vice President Strategy & Growth Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

Rick Breckenridge is the sector vice president of Strategy and Growth at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, a premier provider of military aircraft, autonomous systems, aerospace structures and next-generation solutions. In this role, he is responsible for the long-term growth of the Aeronautics Systems market strategies, alignment of resources and investments to achieve key business objectives, and the development of new and evolved mission solutions for domestic and international customers. Rick previously held the position of vice president of government relations for Navy and Marine Corps programs at Northrop Grumman’s corporate office. He contributed to the development and execution of the Navy and Marine Corps elements of Northrop Grumman’s strategic growth plan. Rick also managed corporate-wide interfaces with key officials of the U.S. government’s executive branch, and non-government officials to ensure clear and consistent messages were delivered in support of key programs. During his Navy career, Rick served in the submarine force, commanding at the unit, squadron, and group level, retiring as a Vice Admiral in 2018. His final assignment was as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the latter part of his career, he served in several significant leadership positions for the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Rick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 and holds master’s degrees in Engineering Acoustics and Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is an avid runner and tenacious cribbage player.

Professor Justin Bronk

Senior Research Fellow, Airpower & Technology, Royal United Services Institute

Professor Justin Bronk is the Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology in the Military Sciences team at RUSI, and the Editor of the RUSI Defence Systems online journal.

His particular areas of expertise include the modern combat air environment, Russian and Chinese ground-based air defences and fast jet capabilities, the air war during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and novel weapons technology. He has written extensively for RUSI and a variety of external publications, as well as appearing regularly in the international media.

Justin also holds a Professor II position at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy and is a member of the Editorial Board of the Scientific and Technical Journal “Weapons and Equipment” at the Central Scientific Research Institute of Arms and Military Equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

His PhD examined Balancing Imagination and Design in British Combat Aircraft Development at the Defence Studies Department of Kings College London.

Justin is also a private light aircraft and glider pilot.

Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella

Head of Department, Italian Air Force Logistics Command

Brigadier General Eng. Stefano CIMICHELLA attended Air Force Academy from 1987 to 1992, graduating from the University of Naples “Federico II”, in Civil Engineering in 1992. 

From 1992 to 1996 he was Director of the Geotechnical and Material Testing Laboratory of 2ND Engineers Squadron carrying out designs and ongoing controls of airport pavement restoration interventions studies, research, and experiments in the fields of maintenance and management of airport pavements. 

He participated as “Member”, in the works of the Italian Committee C / 7 “Rigid Pavements” of the World Road Association – PIARC, of the Superior Council of Public Works for the four-year period 95-99. 

From 1996 to 2002 he held the position of Director of the 209th “Infrastructure Technical Service” at Grosseto Air Base with the task of “Director of Works.” 

From 2002 to 2005 he held the position of Commander of the 8th Field Engineer Group, providing for the execution of airports works carried out in the military airports of central Italy and Sardinia. He also oversaw the preparation and maintenance of the bases carried out in the operations in Iraq at Tallil Airport, in the United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi Airport and in Afghanistan at Herat Airport. 

From 2005 to 2007 he held the position of Head of the office “New Projects” of the 2ND Engineers Squadron where he worked as designer and coordinator of the preliminary, definitive, and executive designs assigned to the Squadron. 

From 2007 to 2008 he held the position of Head of the 3^ section of the 2^ Office of the 1st Department of the Infrastructure Service of the Logistics Command of the Air Force, with the function of coordinating the drafting of the Regulatory Plans of the military airports. 

From 2009 to 2012 he held the position of Head of the 2 ^ Section “Infrastructures” of the 4th Office of the 4th Department of the General Staff of the Air Force, carrying out the technical planning and financial planning of all the modernization and renewal of the operational and logistic infrastructures of the Italian Air Force. 

In 2013 he participated in the ISAF International Operation in Afghanistan, at the Command of the Italian Forces in Herat, with the position of Head of the “Infrastructure Management Center”, responsible for all the infrastructural works in support of the Italian Contingent in Afghanistan at the Herat Air Base and the FOBs located on the territory of Italian competence. 

From 2014 to 2017 he was Head Office at the “Energy Task Force” reporting directly to the Minister of Defense, collaborating in the definition of the Defense Energy Implementation Plan (energy efficiency interventions of the Defense real estate stock, and self-production through public private partnership. 

From 2017 to 2020 he held the position of Commander of the 2ND Engineers Squadron, responsible for all the the designs and infrastructural works in Air Bases located in the center of Italy (Pisa AB, Grosseto AB, Decimomannu AB, Pratica di Mare AB, Grazzanise AB, Latina AB, Furbara AB, Frosinone AB, Capodichino AB, Air Force HQ, Pozzuoli Air Force Academy) and abroad (Iraq and United Arab Emirates). 

From 2021 he is a member, for the four-year period 2020/2023 of the Technical Scientific Committee 4.1 “Road and airport pavements” of the World Road Association – PIARC. 

From 2021 to 2023 he attended the High Studies Institute of Defence earning the Master’s degree in Global Strategy and Security. From 2021 he is Head of the 1st Department ” New Programs” of the Infrastructures Division of the Logistics Command of the Air Force, responsible of management and coordination of the technical and programmatic activities of the new construction works of the Air Force and in support of NATO.

James Clare

Director Climate Change & Sustainability, UK Ministry of Defence

James is the Director of Levelling Up, the Union, Climate Change and Sustainability (Dir LUCCS) in the UK MOD. His key environmental responsibilities cover: delivering the Department’s Climate Change and Sustainability Ambitions, ensuring that Defence is adapting and resilient to the impact of climate change as well as working to improve and protect the environment. On Levelling Up and the Union James is working to ensure that Defence delivers and evolves its Levelling Up and Union responsibilities. Additionally, James is also responsible for climate security policy and looking at the direct and indirect impact that climate is having both on Defence force structure as well as the causes of instability across the globe. 

Since joining the MOD in 2003 he has worked across the Department in DE&S, Air Command and Head Office. He has been deployed to Afghanistan as the Policy Advisor to Commander Task Force Helmand, on Herrick 10, spent two years as Private Secretary to the Chief of the Air Staff and undertaken a secondment to Lloyds Bank where he developed and supported their approach to governing agile transformation programmes.

James’ first Senior Civil Servant role was as the Programme Director for a Machinery of Government Change and more recently James reformed and oversaw the UK MOD’s management of its Estate as well as securing significant additional investment through the recent Spending Reviews as Deputy Director Finance Military Capability (Infrastructure). In this role James was also responsible for the Department’s Sustainability Strategy and subsequently supported the Nugee Review turning the recommendations into the acclaimed CC&S Strategic Approach. More recently James’s work in Defence and across the Public Sector has been recognised in the ENDS Power List as one of the UK’s top 100 environmental professionals.

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards MA RAF

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), Royal Air Force

James is the Director of Levelling Up, the Union, Climate Change and Sustainability (Dir LUCCS) in the UK MOD. His key environmental responsibilities cover: delivering the Department’s Climate Change and Sustainability Ambitions, ensuring that Defence is adapting and resilient to the impact of climate change as well as working to improve and protect the environment. On Levelling Up and the Union James is working to ensure that Defence delivers and evolves its Levelling Up and Union responsibilities. Additionally, James is also responsible for climate security policy and looking at the direct and indirect impact that climate is having both on Defence force structure as well as the causes of instability across the globe. 

Since joining the MOD in 2003 he has worked across the Department in DE&S, Air Command and Head Office. He has been deployed to Afghanistan as the Policy Advisor to Commander Task Force Helmand, on Herrick 10, spent two years as Private Secretary to the Chief of the Air Staff and undertaken a secondment to Lloyds Bank where he developed and supported their approach to governing agile transformation programmes.

James’ first Senior Civil Servant role was as the Programme Director for a Machinery of Government Change and more recently James reformed and oversaw the UK MOD’s management of its Estate as well as securing significant additional investment through the recent Spending Reviews as Deputy Director Finance Military Capability (Infrastructure). In this role James was also responsible for the Department’s Sustainability Strategy and subsequently supported the Nugee Review turning the recommendations into the acclaimed CC&S Strategic Approach. More recently James’s work in Defence and across the Public Sector has been recognised in the ENDS Power List as one of the UK’s top 100 environmental professionals.

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey OBE

Commander, UK Space Command

Paul joined the Royal Air Force in 1991 and has been a fighter pilot for most of his career. A weapons instructor on the Harrier and one of the first operational pilots on the Eurofighter Typhoon, he has flown on numerous operations and exercises with the RAF and undertook an exchange tour on the F-16 Fighting Falcon with the United States Air Force. He was also privileged to be a Spitfire and Hurricane pilot on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Other roles have included Typhoon requirements management at Defence Equipment and Support in Bristol, capability management at the Ministry of Defence and operational programme management within the F-35 Lightning programme. Between 2015 and 2017, Paul was Station Commander of RAF Lossiemouth before moving to the Ministry of Defence as head of Carrier Enabled Power Projection, integrating F-35B fighters and Crowsnest helicopters with Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. He recently returned from Al Udeid airbase, where he was responsible for coalition air and space power across the Middle East within the USAF Combined Air and Space Operations Centre. He took control of UK Space Command in April 2021.

Heidi Grant

Vice President, Global Growth & Engagement Boeing Defense, Space & Security

Heidi Grant is vice president of Defense Global Growth & Engagement for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS). In this role, Heidi serves as a strategic advisor for BDS global interests and ensures strong relationships and strategic communications with key stakeholders to advance objectives. Prior to this, Heidi was president of Business Development, where she led a team of nearly 500 people in 25 states and 16 countries representing the company’s defense, space and government services portfolios. Her team developed and maintained customer relationships that aligned Boeing’s products and services with customer mission requirements, capturing new business and achieving business growth. Grant joined Boeing in November 2021 from the U.S. Department of Defense, having served as director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, responsible for all DOD security cooperation programs involving defense articles, military training and other defense-related services. She oversaw more than 15,000 military sales cases with more than 150 countries valued at more than $600 billion. She also managed a certification program for 20,000 civilian and military personnel. Before joining the agency, Grant was director of Defense Technology Security Administration, responsible for developing and implementing global technology security policies for international transfer of defense-related goods, services and technologies. From 2010 through 2018, Grant served as deputy undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, providing oversight and guidance for international policy and for programs supporting global national security objectives, technology and information disclosure, security assistance, education and training, and cooperative research and development. She also managed the Air Force Foreign Liaison Office and attaché affairs. In 2002, Grant was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and assigned as the first civilian director of resources and analysis for U.S. operations in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and North East Africa. Working with senior representatives from 65 countries, she led resource strategy and analysis for operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She later helped establish U.S. Africa Command as its first director of resources, leading personnel and financial programming that served as the foundation for successful interagency and international partnerships for global security. Grant is a member of the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and the Council on Foreign Relations. She is also on the USO National Capital District Advisory Board, Pfeiffer University Board of Trustees, University of Oklahoma (OU) Strategic Research Advisory Board, Global Special Operations Forces (GSOF) Advisory Council, and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International Executive Committee Member. Heidi Grant Vice President Defense Global Growth & Engagement, Defense, Space & Security Grant has a Bachelor of Science in business from Pfeiffer University and a Master of Public Administration in financial management from Troy State University.

Roberto Guerrero

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, United States Air Force

Mr. Roberto I. Guerrero, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Operational Energy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy, Washington, D.C. Mr. Guerrero is responsible for providing oversight and direction for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review, and execution of plans, policies, and programs for the effective and efficient use of the Air Force’s $5B operational energy bill in support of its global mission. 

Mr. Guerrero earned his commission as an ensign in the Navy through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1988 and received his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1989. He held assignments in Florida, California, Virginia and Texas, culminating his Navy career in 1999 as operations officer and flight instructor in the T-34C. In 2000, Mr. Guerrero was selected for inter-service transfer to the Air Force. He qualified in the E-3 AWACS and held assignments in Oklahoma and Okinawa, Japan, where he commanded the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron. He later served at the Air Force Safety Center as a division chief and concluded his military career as the center’s Vice Commander. During his military service he participated in operations Deep Freeze, Korean Contingency and Noble Eagle, and flew 24 combat missions over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a command pilot with more than 4,100 flight hours, including more than 350 combat hours.

Mr. Guerrero entered civil service in 2010 where he served as Deputy Chief of Safety, U.S. Air Force, and Executive Director, Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. Following this tour of duty, he was Director of Staff, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Georgia.

General James B Hecker

Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe

Gen. James B. Hecker is the Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Kalkar, Germany. He is responsible for the air and missile defense of 31 NATO alliance member nations while commanding U.S. airpower across more than 19 million square miles. This area includes 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, possesses more than a quarter of the world’s population and generates more than a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product.

Gen. Hecker was commissioned in 1989 through the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has completed numerous flying, staff and command assignments and is a command pilot with more than more than 3,600 flying hours in the F-15C, F-22, MQ-1B, HH-60, C-208 and T-38C. Prior to his current assignment, Gen. Hecker was the Commander and President of Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd CBE MSc MA MDA BEng CEng FIMechE RAF

Director Support, Royal Air Force

Air Vice-Marshal Lloyd joined the RAF in September 1991, having gained a First-Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester University.  Following specialist Engineer Officer training he worked on Hercules C-130s and the Tornado GR1/4 aircraft at RAF Brüggen, TTTE RAF Cottesmore and 14 Sqn, RAF Lossiemouth, which included overseas exercises and several detachments to the Gulf.  A role developing recruitment, training and employment policy for RAF Engineer Officers preceded Advanced Command and Staff College, and then a posting to HQ Air Command as SO1 Planning Round (PR), where he developed and co-ordinated the £16bn Air Domain PR bid. In August 2009, he took up the post of Officer Commanding Engineering and Logistics Wing at RAF Marham, where as the Station’s Chief Engineer, he was responsible for the airworthiness of the Unit’s 4 operational squadrons of Tornado aircraft.  He oversaw RAF Marham’s first deployment to Afghanistan, and was the engineering lead for the preparation, generation and deployment of the GR4 contribution to operations under OP ELLAMY.

In August 2011, he was posted to the Ministry of Defence where he provided MoD senior management and Ministers with specialist advice on air, space and cyber issues, as well as leading on the coordination of the Defence equipment procurement and support plans.  Promoted to Group Captain in September 2012, he took up the post of Chief Engineer and Type Airworthiness Authority within the Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Project Team at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). In that role he supported Reaper on Op HERRICK and Op SHADER, brought Watchkeeper and Scan Eagle into Service with the British Army and Royal Navy respectively and authorised the flight-testing of Taranis, a UCAS demonstration vehicle and the high-altitude Zephyr UAS.

In August 2016, he was promoted to Air Commodore and took up the post of Head Typhoon Delivery Team in DE&S, where he was responsible for the capability development and in-Service support of the Typhoon and the Battle of Britain aircraft. As well as supporting Typhoon operations on Op SHADER, he successfully led the major international upgrade programme to integrate three new weapon types and two major mission system upgrades on Typhoon through Project CENTURION. This £487M programme was delivered into operational service two years ahead of schedule and £62M under budget, gaining the BAE Systems Chairman’s Gold Award and Minister for Defence Procurement’s Acquisition Excellence Awards overall winner in 2019.

In January 2021, he was promoted to Air Vice-Marshal and took up his current role as Director Support and the Chief Engineer of the RAF, where he is responsible for the policy, strategy and capability development for all aspects of support in the RAF. He was also appointed Head of Profession for Cyberspace, Engineering and Logistics, encompassing approximately 50% of the RAF trained strength.

During his time in the RAF, Air Vice-Marshal Lloyd has gained a MSc from the University of Oxford in Major Programme Management, a Master’s Degree in Defence Administration from Cranfield University and an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London.  Chartered Engineer, he is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, where he actively promotes aerospace engineering across universities, industry and government. Air Vice-Marshal Lloyd is married with 2 children, his hobbies include gardening, walking and skiing.  He was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020.

Dr Brendan Mulvaney

Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University

Dr. Brendan Mulvaney is currently the Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute at National Defense University.  He is a Marine who served for a quarter of a century, where he flew more than 2000 hours as a AH-1W Cobra pilot, and was an Olmsted Scholar in Shanghai, China.

He enlisted in 1991 and was commissioned in 1993 after graduating from UC San Diego. He earned his Master’s in Leadership from the University of San Diego in 2002 and was selected as one of only three Marine Olmsted Scholars for 2003. He studied at Fudan University in Shanghai, China from 2003-2005 where he earned his Ph.D. in International Relations.

He served several tours in California, Iraq, Japan, and the Western Pacific.  He served as the first Director of the Commandant’s Red Team, and supervised the implementation of Red Teaming in the Marine Corps.  In 2013 he transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was the Associate Chair for the Languages and Cultures Department, and taught Mandarin Chinese, Chinese culture, and cross-cultural literacy.  

He and his wife, Samantha, have twin seventeen-year old boys, Sean and Ryan, and live in Alexandria, VA.

Brigadier General Holger Neumann

DCOS , German Air Force

Brigadier General Holger Neumann is the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) Plans and Policy at the German Air Force Headquarters in Berlin, responsible for future development and capability planning.

After joining the German Armed Forces in July 1988 as an Airborne Ranger with the German Army, he graduated from German Air Force Officer School in 1989 and received his fighter pilot wings in 1992 from Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) in the United States of America.

In 1993, he converted to PA 200 TORNADO, graduating from Trinational TORNADO Training Establishment (TTTE) in Great Britain. Until 2001, he was assigned to Fighter Bomber Wing 34, serving as frontline pilot, Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General 1st Air Force Division, Scheduling Officer Operations Group, as well as Squadron Operations Staff Officer and Deputy Squadron Commander.

Upon completion of the two-years General Staff Course at the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College in 2003, he was selected for duty as Branch Chief Operations at Headquarters 4th German Air Force Division. From 2005 to 2007, he served as Desk Officer in the Air Staff at the Federal Ministry of Defense followed by a tour with NATO as Military Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) in Belgium. In 2009, he reported to the Federal Ministry of Defense as Spokesman for the German Air Force.

Starting with his conversion to EF 2000 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON, he returned to active flying duty in 2013, serving first as Executive Officer and Deputy Wing Commander of Fighter Wing 74 followed by assuming command of this Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Air Defense wing in 2015. Succeeding his time as Wing Commander, he was appointed as Deputy Spokesman of the Federal Ministry of Defense in 2017. Before adopting his current post, he served as Director Training at the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Hamburg from 2018 to 2021.

Brigadier General “HAWK” Neumann is a Command Pilot with more than 2.800 flying hours on various training and fighter aircraft, over 10 years in command positions, and operational tours with ISAF in Afghanistan.

Meia Nouwens

Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy and Head of the China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies

Meia’s expertise lies in Chinese cross-service defence analysis, China’s defence industry and innovation, as well as China’s regional strategic affairs and international relations. She leads IISS research on China’s Digital Silk Road, and the Institute’s cross-departmental China work. Prior to commencing at IISS, she worked for the European External Action Service as a policy officer in Taipei, and as a trade analyst in the EU’s delegation to New Zealand. She has previously worked in private-sector consulting firms and international organisations, on topics of foreign policy, security and defence. Meia holds a BA Hons in international relations and political science from Macquarie University, a master’s in international relations and diplomacy from Leiden University in conjunction with the Clingendael Institute, and an MPhil in modern Chinese studies from the University of Oxford and Peking University.

Professor Anu Ojha OBE

Director, UK Space Agency – International, ESA, Education, Communications and Parliamentary Engagement

Professor Anu Ojha OBE is a member of the Executive Committee of the UK Space Agency. Included in his portfolio are leadership of the Agency’s International and ESA teams as well as UKSA’s public/parliamentary affairs, communications and education/future workforce programmes.

Prior to joining the Agency and Civil Service in May 2023 he was the founder of the UK National Space Academy programme and a Director of the National Space Centre. Appointed Honorary Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester in 2016, he was co-investigator in the University’s programmes for nuclear power applications for exploration as well as the development of new technologies for planetary drilling. He also has extensive experience in analysis from ESA’s Rosetta, Mars Express and SOHO missions and was Principal Investigator for the ESA/UKSA Astro Academy Principia education experiment suite conducted by Tim Peake during his mission to the International Space Station. He continues to teach on the University’s MSc course in Space Exploration Systems specialising in human survival in extreme environments and helped develop and teaches on the University’s new undergraduate-level Fundamentals of Space training course for space professionals.

From 2018 to 2023 he was a member of ESA’s Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee (HESAC) based at ESTEC. He was a member of the final site selection team for the ESA Rosalind Franklin mission targeted for the Oxia Planum region of Mars and has helped develop ESA’s science exploration strategies for the ESA Terra Novae programme.

Since 2020 he has supported MOD Space Directorate and UK Space Command in a number of areas related to skills development and international perspectives through his long-standing experience as a member of the UK-China Joint Laboratory in Space Science and Technology and was a member of STFC Council from 2018-2024. He was also invited by the UK Secretary of State for Defence to contribute to the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.
Prior to joining the space sector in 2008 Anu spent fourteen years as a state high school science teacher and also with British Forces Cyprus. During this time he was appointed as National Lead Practitioner for Physics by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and was also Assistant Headteacher/Advanced Skills Teacher at the largest school in England at the time. He was appointed OBE for services to science education in 2014 and co-led the National Space Academy/Loughborough College team that shared the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2023 – the UK’s highest national honour in education.

Anu has been a British Skydiving member since 2000, has completed over 1400 jumps and was involved as a science consultant for the Red Bull Stratos stratospheric skydive programme in 2012-12. Since 1993 he has led many high-altitude expeditions in India and Nepal and his other interests include scuba/free diving, triathlon, amateur astronomy and contemporary world politics.

Dr Nicholas Patrick

Former NASA astronaut, New Shepard Flight Director and Senior Director of Human Integration, Blue Origin.

Dr Patrick is the first person to both fly in space and to direct the launch of a human spaceflight from the ground. His career in aerospace has included work as an aeronautical engineer, a NASA astronaut, a human factors engineer, a commercial space launch director, and a professional pilot. He has helped design human-rated systems at the leading edge of air and space, from jet engines to spacecraft, from transport aircraft flight decks to spacecraft mission control systems. 

Nicholas Patrick earned a BA in Engineering from the University of Cambridge. After working on jet engine design for General Electric he returned to school, earning master’s and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, with research in robotics and aerospace decision support systems. He then worked on avionics and flight-deck human factors for Boeing’s Commercial Airplane group.

In 1998 Dr Patrick joined NASA as a Mission Specialist Astronaut. He flew on two Space Shuttle missions during the construction of the International Space Station: STS-116 aboard Discovery in 2006, and STS-130 aboard Endeavour in 2010. He has spent a total of 26 days in space and has conducted 3 spacewalks from the ISS. While at NASA, he also helped design the human interfaces for several spacecraft programs, including the Orion capsule which will soon carry humans around the Moon.

In 2012, Dr Patrick joined Blue Origin in Seattle, where he started and later managed the company’s human factors group. At Blue Origin he was also a flight (launch) director for the New Shepard sub-orbital launch program, running mission control for both science and human spaceflight missions. He was the lead flight director for the 2022 mission that sent Star Trek actor William Shatner to space.

While at university, Dr Patrick learned to fly with the RAF’s Cambridge University Air Squadron. He now holds an Airline Transport Pilot’s license with type ratings for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. He currently divides his time between flying for a major airline and consulting in the aerospace industry.

Jonathan Smith

Vice President Capability, Chief Technology Officer, Future Combat Air (GCAP), Leonardo

Jonathan Smith joined Leonardo UK’s electronics business in 2020 following a 22 year career in the Royal Air Force as a Weapons Instructor and Evaluator Pilot.

During his Air Force career he flew front-line operations on Tornado F3, completing tours at RAF Coningsby, RAF Leeming and RAF Leuchars. Smith then undertook an exchange posting flying the F-22A Raptor for3 years with the United States Air Force on the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. During his time on the F-22A Smith took part in multiple deployments to the Middle East and Pacific theatres. Upon his return from the USA Smith took up a role in the UK F-35 programme at the UK Air and Space Warfare Centre. Upon completion of that role he returned to the USA, completing conversion training onto the F-35B at VMFAT-501, USMC Beaufort. He then undertook 3.5 years of Operational Test and Evaluation flying on the F-35B at Edwards AFB, California USA on 17 Squadron, RAF initially as the Executive Officer and then Officer Commanding. During this period 17 Squadron delivered the evidence required to introduce the F-35B into RAF and RN service.

At Leonardo UK, Smith leads the Capability team. He is responsible for ensuring that future combat air technologies being developed by the company, and the products that will emerge from them, are aligned to the operational needs of the customer. Smith and his team work  closely with UK and international customer communities and industry partners to ensure alignment in the development of cutting-edge technologies required to deliver next generation combat air capability. A key element of this role is helping to set the strategic technical goals for the business, particularly in the combat air domain. Smith’s role covers the breadth of Leonardo to ensure that the company and its future combat air / GCAP partners have the most effective, appropriate and coherent technology portfolio possible to serve these programmes.

Smith has a Masters in Business Administration and a Level 3 NVQ in Building and Property Maintenance!

Air Marshal Harvey Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF

Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force

UK’s Air and Space Commander is the senior Royal Air Force war fighter responsible for the conduct of air and space operations at home and across the world.  Working together with other Services and international operational commanders, he oversees the generation and employment of air and space power in all environments, from under the oceans, via the air domain, to Geosynchronous Orbit.  This wide remit includes the Air Defence of the United Kingdom and overseas dependencies, the delivery of combat operations in the near and far abroad, and the conduct of rescue and disaster relief operations.

Career Overview

Born and educated in Northern Ireland, Smyth joined the RAF in 1991, as a Direct Entrant. After qualifying as a fast-jet pilot, he spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor. He has extensive combat experience having flown hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers over: Bosnia; Kosovo; Serbia; Iraq; and Afghanistan.

In staff roles, Smyth has worked in the UK Air & Space Warfare Centre and spent 2 tours in the F-35 Lightning programme: the first as the Requirements Manager in MOD’s Directorate of Equipment Capability, and the second based in Washington DC as the UK’s F-35 National Director.

In 2013 Smyth retrained as a Tornado pilot and became the Station Commander of RAF Marham, supporting concurrent operations in Afghanistan, West Africa, Iraq and Syria. On promotion to Air Commodore (1*) in 2015 he became the Tornado Force Commander, and in parallel, the UK’s first F-35 Lightning Force Commander. He followed this with a short appointment as the 1* Head of Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) within the MOD, before then conducting an operational tour as Director of the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre in Qatar, responsible for planning and authorising ~1000 daily air & space missions at the height of the counter-ISIS campaign.

Promoted to Air Vice-Marshal (2*) in 2018, Smyth retrained as a Typhoon pilot and became Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group (AOC 1Gp), where he was responsible for the Air Combat Group of the RAF. In 2020, Smyth then became UK MOD’s inaugural Director Space, establishing the Space Directorate, setting the foundation for UK Space Command, building the Defence Space Programme, and producing UK’s National and Defence Space Strategies.

Smyth was promoted to Air Marshal (3*) in 2022 and appointed as the RAF’s Deputy Commander (Operations): this role transitioned to become the Air and Space Commander in 2023.

Susannah Streeter

Broadcaster & Analyst

Susannah is a broadcaster, financial commentator and former RAF Reserve officer who has anchored flagship news shows on BBC TV and radio and hosts major conferences around the world.  At the BBC, Susannah was the anchor for World Business Report on the BBC World Service and BBC World TV. Prior to focusing on the financial news agenda, she was a reporter for the national BBC One Breakfast programme.  Between 1997 and 2007 Susannah served in the Royal Air Force Reserves, joining 7644 Squadron, a media operations unit, where she rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. She led the combat camera team on exercises and operations in the Middle East, the Balkans, the US and Eastern Europe. She was also UK representative on NATO’s Inter-Allied Confederation of Reserve Officers, and served on the Communications Commission for events in Strasbourg, Madrid and Berlin.  She has interviewed world leaders and central bankers on economic issues and green policies, including Arctic Frontiers in Tromsø, the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai, the International Banking Forum in Kuwait, the Sustainable Finance Forum in Abu Dhabi and Our Ocean in Oslo. She is currently the Head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, where she provides analysis for investors and the media.

Greg M. Ulmer

Executive Vice President of Aeronautics, Lockheed Martin Corporation

Greg M. Ulmer is the executive vice president of the Aeronautics business area in Lockheed Martin Corporation. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading the Aeronautics business, which is a more than $25 billion enterprise employing approximately 30,000 people. The Aeronautics portfolio features 5th Generation tactical aircraft; air mobility; uncrewed and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms, including the F-35, F-22, F-16 and C-130; and the Advanced Development Programs (ADP) organization, informally known as the Skunk Works®.

Previously, Ulmer was the vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program. In this capacity, he was responsible for leading all areas of the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft program, including development, production, sustainment and modernization.

He previously served as Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of the F-35 Aircraft Production business unit. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of global F-35 production and delivery, including program management, production operations, supply chain management, quality, affordability, tooling and manufacturing rate readiness, and customer engagement.

He also previously served as the vice president of operations for the Skunk Works. In this role, he was responsible for ADP operations undertaken by more than 3,000 employees across multiple Aeronautics sites, overseeing the F-22 Raptor Modification Line, U-2 Dragon Lady Periodic Depot Maintenance, F-35 Lightning II subassembly work and ADP Special Programs.

Throughout his career, Ulmer has led several critical initiatives for Lockheed Martin as the C-5 vice president and program manager responsible for the overall operations and leadership of the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program and the Avionics Modernization Program; C-130 deputy program manager for operations; C-130 air vehicle director; deputy chief engineer and Flight Test integrated product team senior manager; and other roles. Ulmer began his career as a flight test engineer supporting the MD-11, C-17 and C-130J programs from first flight through certification for all three aircraft.

Ulmer is a fellow in the Royal Aeronautical Society and a graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, where he received a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering. He also holds an executive master’s degree in business management with an emphasis on aerospace from the University of Tennessee.

Major General Jonas Wikman

Commander, Swedish Air Force

Major General Jonas Wikman was appointed Commander of the Swedish Air Force in December 2022. Jonas Wikman is a 1993 graduate from the Air Force Flying Training School and started his career as a light attack pilot and flight instructor before transitioning to J 35 Draken and later to the JAS 39 Gripen. During his career as a fighter pilot, General Wikman was engaged in the development of the man-machine-interface for air crew and has extensive experience in the field of aviation medicine as an aviation physiologist and ultimately as Head of the Armed Forces Aeromedical Center.

Following his graduation from the advanced command course at the Swedish Defence University in 2009 Jonas Wikman served in the Plans and Finance Department of the Defence Staff. In 2012 he was appointed Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Center (Linköping). Two years thereafter, he entered the position as Chief of Plans in the Joint Force Generation Command.

In 2016 Jonas Wikman was appointed Senior Air Advisor to the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was later promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Chief of the Joint Materiel and Support Directorate and Assistant Chief of the Joint Force Generation Command.

In 2021 he was promoted to Major General and appointed Deputy Chief of Joint Operation where he served during the evacuation operation from Afghanistan and the events leading up to, and following, the Russian war against Ukraine. He held this position until he assumed his current command in December 2022.

Jey Williams

Head of Engineering Integration - Fuel Systems, Airbus

With 19 years of Airbus service, Jey Williams has aircraft engineering leadership experience across airframe and systems. He currently leads Fuel Systems Engineering operations and integration for all Airbus commercial aircraft programmes. As such he is actively part of Airbus’ purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace, working on Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Hydrogen powered aircraft concepts. This includes representing Airbus towards supplier, government, research and infrastructure initiatives.

General K S Wilsbach

Commander Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Force

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach is the Commander, Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. PACAF is responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam.

Gen. Wilsbach was commissioned in 1985 as a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida’s ROTC program and earned his pilot wings in 1986 as a distinguished graduate from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. He has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, two wings, two Numbered Air Forces and held various staff assignments including Director of Operations, Combined Air Operations Center and Director of Operations, U.S. Central Command. Prior to his current assignment, Gen. Wilsbach was the Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; Commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and Commander, Seventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Gen. Wilsbach is a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours in multiple aircraft, primarily in the F-15C, F-16C, MC-12, and F-22A, and has flown 71 combat missions in operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.

At BAE Systems, our advanced defence technology protects people and national security, and keeps critical information and infrastructure secure. We search for new ways to provide our customers with a competitive edge across the air, maritime, land, space and cyber domains. We employ a skilled workforce of 93,100 people in around 40 countries, and work closely with local partners to support economic development by transferring knowledge, skills and technology.

Leonardo is a global company, creating technology for a safer future, and is a strategic partner in the UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). In the UK, this is seeing Leonardo collaborate with the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA as Team Tempest to develop Future Combat Air capability for the 2035+ environment. Elsewhere, through the Space Alliance, we offer a range of solutions to create a better life on Earth and extend our reach into space. Additionally, Leonardo has created a Space Division, which supports commercial and military missions, analysis of Earth’s phenomena, the study of celestial bodies, and exploration of deep space. 

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Northrop Grumman has a proven track record of delivering advanced solutions to the defence, space and security community, working together to solve their hardest challenges across every domain. We are an industry leader in solutions that harness the latest in data science, machine learning and secure cloud transformation technology, delivered at pace and scale.


Operating from more than ten sites across the UK, we sustain employment for more than 5,000 people in the many British SMEs and partners in our supply chain. As a British business we are committed to generating long-term prosperity and social value in the UK.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. For more information visit boeing.com

Pratt & Whitney, a Raytheon Technologies business, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.  Since our founding in 1925, we have built a long and distinguished record of providing dependable engines to armed forces around the world.  Our military engines power tactical, strategic and mobility aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as the B-52 Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster III and KC-46 Pegasus.

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Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. 

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Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, predominantly operating in the commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence and space sectors.  Airbus has the breadth and depth of skills and capabilities to design, manufacture and support a wide range of aerospace products. With around 130,000 employees Airbus is the largest aerospace company in Europe with significant worldwide reach. Airbus is proud to serve its customers around the world and continue to innovate towards a successful and more sustainable future.

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Airbus brings interoperable and collaborative solutions to ensure superiority for combat systems across the five operational domains: land, air, sea, space and cyber.

Meet the people and businesses that make it possible to build spacecraft in the UK in this short documentary from Airbus Defence and Space.

Our defence products and services help countries protect their citizens, values and vital infrastructure. In an unstable world, this security is a prerequisite of peace, the rule of law, political stability, democracy, environmental sustainability, human rights, economic development and prosperity, and scientific progress.

Secure communications solutions, operations and services.

Collaborative Combat across all Domains – The Multi-Domain Combat Cloud is about enhancing defence power through information superiority.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is the world’s leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions, including the Predator aircraft series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. The company has delivered more than 1,000 aircraft in its 30+ year history. GA-ASI’s RPA family includes a variety of unmanned aircraft, including MQ-9A Reaper, Gray Eagle 25M, Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with the integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. 

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Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive. Thales invests some €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.

Thales is proud to support the UK Armed Forces, NATO allies and global partners – harnessing the extraordinary power of technology to build a future we can all trust.

Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers. We are committed to making our products compatible with net zero carbon emissions to meet customer demand for more sustainable solutions. 

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MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its more than 14,000 employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and other allied countries worldwide. As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). MBDA is owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%).

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Aviation Week Network

Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.2 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Network’s portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising. Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC. 

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Formed in 1866, the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace, space and aviation community. The award-winning AEROSPACE magazine is the flagship monthly publication of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is free to all members and Corporate Partner organisations as part of their membership. It is written for aerospace professionals by aerospace professionals. The magazine is available in print and digital version with each monthly issue delivering in-depth analysis, expert opinion and learned insight into the latest global industry news and trends in aviation, aerospace and spaceflight.

Ascent has been a trusted provider of innovative training systems for 15 years, employing 420+ staff across six UK sites. We design and deliver training, technology products and technical services for defence ministries and public and private sector customers – and pride ourselves on our strong partnerships. We understand our customers’ needs, offering bespoke turnkey training solutions that generate mission-ready teams, through our unique blend of live and synthetic training. Ascent currently operates a fleet of 110 aircraft and over 100 simulators at our modern training centres – and to date has graduated nearly 2,000 students for a range of UK and international customers.

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Elbit Systems UK is an innovative Defence Technology company employing over 600 people on sixteen sites across the UK. Manufacturing and integrating advanced technology for the UK Armed Forces and our allies, our extensive portfolio provides cutting-edge capabilities for the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, protecting the UK at home and abroad.

We work on a range of technologies for both military and civilian applications to meet our customer requirements. With a focus on UK sovereignty the Elbit Systems UK supply chain creates and sustains jobs around Great Britain. Utilising this established network of partners and suppliers we support the MOD as they deliver for our Armed Forces.

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From the classroom to the live domain, Draken supports governments worldwide with advanced adversary training. Our technology-led threat replication and innovative blended services prepare frontline forces to survive the fight. Whether delivering combined Live Red Air and Electronic Attack services or supporting mission planning and rehearsal, Draken’s team is operationally experienced, seasoned in real-world tactics, and trusted to train forces in the air, land, and maritime environments. Integration of the latest live / virtual and secure data connectivity allows us to deliver a realistic opposing force for 4th and 5th Gen fighters, with operations conducted under appropriate civil and military approvals. Draken delivers reduced cost, reduced wear on frontline aircraft, and reduced burden on operational personnel. And, most importantly, an enhanced warfighting proficiency. 

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PA

Rapidly evolving threats and ongoing military and political turbulence are changing the global security ecosystem. With complexity and risk increasing, senior defence and security leaders are challenged to balance competing objectives and create a Secure Future.  At PA, we think and work differently helping leaders to create a Secure Future by: Taking an integrated world view; Communicating their purpose; Unlocking insight through the power of data; Reimagining critical infrastructure; and Optimising the talent opportunity.  A global innovation and transformation consultancy, we have over 4,000 specialists in defence and security, government and public services. To find out more, please visit www.paconsulting.com/industries/defence-and-security

 

With facilities in Broughton, Waddington, Glenrothes, Harlow, Gloucester and Manchester, Raytheon UK is invested in the British workforce and the development of UK technology.

Across the country, the company employs 2,000 people. As a prime contractor and major supplier to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Raytheon UK continues to invest in research and development, supporting innovation and technological advances across the country.

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Red 6 created the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) to provide a repeatable, immersive Augmented Reality experience for pilots while airborne. The ATARS system includes a high-resolution headset with ultra-wide field of view display, forward facing camera, eye tracking, head tracking, and night vision, with a compute unit, and revolutionary software to render real-time visuals of artificial intelligence (AI) powered synthetic entities. This allows pilots to train anywhere, anytime, against unlimited types and numbers of airborne assets and threat arrays in a secure environment. The capabilities of ATARS changes the way pilots visualize mission information and increases mission effectiveness. 

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The Eurofighter Typhoon is the world’s most advanced new generation multi-/swing-role combat aircraft currently available on the market. It is built on the strength of four European nations: Germany, UK, Italy and Spain and is operated by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. To this day, nine air forces around the globe have chosen the Eurofighter Typhoon and its wide-ranging operational capabilities. In more than 750,000 flight hours the aircraft has proven high reliability and unrivalled flexibility across the world.

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Collins Aerospace is a business of Raytheon Technologies, the largest aerospace and defence company in the world. Our global team of 73,000 employees’, works side-by-side with our customers and partners to dream, design and deliver smarter, more connected solutions for the battlespace, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. By reaching across the markets we serve and drawing on our vast portfolio of expertise, we are making the most powerful concepts in technology a reality every day. Explore all the ways we’re redefining aerospace with one of the deepest capability sets and broadest perspectives in the industry.

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Embraer is a global company with almost 55 years of aerospace expertise. In addition to the A-29 Super Tucano, an advanced training and light attack aircraft, the C-390 Millennium, a multi-mission military transport aircraft, it offers a complete portfolio of integrated solutions for air, space, sea, land, and cyber systems.
With more than 8.000 aircraft delivered and solutions present in more than 60 Governments and Armed Forces, Embraer offers solutions for land applications such as Command and Control (C4I), sensors, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), information systems, communication, border monitoring and surveillance, naval combat and management systems, and integration of geostationary satellites for communication and observation. In the cyber area, it provides complete solutions for business protection and defense and security applications.