GASCC25 Watch Live - The Air & Space Power Association

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ASPA On Air: GASCC25 Panelcast

4 Videos

Session 1 - Setting the Global Stage

24:55

Session 2 - Establishing Control and Building Resilience

35:17

Session 3 - Autonomy and 6th Generation Air Power

36:01

Session 4 - Countering Emerging Threats

24:54

Tune in to responses from leading air and space power experts

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Agenda

Agenda: Day One

0900	Conference registration open
0930-1030	Coffee & Networking
1030-1040	Welcome & Conference introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster & Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1045-1200	Session 1. Setting the Global Stage The first session will focus on the current global situation, with informed views from a European air force commander and a leading Indo-Pacific expert and broader view of the Future Operating Environment across international regions of interest. The industrial landscape will also be explored with insights from leading figures.	Air Vice-Marshal Mark Ridgway Director Defence Futures, Strategic Command Lieutenant General André Steur Commander, Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force Meia Nouwens Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, Defence and Military Analysis Programme, China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) General (Ret’d) Jeff ‘Cobra’ Harrigian Vice President, Strategic Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Major General Mark Ascough Head of Intelligence Assessments, Australian Defence Intelligence Organisation
1200-1300	Lunch & Networking
1300-1305	Opening Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1305-1410	Session 2. Establishing Control and Building Resilience The second session will explore the space domain. Following a keynote address, a panel of space experts and practitioners including UK and international space force commanders will examine how this all-seeing domain can be fully exploited to achieve optimum space domain awareness.	Keynote Address Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton Deputy Chief of Space Operations – Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, United States Space Force Panel Major General Paul Tedman (Chair) Commander, UK Space Command Major General Philippe Adam Space Commander, French Air and Space Force Massimo Comparini Managing Director, Leonardo Space Division Lieutenant General Susan Coyle Chief of Space and Cyber, Joint Capabilities Group (Australia)
1420-1530	Session 3. Autonomy and 6th Generation Air Power Embracing autonomy, whilst recognising the need to use it ethically, is the subject matter for the third session. Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, Air Capability Director, RAF, will chair a panel of AI and ethics academics and practitioners to explore how this technology and new 6th generation platforms are being used now and how they can contribute to fighting and winning in the future.	Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck Director Capability & Programmes, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva Chief of Staff, Italian Air Force Professor Kenneth Payne Professor of Strategy, King’s College London Dr Keith Dear CEO & Founder, Cassi
1530-1600	Afternoon Tea & Networking
1600-1715	Session 4. Countering Emerging Threats As we see the prolific use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the Russia-Ukraine war, air power experts must also realise the threat to their use with rapidly developing electronic warfare capabilities. Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air & Space Commander, will chair a discussion on how these technologies are developing in the rapidly changing conflict environment.	Air Marshal Allan Marshall Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Holger Neumann Chief of the German Air Force Dr Brendan Mulvaney Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University Jane Bishop Sector Vice President and General Manager Global Surveillance, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
1715-1730	Conference Day One Reflections	Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1730-2000	VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold Tickets Only)	Kindly supported by BAE Systems, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin

Agenda: Day Two

0800	Venue registration open
0800-0845	Coffee & Networking
0845-0900	Welcome & Conference Day Two Introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster and Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
0900-1045	Keynote Session	Luke Pollard MP Minister for the Armed Forces Read the Keynote > Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Read the Keynote > General David W. Allvin Chief of Staff of the Air Force, United States Air Force
1045-1115	Morning Coffee & Networking
1115-1220	Session 5. Identifying the Correct Lessons from Today’s Conflicts In this final session, the challenges and opportunities of innovating for multi-domain effect will be debated, expertly led by Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, NATO Air Command Deputy Commander, with perspectives from Australia’s Chief of the Air Force, a leading academic and senior industry figure.	Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer Deputy Commander NATO Headquarters, Allied Air Command Air Marshal Stephen Chappell Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force Dr Jacob Parakilas Research Leader, Defence, Security & Justice, RAND Europe Sir Stuart Atha Director of Training Strategy, BAE Systems
1220-1230	Conference Day Two Reflections & Closing Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1230-1400	Lunch & Networking
1400	Conference closes

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Agenda

Agenda: Day One

0900	Conference registration open
0930-1030	Coffee & Networking
1030-1040	Welcome & Conference introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster & Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1045-1200	Session 1. Setting the Global Stage The first session will focus on the current global situation, with informed views from a European air force commander and a leading Indo-Pacific expert and broader view of the Future Operating Environment across international regions of interest. The industrial landscape will also be explored with insights from leading figures.	Air Vice-Marshal Mark Ridgway Director Defence Futures, Strategic Command Lieutenant General André Steur Commander, Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force Meia Nouwens Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, Defence and Military Analysis Programme, China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) General (Ret’d) Jeff ‘Cobra’ Harrigian Vice President, Strategic Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Major General Mark Ascough Head of Intelligence Assessments, Australian Defence Intelligence Organisation
1200-1300	Lunch & Networking
1300-1305	Opening Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1305-1410	Session 2. Establishing Control and Building Resilience The second session will explore the space domain. Following a keynote address, a panel of space experts and practitioners including UK and international space force commanders will examine how this all-seeing domain can be fully exploited to achieve optimum space domain awareness.	Keynote Address Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton Deputy Chief of Space Operations – Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, United States Space Force Panel Major General Paul Tedman (Chair) Commander, UK Space Command Major General Philippe Adam Space Commander, French Air and Space Force Massimo Comparini Managing Director, Leonardo Space Division Lieutenant General Susan Coyle Chief of Space and Cyber, Joint Capabilities Group (Australia)
1420-1530	Session 3. Autonomy and 6th Generation Air Power Embracing autonomy, whilst recognising the need to use it ethically, is the subject matter for the third session. Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, Air Capability Director, RAF, will chair a panel of AI and ethics academics and practitioners to explore how this technology and new 6th generation platforms are being used now and how they can contribute to fighting and winning in the future.	Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck Director Capability & Programmes, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva Chief of Staff, Italian Air Force Professor Kenneth Payne Professor of Strategy, King’s College London Dr Keith Dear CEO & Founder, Cassi
1530-1600	Afternoon Tea & Networking
1600-1715	Session 4. Countering Emerging Threats As we see the prolific use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the Russia-Ukraine war, air power experts must also realise the threat to their use with rapidly developing electronic warfare capabilities. Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air & Space Commander, will chair a discussion on how these technologies are developing in the rapidly changing conflict environment.	Air Marshal Allan Marshall Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Holger Neumann Chief of the German Air Force Dr Brendan Mulvaney Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University Jane Bishop Sector Vice President and General Manager Global Surveillance, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
1715-1730	Conference Day One Reflections	Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1730-2000	VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold Tickets Only)	Kindly supported by BAE Systems, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin

Agenda: Day Two

0800	Venue registration open
0800-0845	Coffee & Networking
0845-0900	Welcome & Conference Day Two Introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster and Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
0900-1045	Keynote Session	Luke Pollard MP Minister for the Armed Forces Read the Keynote > Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Read the Keynote > General David W. Allvin Chief of Staff of the Air Force, United States Air Force
1045-1115	Morning Coffee & Networking
1115-1220	Session 5. Identifying the Correct Lessons from Today’s Conflicts In this final session, the challenges and opportunities of innovating for multi-domain effect will be debated, expertly led by Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, NATO Air Command Deputy Commander, with perspectives from Australia’s Chief of the Air Force, a leading academic and senior industry figure.	Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer Deputy Commander NATO Headquarters, Allied Air Command Air Marshal Stephen Chappell Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force Dr Jacob Parakilas Research Leader, Defence, Security & Justice, RAND Europe Sir Stuart Atha Director of Training Strategy, BAE Systems
1220-1230	Conference Day Two Reflections & Closing Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1230-1400	Lunch & Networking
1400	Conference closes

Speakers

Sponsors

Strategic Partners

Conference Sponsors

professional services partner

professional services partner

Individual Sponsors

Strategic Media Partners

Associate sponsors

Resources

Menu

Agenda: Day One

0900	Conference registration open
0930-1030	Coffee & Networking
1030-1040	Welcome & Conference introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster & Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1045-1200	Session 1. Setting the Global Stage The first session will focus on the current global situation, with informed views from a European air force commander and a leading Indo-Pacific expert and broader view of the Future Operating Environment across international regions of interest. The industrial landscape will also be explored with insights from leading figures.	Air Vice-Marshal Mark Ridgway Director Defence Futures, Strategic Command Lieutenant General André Steur Commander, Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force Meia Nouwens Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, Defence and Military Analysis Programme, China Programme, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) General (Ret’d) Jeff ‘Cobra’ Harrigian Vice President, Strategic Campaigns, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Major General Mark Ascough Head of Intelligence Assessments, Australian Defence Intelligence Organisation
1200-1300	Lunch & Networking
1300-1305	Opening Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force
1305-1410	Session 2. Establishing Control and Building Resilience The second session will explore the space domain. Following a keynote address, a panel of space experts and practitioners including UK and international space force commanders will examine how this all-seeing domain can be fully exploited to achieve optimum space domain awareness.	Keynote Address Lieutenant General Shawn N. Bratton Deputy Chief of Space Operations – Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, United States Space Force Panel Major General Paul Tedman (Chair) Commander, UK Space Command Major General Philippe Adam Space Commander, French Air and Space Force Massimo Comparini Managing Director, Leonardo Space Division Lieutenant General Susan Coyle Chief of Space and Cyber, Joint Capabilities Group (Australia)
1420-1530	Session 3. Autonomy and 6th Generation Air Power Embracing autonomy, whilst recognising the need to use it ethically, is the subject matter for the third session. Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck, Air Capability Director, RAF, will chair a panel of AI and ethics academics and practitioners to explore how this technology and new 6th generation platforms are being used now and how they can contribute to fighting and winning in the future.	Air Vice-Marshal Jim Beck Director Capability & Programmes, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva Chief of Staff, Italian Air Force Professor Kenneth Payne Professor of Strategy, King’s College London Dr Keith Dear CEO & Founder, Cassi
1530-1600	Afternoon Tea & Networking
1600-1715	Session 4. Countering Emerging Threats As we see the prolific use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the Russia-Ukraine war, air power experts must also realise the threat to their use with rapidly developing electronic warfare capabilities. Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air & Space Commander, will chair a discussion on how these technologies are developing in the rapidly changing conflict environment.	Air Marshal Allan Marshall Air & Space Commander, Royal Air Force Lieutenant General Holger Neumann Chief of the German Air Force Dr Brendan Mulvaney Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, National Defense University Jane Bishop Sector Vice President and General Manager Global Surveillance, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems
1715-1730	Conference Day One Reflections	Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1730-2000	VIP Drinks Reception in the Riverside Room & Johnson Roof Terrace (Gold Tickets Only)	Kindly supported by BAE Systems, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin

Agenda: Day Two

0800	Venue registration open
0800-0845	Coffee & Networking
0845-0900	Welcome & Conference Day Two Introductions	Susannah Streeter Broadcaster and Analyst Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
0900-1045	Keynote Session	Luke Pollard MP Minister for the Armed Forces Read the Keynote > Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Read the Keynote > General David W. Allvin Chief of Staff of the Air Force, United States Air Force
1045-1115	Morning Coffee & Networking
1115-1220	Session 5. Identifying the Correct Lessons from Today’s Conflicts In this final session, the challenges and opportunities of innovating for multi-domain effect will be debated, expertly led by Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, NATO Air Command Deputy Commander, with perspectives from Australia’s Chief of the Air Force, a leading academic and senior industry figure.	Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer Deputy Commander NATO Headquarters, Allied Air Command Air Marshal Stephen Chappell Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force Dr Jacob Parakilas Research Leader, Defence, Security & Justice, RAND Europe Sir Stuart Atha Director of Training Strategy, BAE Systems
1220-1230	Conference Day Two Reflections & Closing Remarks	Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Air Marshal (Ret’d) Greg Bagwell President, The Air & Space Power Association
1230-1400	Lunch & Networking
1400	Conference closes

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Major General Philippe Adam

Space Commander
French Air and Space Force

Born on May 9, 1967, in Paris, Major General Philippe Adam can rely on a comprehensive technical and operational experience.

Graduating as engineer from the Ecole Polytechnique, he joined the French Air Force on August 31, 1988, and began his fighter pilot training. Awarded with his fighter pilot wings in 1990, he held various responsibilities in operational units on Mirage 2000C within the 1/12 “Cambrésis” fighter squadron, then as Flight Commander in the 2/12 “Picardie” fighter squadron. From 1993 to 1995, he was engaged in several operations in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Qualified as a test pilot in 1996, he was assigned to the French Flight Test Center in Istres, where he became Chief Test Pilot in 1999. After graduating from the French Joint War College in 2001, he came back to his previous responsibilities at the Flight Test Center in Istres. In 2003, he was assigned as operational advisor at the United Arab Emirates Flight Test Center.

Back in France in 2006, he served two years in the Capability Office of the Air Force Staff in Paris, in charge of the “Deterrence & Combat” division. From 2008 to 2010, he took command of the Istres Air Base, covering a major milestone with the commissioning of the ASMP-A nuclear weapon system.

After attending the National War College in Washington, D.C. in 2010-2011, he joined the NATO International Military Staff in Brussels as Deputy Chief of the “Air and Ballistic Missile Defense” Branch. In 2013, he was appointed deputy director of the Euro-Atlantic branch at the French Delegation for Strategic Affairs, in charge of supporting the defense minister for bilateral and multilateral meetings.

From 2015 to 2017, he was assigned to the Air Defense and Air Operations Command at Lyon Mont-Verdun Air Base 942, as commander of the National Air Operation Center. Promoted to Brigadier General in 2017, he then took command of the Air Operation Brigade, still at BA942. His responsibilities included command of the Barkhane Operation Joint Force Air Component. Then, on summer 2018, he was appointed deputy Joint Force Commander of the Barkhane Operation, in N’Djamena, Chad.

In 2019, he took command of the French Air Warfare Center in Mont-de-Marsan. He supervised the entry into service of the French armed “Reaper” as well as of the F3R standard of the “Rafale”. In 2020, he was appointed chief of the “Future Capabilities” division of the Joint Staff, in charge of planning the procurement of future equipment on behalf of the Joint Chief of Staff. He took command of the French Space Command on July 1st, 2022.

Major General Mark Christopher Ascough AM CSC DSM

Head of Intelligence Assessments
Australian Defence Intelligence Organisation

Major General Ascough was born and completed his school education in Brisbane. He commissioned into the Australian Intelligence Corps following graduation from the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College – Duntroon. He commenced as Head of Intelligence Assessments at the Defence Intelligence Organisation in July 2024.

His Army appointments have included service with the 1st Intelligence Battalion, 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment; and on the staff of the Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army Headquarters and Forces Command. He has held command appointments at all ranks from Lieutenant through to Brigadier, including; Platoon and Company Command in the 1st Intelligence Battalion, unit command of Royal Military College – Duntroon, and formation command of the 6th Brigade.

Major General Ascough’s operational service includes Border Protection operations; two deployments to East Timor and two tours in Afghanistan. For his operational command of the Kabul Garrison Command Advisor Team, Major General Ascough was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Major General Ascough’s strategic intelligence, policy and joint staff experience includes a secondment to the Office of National Intelligence as a senior strategic analyst. In this role he provided the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Security Committee of Cabinet assessments on national strategic military and political issues. He worked on strategic policy as Army’s Staff Officer for Strategy and on joint operational planning and intelligence during postings to Headquarters Joint Operations Command. His most recent joint staff appointment was as the Director General Operations Intelligence (J2) at Headquarters Joint Operations Command. For his achievements in this appointment and as Commander 6th Brigade, Major General Ascough was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the Military Division in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list.

Major General Ascough is a keen student of national security and history. He is a distinguished graduate of the United Kingdom’s Joint Services Command and Staff College; where he was recognised as the Overall Best Student. Major General Ascough holds an Honours degree in History from the University of New South Wales, a Masters of Arts in International Relations from Deakin University and a Masters of Arts in Defence Studies from Kings College, London. He is also a graduate of the United Kingdom Chartered Management Institute, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Defence College’s Course on Strategy and Future War Studies and is an alumni of the Australian National University’s National Security College.

He and his wife, Michaele and their daughter Erin enjoy reading, travelling and cooking (and eating) a wide range of international foods. They also enjoy keeping fit and healthy and supporting a range of sporting teams across many codes. Major General is a life-long Queensland Reds fan and is a retired social rugby player. He still enjoys a range of sporting interests including mountain-biking and trail running.

Sir Stuart Atha KBE CB DSO MA BSc

Director of Training Strategy
BAE Systems

Stuart Atha joined BAE Systems in May 2020 and is responsible for the development and delivery of the Air Training Strategy, a remit that includes enterprise-wide multi-domain training. He is a member of the Air Board, chairman of PPM, a high tech entity, and Head of the UK delegation to the NATO Industry Advisory Group.

Stuart joined the RAF in 1984 after reading mathematics and physics at Glasgow University and flying with the Air Squadron. Following a tour as an instructor on the Hawk aircraft, he served in Germany for 6 years and flew the Harrier from 1990 to 2003, flying combat missions over Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. Stuart commanded RAF Coningsby and the Eurofighter Typhoon Force 2006-2008, the period when Typhoon entered operational service. During this tour Stuart also had the privilege of displaying Spitfires and Hurricanes of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. In 2009/10 he commanded the UK Air Component operating in the Gulf and Afghanistan. In 2011 he headed the Ministry of Defence’s Libyan operations team, reporting directly to the UK National Security Council, following which he commanded No 1 Group, which comprised a diverse array of air and space forces including combat aircraft, ISTAR assets and the National Air and Space Operations Centre. As the UK Air Defence Commander, he was responsible for developing and delivering the London Olympics’ Air Security Plan in 2012.

Stuart’s staff experience includes posts in the RAF Air Warfare Centre and MOD including as personal staff officer to the Head of the Air Force. Between 2014 and 2016 he was deputy commander of the Permanent Joint Headquarters, responsible for all UK oversea operations. Stuart’s final tour in uniform was as Deputy Commander of the RAF, the Air Force Board member responsible for RAF operations 2016-2019, a tour that was dominated by the counter-ISIS campaign in Iraq/Syria and the NATO response to a resurgent Russia.

Stuart is an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham, lecturing on contemporary air power subjects, and patron of the Jon Egging Trust, a charity that seeks to inspire and develop young people. In a similar vein, he is a flying officer reservist who enjoys flying Air Cadets on No 5 Air Experience Flight at RAF Wittering. He serves as a Commissioner with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is the Honorary Vice-President of the Friends of Metheringham Airfield, organisations that are dedicated to honouring the memories of those who have served and sacrificed. He lives in Teddington, London, with his wife Caroline and has 5 adult children.

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC CSC OAM

Chief of Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force

Air Marshal Chappell joined the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1993, graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts.

He completed Pilot’s Course in 1997, F/A-18 Operational Conversion in 1998, and Fighter Combat Instructor course in 2001. Following instructional and flight commander assignments, he was the inaugural exchange officer with the United States Air Force 65th Aggressor Squadron.

Air Marshal Chappell has held command appointments at Squadron, Wing and Component levels and has accumulated over 2,900 flying hours on the F/A-18A, F-15C, F/A-18F and EA18G.

Senior staff appointments include Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force late in 2017, supporting both Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC and General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC; and as the Head of Military Strategic Commitments, responsible for the strategic level management and situational awareness of current and potential Australian Defence Force commitments, until his selection as Chief of Air Force and promotion to Air Marshal in July 2024.

Operationally, Air Marshal Chappell deployed to the Middle East with No. 75 Squadron on Operation FALCONER in 2003, and with No 1 Squadron in 2014 contributing to the Air Task Group commitment to Operation OKRA.

Air Marshal Chappell received a Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement in air combat development and preparedness as Commander of No. 1 Squadron in January 2017, and a Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his “distinguished command and leadership” on Operation Okra in June 2017.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for meritorious service to the Royal Australian Air Force in the field of Air Combat in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours; and received the United States Meritorious Service Medal for performing outstanding services as Assistant Director of Operations, 65th Aggressor Squadron December 2005 – December 2007.

In 2013, Air Marshal Chappell attended the Australian Command and Staff College, completing a Master of Military and Strategic Studies and was awarded the Chief of Air Force prize. He graduated the Defence Strategic Studies Course at the Australian War College in 2017. He has also completed the Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course at the National Defense University in Washington, DC.

He is a keen student of history, an avid reader, and enjoys a multitude of sports.

Lieutenant General
Antonio Conserva

Chief of Staff, Italian Air Force

Since 16th of May 2025 Lieutenant General Antonio CONSERVA is the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff. He serves as the senior uniformed Air Force Officer responsible for the organisation, training and equipment of 44.000 active-duty men and women serving in Italy and overseas. In accordance with the directives of the Chief of Defense Staff, he is responsible for the preparation and deployment of the national airspace defense system and, for this purpose; he coordinates the deployment of all the means involved in the defense of national airspace.

Lieutenant General (AF) Antonio CONSERVA was born in Taranto on 12 January 1963. In 1982 he joined the Air Force enrolling in Class “Borea 4” and got his Military Pilot license in 1987. In 1988 he was assigned to 21st Fighter Squadron – 53rd Wing Cameri, where he achieved Combat Readiness on F104S aircraft. Within the 21st Fighter Squadron he was appointed Commander of 351st Flight and Squadron Operations Officer, taking part in Operations “Trinacria” and “Deny Flight”.

In 1994 he served as flight instructor in the USA, flying T38 aircraft. On his return to Italy in 1997 he was assigned to 61st Wing-Lecce, where he commanded the 213th Training Squadron. Subsequently he held the post of Wing Operations Officer. After attending the Joint Staff College (ISSMI) in academic year 2000/2001, he was assigned to the Air Force Staff where he served as Head of Performance, Verification and Analysis Office within the General Office for Internal Control, then as Deputy Head of General Planning Office- 3rd Department. From September 2006 to July 2008 he commanded 36th Wing – Gioia del Colle. In 2008 he returned to the Air Force Staff as Head of General Planning and Transformation Office -3rd Department and, from 2010, as Deputy Head of 6th Department – Economic and Financial Affairs.

In October 2012 he was appointed Head of the General Internal Control Office and, from September 2013, Head of 6th Department – Economic and Financial Affairs. In April 2016 he was assigned to the Defence Staff, where he held the post of Deputy Head- General Office for Planning, Programming and Budgeting. In June 2017 he took office as Commander-Air Operations Command – Poggio Renatico.

On his return to the Defence Staff, in 2019, he was appointed Head of the General Office for Planning, Programming and Budgeting. On June 22nd 2021 he was appointed Chief of the Cabinet of the Minister of Defense. On October 19th 2023 he was appointed Logistics Commander of the Italian Air Force.

Gen. Conserva has over 3.000 flight hours on his record, achieved in fighter and advanced training aircrafts. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Naples University and a Master’s degree in International and Diplomatic Sciences from Trieste University, a Master’s Degree in International Strategic and Military Studies from Center for Defence Higher Studies (Rome) and a Master’s Degree in National Security Strategy from National Defense University (Washington, DC).

Lt Gen. Conserva was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and was awarded the “Mauriziana” Medal for 50 years military service, the Military Medal of Merit for Long Command in gold, the Gold Medal for long air navigation, the Gold Service Cross with star, the NATO Medal for Operations in Former Yugoslavia, the NATO Medal for Operations in and Kosovo, Medal for Meritorious Service of the US Air Force and Service Medal for Common Security and Defense Policy for Planning and Support for his participation in EU Operation “Sophia”.

Lt Gen. Conserva is married to Anna. They have one daughter, Giulia.

Lieutenant General A. (André) Steur

Commander
Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force

Lieutenant General André Steur was born on 17 April 1970 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. He started his military career in 1988 with a study in Business Administration at the Royal Military Academy (KMA) in Breda. After graduating from the KMA in 1992, he started his pilot training (ENJJPT) at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

In 1994 Steur received his wings and subsequently attended initialF-16 training in Tucson, Arizona. After returning to the Netherlands, he was stationed with 312 Squadron at Volkel Air Base. Between 1995 and 2003, Steur was deployed several times, including to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

In 2001, he started Fighter Weapons Instructor Training (FWIT). Steur graduated cum laude and received awards for best student in the categories overall, air-to-air and air-to-surface. Subsequently he was assigned to 312 Squadron as a weapons officer/flight commander.

After finishing the NLD Intermediate Command and Staff Course in 2003, Steur was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. As an Ops Officer with 77th Fighter Squadron, a United States Air Force Block-50 CJ squadron, he was responsible for the operational readiness of the unit.

Upon his return to the Netherlands in 2006, he was assigned to the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) in The Hague, as Chief of Operations of the F-35 programme. During this period, Steur was the project lead of the 2008 candidate evaluation, Chief of the F-35 Operational Analysis Team and responsible for the preparations for the F-35 OT&E.

From August 2009 until July 2010, Steur attended the NLD Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Netherlands Defence College (IDL) in Rijswijk. Afterwards, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and returned to Volkel Air Base as Commander of 312 Squadron.

In 2011, Steur assumed command of 313 Squadron. Shortly after this assignment he was deployed to Italy as the detachment commander of 1-FWE, as part of NATO’s Operation Unified Protector in Libya.

In September 2011, Steur became the Operations Group Commander at Volkel Air Base. During this period, he was also project lead for the large-scale reorganisation of Volkel Air Base, a measure that had been set out in the 2011 Policy Letter.

In 2012, he was assigned to the Defence Staff and promoted to the rank of colonel. As Chief of the Plans Integration and Coordination Division, Steur was responsible for Defence planning in the fields of investments, requirements, operating costs, personnel and national and international cooperation.

In December 2014, Steur returned to Volkel Air Base, this time as Commander of the Air Base. This period at Volkel was characterised by the operations conducted over Iraq and Syria in the fight against ISIS and the improvement of the positioning of the air base within the local community.

In early 2016, Steur was promoted to air commodore to become the Director of Operations of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. In addition to bearing responsibility for the frequent deployment of almost all of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s weapon systems at that time, Steur had an active role in the development of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s vision document regarding the fifth generation air force.

In April 2019, Steur was promoted to major general and appointed to the position of Director of Operational Policy and Plans within the Directorate of Policy of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence in The Hague. Within this newly established directorate, the foundation was laid for further development of the Netherlands armed forces. Furthermore, Steur and his team contributed significantly to the run-up to the 2022 Defence White Paper, the accompanying statement of measures and the resulting efforts in the area of materiel.

On 14 April 2023, Steur was promoted to Lieutenant General and assumed the position of Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. In the summer of 2024, Steur successfully completed his F-35 conversion (Senior Course).

Lieutenant General Steur is married to Ronda. They have two sons, Ronan and Kian.

Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer KCB CBE MA RAF

Deputy Commander NATO Headquarters Allied Air Command

Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, Royal Air Force, has been the Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, since August 2022.

Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer was born in Sale and educated at Watford Boys’ Grammar School and New College, University of Oxford. Johnny was sponsored by the Royal Air Force (RAF) through both 6th Form and University, and after officer and pilot training, he joined the Jaguar Force at Royal Air Force (RAF) Coltishall in 1993. A Qualified Weapon Instructor, he flew operationally over the Former Yugoslavia and helped enforce the Northern Iraq No Fly Zone. His staff experience at Squadron Leader (OF-3) and Wing Commander (OF-4) included tours in the RAF’s fast jet group Headquarters and in the Ministry of Defence on future combat air capability.

From 2007 to 2009, Johnny commanded 29 Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Coningsby; leaving on promotion, he spent two years as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS) Joint Effects in the J3 Division of the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood. He returned to New College as a visiting Trenchard Fellow on the Oxford Changing Character of War programme in autumn 2011.

Between October 2012 and September 2014, Johnny commanded RAF Coningsby and its Typhoon Wing, supporting national and overseas Typhoon operations, and displayed the Spitfire and Hurricane with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. He was posted as Assistant Chief of Staff Operations (ACOS Ops) to Headquarters Air Command in August 2015 before commanding No.83 Expeditionary Air Group as the U.K. Air Component Commander between October 2016 and October 17, in charge of all national air operations in the fight against Daesh (also known as the Islamic State) in Operation SHADER and across the region.

Promoted to Air Vice-Marshal, Johnny was Chief of Staff at U.K. Joint Forces Command (JFC) and subsequently Director Strategy as JFC evolved into UK Strategic Command, overseeing its work on the 2021 UK Defence and Security Integrated Review. He has recently concluded a professional placement with Rebellion Defence.

Johnny is a graduate of the U.K. Advanced and Higher Command and Staff Courses, the Royal College of Defence Studies and holds Masters degrees from Oxford and Kings College London. He has over 3000 flying hours, predominantly on single seat combat aircraft.

Johnny is married to Lisa and has two sons. His interests include history, art and literature, food and drink, and road cycling.