African Air Force Forum 2026
The 5th African Air Forces Forum will take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, hosted by the Côte d’Ivoire Air Force. The event will gather African air power leaders, senior defense officials, international partners, and technology providers to address current security priorities across the continent.
The forum will examine how African air forces are strengthening operational capability in areas such as air defense, combat aircraft, ISR, UAVs, air mobility, training, and networked command and control. The 2026 theme is “Building Interoperable Air Defence and UAV Capabilities for Regional Peace and Resilience.”
When is the Event?
The event is listed for December 1–2, 2026. The supplied agenda includes a VIP dinner, conference sessions, exhibition activity, networking receptions, and one-to-one meetings.
Themes
The African Air Forces Forum will focus on the operational and procurement priorities shaping air power development across the region. Key areas include combat aircraft and tactical air power, integrated air defense systems, strategic air mobility, rotary wing aviation, ISR systems, secure communications, and human capital development.
The program will also cover long-range air surveillance radars, surface-to-air missile systems, integrated air defense networks, counter-UAS systems, C4ISR, airspace management systems, digital battlespace platforms, flight simulators, pilot training aircraft, and maintenance training facilities.
Image Credit: African Air Forces Forum 2025
What’s On?
The agenda combines formal addresses, presentations, panel sessions, sponsor technology showcases, exhibition tours, and networking opportunities. The opening elements include the arrival of senior air force leadership, cultural performance, a welcome address by the Chief of Air Staff of Côte d’Ivoire, and a VIP gala dinner.
The main conference program includes registration, VIP arrivals, the national anthem, safety briefing, welcome address, a forum documentary, goodwill messages from Chiefs of Air Staff, an opening keynote address, and a strategic technology showcase. A VIP exhibition tour and ribbon cutting ceremony are also included.
Air Power and Security Sessions
A central part of the program will focus on UAV and ISR in counterterrorism, internal security, and asymmetric operations. Presentations from senior speakers will be followed by an interactive panel on strengthening air power for counterterrorism and asymmetric warfare operations.
The forum will also examine airborne ISR capabilities for intelligence gathering, surveillance reach, reconnaissance effectiveness, air surveillance, and border security.
Capability and Procurement Areas
The procurement-focused content includes multirole fighter aircraft, light attack aircraft, air defense interceptors, close air support platforms, tactical and strategic transport aircraft, aerial refueling tankers, special mission aircraft, attack helicopters, utility helicopters, CSAR platforms, and border and coastal surveillance helicopters.
Further areas include MALE UAVs, tactical surveillance drones, AEW&C platforms, ELINT and SIGINT systems, satellite-based ISR integration, geospatial intelligence platforms, artificial intelligence for ISR analysis, and autonomous drone and swarm technologies.
Networking and One-to-One Meetings
The event includes a Networking Gala Dinner, Networking Cocktail and Canapé Reception, networking coffee breaks, a networking luncheon, and one-to-one meetings. The Meet The Air Force Chiefs program is structured for exhibitors and sponsors, with scheduled face-to-face meetings with attending Chiefs of Air Force.
Speakers
The agenda includes contributions from the Chief of Air Staff of Côte d’Ivoire, Chiefs of Air Staff, VIP speakers, sponsor representatives, moderators, a forum chairman, and a special guest of honor. The event is also expected to include senior officers, commandants, branch chiefs, government leaders, international defense partners, and global technology providers.
Previous Highlights
The 2026 edition follows previous discussions on national security, counterterrorism operations, peacekeeping missions, and advanced technologies. This year’s agenda continues that focus through sessions on defense cooperation, regional readiness, operational capabilities, and the expanding role of air forces in internal security and peace stabilization.
Who Will Attend?
The forum is aimed at senior representatives from air forces, aviation authorities, law enforcement agencies, ministries of defense, and ministries of interior. Job profiles listed in the supplied content include Chief of Air Staff, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Director of Armament and Procurement, Director of Policy and Plans, Director of Training, Director General, Director of Logistics, and Director of Air Operations.
Where is the Event?
The 5th African Air Forces Forum will be held at:
Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire
Abidjan
Ivory Coast
To learn more about African Air Force Forum 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
