International Fighter Conference 2026 (IFC 2026) will return to Munich for its 26th edition, bringing together more than 600 senior leaders, air chiefs, program directors, government representatives, and industry innovators who are shaping the future of combat airpower.
The 2026 agenda will address Collaborative Combat Aircraft, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and the future fighter force. It will also examine next-generation fighter programs, existing 4th- and 5th-generation fleets, the integration of new capabilities into legacy fleets, combat cloud architectures, AI-enabled decision support, and developments in advanced weapons, electronic warfare, avionics, C2, and mission systems.
Image credit: International Fighter Conference
When is International Fighter Conference?
International Fighter Conference 2026 will take place from November 3–5, 2026 in Munich, Germany.
Registration before Friday, August 28, 2026 provides access to an early pass offering a saving of €400.
IFC 2026 Themes
One of the key themes for 2026 is the integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft into the future fighter fleet, including how CCAs can integrate with crewed platforms to enhance capability, autonomy, and mission effectiveness.
The conference will also examine survivability by design and electronic warfare, including how electronic warfare, spectrum control, and design choices can improve survivability in highly contested airspace.
Testing, validation, and the operational realities of operating CCAs will also be addressed, including lessons learned from trials, experimentation, and real-world use, with a focus on bridging the gap between concept and deployment.
Next-generation engineering and emerging technologies will also be covered, alongside developments in advanced weapons, electronic warfare, avionics, command and control, mission systems, and the sustainment and training models required to field next-generation airpower at scale.
Image credit: International Fighter Conference
What’s On at International Fighter Conference 2026?
The 2026 program will include strategic discussions, operational insights, and dedicated tracks on operational readiness and advanced engineering.
These tracks will explore developments in advanced weapons, electronic warfare, avionics, C2, mission systems, and the sustainment and training models required to field next-generation airpower at scale.
The conference will also address crewed-uncrewed teaming, combat cloud architectures, AI-enabled decision support, and the practical challenges of integrating new capabilities into legacy fleets.
An interactive exhibition will feature several full-scale Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Areas of interest identified for attendees include fighter aircraft, AI and autonomous systems, flight training and simulation, electronic warfare, sensors and avionics, combat cloud and C2 systems, propulsion, and thermal management technologies.
2026 Speakers
The 2026 speaker lineup includes senior representatives from NATO and national air forces.
- Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, DSACEUR, NATO SHAPE
- General Adrian Spain, Commander, Air Combat Command
- General Francisco Braco Carbó, Chief of Air Staff, Spanish Air and Space Force
- Lieutenant General Holger Neumann, Chief of Staff, German Air Force
- Lieutenant General André Steur, Commander, Royal Netherlands Air Force
- Vice Admiral David Desfougères, Commander of the French Naval Aviation Force, French Navy
- Major General Tomasz Jatczak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, Polish Armed Forces
- Major General Jeff Smyth, Chief Air & Space Force Development, Royal Canadian Air Force
Where is IFC 2026?
Eisbach Studios
Munich
Germany
To learn more about International Fighter Conference 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
