Accelerate Defense Modernization through Strategic Sourcing
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliersThe 8th annual Military Aviation & Air Dominance Summit, hosted by Defense Strategies Institute, will return to Huntsville, AL on January 21–22, 2026.
In a dynamic and evolving global landscape, the U.S. Military Services are undergoing a strategic reorientation to maintain and expand air superiority over increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
The 2026 Summit will host senior-led discussions on the empowerment of air dominance with innovative technologies such artificial intelligence & digital engineering, developing next-generation platforms for the future fight, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity to secure these new and modernized aircraft.
Key Topics:
- Reshaping the Future of Army Aviation with Future Vertical Lift: Fielding The FLRAA and Guiding The Next Chapter
- Deploying Next-Generation Operational Capabilities to Prepare Army Aviators for the Future Fight
- Enabling Air Superiority through the Development and Fielding of Advanced Aircraft Capabilities Such as the Next-Gen Fighter
- Providing Air Support, Assault Support, and Aerial Reconnaissance to Sustain the MAGTF Warfighting Edge
- Redefining the Frontline with Unmanned Systems and the New Era of Defense
- Code in the Cockpit: Ensuring Air Dominance in a Contested Cyber Environments
- Implementing MOSA to Enable the Rapid Fielding of Agile, Sustainable, and Interoperable Navy Avionic Systems
- Adapting to The Future of Special Operations Aviation: From Legacy to Lethality
- Advancing International Partnerships in the Sky and Securing the Future of Global Aviation
The 2026 Summit will gather senior-level experts and decision-makers from across the U.S. Military Services, DoW, International Partners, Acquisition Authorities, and Industry for a Joint Service discussion on strategies, initiatives, and emerging capabilities critical for enhancing lethality and restoring the warrior ethos in pursuit of total air dominance.
2026 Early Confirmed Speakers
- MG Clair Gill, USA Commanding General, Army Aviation Center of Excellence
- BG David Phillips, USA, Program Executive Officer, PEO Aviation
- BG Cain Baker, USA, Director, Future Vertical Lift CFT, U.S. Army T2COM
- Air Commodore Nicola Thomas, RAF, Air Attache, Embassy of UK to the US
- Air Commodore Amy Beck, Air Attaché, Embassy of Australia in the USA
- COL Timothy Jaeger, USA, Director, Army Aviation for Army Headquarters (HQDA) G-3/5/7
- COL Jeffrey Poquette, USA, Project Manager, FLRAA, PEO Aviation
- Col Robert Finneran, Chief of Staff, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing
- Col Christopher Francis, USAF, Commander, 118th Wing NEW
- Colonel Wooyoul ‘Xerox’ Lee, ROKAF, Air Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA
- CAPT Jarrod Hair, USN, PM, Air Combat Electronics (PMA 209), NAVAIR
- MG (Ret.) Jeffrey Schloesser, USA, Executive Vice President, Strategic Pursuits, BELL Advanced Vertical Lift Center
- MG (R) Robert L. Barrie Former Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ALT)
- MG (R) Kenneth T. Royar, USA, VP & Program Integration Lead, Textron (Confirmed) *
- Kaly McKenna Vice President, Beacon Global Strategies
Participation & Contact Information
Complimentary attendance is offered to active U.S. military, government, and state personnel.
DSI is also welcoming sponsors and exhibitors for the forum; for sponsorship or exhibiting inquiries, please contact Amanda Delgado at [email protected] or (201) 940-6680.
For general information or questions regarding the Summit, please contact Jessica Joaquim at [email protected] or (201) 824-0077.
