At key international meet
Air chiefs from around the world will convene in Dubai later this year for the 12th edition of the Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference (DIACC), with regional and global tensions driving renewed interest in air power, missile defence, and unmanned systems.
The conference, scheduled to take place on November 16, 2025, ahead of the Dubai Airshow, is being organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence in partnership with ADNEC Group. The event will host chiefs of air forces, senior officers, and defence experts for discussions expected to focus on technological modernisation, evolving threats, and strategic cooperation in the air domain.
Launched in 2003, DIACC is one of the most prominent military air power forums globally. Held biennially, the gathering serves as a platform for countries to exchange operational insights, share lessons learned from recent conflicts, and assess the implications of emerging technologies.
This year’s edition, under the theme ‘Hypersonic Edge – Re-envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Systems’, comes amid heightened security concerns across the Middle East and North Africa. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, tensions in the Red Sea, and recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, and Israel and Iran involving drones and missile systems have prompted several countries to reassess their air defence strategies.
Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have increased their investment in integrated air defence networks and early warning systems in recent years. The DIACC is expected to reflect this shift, with experts predicting that multi-domain operations, autonomous systems, and hypersonic threats will dominate closed-door discussions.
The regional relevance of the conference has grown in step with the Middle East’s expanding role in global military affairs. Several African and Asian air force leaders are expected to participate, signalling deeper cooperation across the Global South on shared challenges such as border security, drone attacks, and airspace control.
Key participants
While organisers have yet to confirm the complete list of participants, past events have drawn senior figures from Nato, the United States, Russia, India, and key African nations. Defence observers say the presence of such a diverse group reflects the shifting landscape of international alliances and strategic interests.
Beyond military issues, the conference also provides insight into how regional powers are responding to changing political dynamics. As Western military commitments in the region evolve, countries like the UAE are positioning themselves as both security providers and conveners of international defence dialogue.
The UAE has steadily developed its domestic defence industry and expanded military partnerships across Asia and Africa. Hosting forums like DIACC strengthens its profile as a regional defence hub and offers an avenue for countries to pursue bilateral agreements and technical collaborations.
This year’s discussions will likely also cover lessons from ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and Israel-Iran operations. The use of precision-guided munitions, drone swarms, and electronic warfare in those theatres has reshaped thinking about air dominance and rapid-response capabilities.
Security experts suggest the event may also highlight growing interest in artificial intelligence and data-driven warfare. While much of the content will remain confidential, topics such as AI-enabled targeting, cyber vulnerabilities in aviation systems, and pilot training for complex air operations are expected to feature.
The DIACC precedes the Dubai Airshow, where several air forces are anticipated to announce aircraft purchases, upgrades, and technology integration deals. Although the conference itself is closed to the public, its influence often shapes defence procurement decisions and long-term strategy across the region.
The growing sophistication of aerial threats, including long-range missiles and uncrewed aircraft, continues to challenge traditional defence structures. As the Middle East faces an increasingly complex security environment, the 2025 Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping collective responses to those threats.
Image: Undated file image of a USAF F-35 test pilot firing an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile above the Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California. Credit: Lockheed Martin
