Contemporary air war & military concepts
This conference aims to take a closer look at the military trends and developments emerging from the war in Ukraine, as well as the state of Chinese military air capability development and the strategic implications this may have.
| Dato | Tid | Sted | Billetter |
|---|---|---|---|
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11. nov.
- 12. nov. 2026
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08:30
- 15:00
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The year 2026 is characterised by a number of ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, where multi-domain operations and advanced technology have played a central role.
At the same time, we know that the United States is increasingly focusing on China, and that new technologies and military concepts are being developed to, as stated in the new US National Defense Strategy, “Deter China in the Indo-Pacific Through Strength, Not Confrontation.”
The conference will also examine key technologies such as artificial intelligence and space-based capabilities, and how these technologies may influence the way Norway and NATO conduct warfare in the future.
You will be offered perspectives through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and audience questions (Q&A). We have invited distinguished speakers to share their insights, inform, and challenge participants. The Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy invites you and your organisation to join us in exploring important perspectives related to ongoing conflicts, technology, and military concept development.
The conference will be held in person at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy in Trondheim. For those attending on site, there will also be an informal networking gathering with food and a bar opening on Wednesday evening.
Conference registration deadline: Monday, 2 November
Participation in the conference is free of charge.
Practical information
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The Air Force Academy is unable to provide accommodation at Kuhaugen Camp. Participants are therefore responsible for arranging their own lodging. The Norwegian Armed Forces has framework agreements with Scandic Solsiden and Scandic Lerkendal, which participants may wish to consider.
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Transportation will not be provided as part of the conference. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the Air Force Academy. As parking is limited, the use of public transport is recommended.
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Dress code
Informal gathering (Wednesday): Smart casual
Conference: Daily uniform/service dress for military personnelSocial gathering – Wednesday, 11 November
Following the seminar on Wednesday, 11 November, participants are invited to an informal social gathering in the Air Force Academy mess hall. Pizza will be served, and the bar will be open.
Programme
Wednesday 11 November
8.30–9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00–9.05 Opening remarks
Session 1: Russo–Ukrainian War
9.05–9.30 Russian and Ukrainian airpower in the Russo-Ukraine War: status,trajectory, and their ability to perform Multi-Domain Operations
Senior Research Fellow Justin Bronk, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), London
9.30–10.00 Future Russian Air Power: The knowns, the unknowns, the unexpected and three trajectories
Associate Professor Lars Peder Haga, NDUC Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy
10.00–10.15 Coffee break
10.15–11.00 Panel discussion
11.00–12.15 Lunch
Session 2: China
12.30–13.00 Chinese airpower: status, trajectory, and China’s ability to perform Multi-Domain Operations
Senior Research Fellow Justin Bronk, RUSI
13.00–13.30 China’s Grand Strategy, military build-up and its implications
Senior Fellow Jo Inge Bekkevold, NDUC Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS)
13.30–13.45 Coffee break
13.45–14.30 Panel discussion
19.00–23.00 Informal get-together at the NDUC Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy
Thursday 12 November
9.00–9.05 Opening remarks
Session 3: Military (Multi-Domain) concepts & technology
09.05–09.30 The NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept: its rationale, and how this concept will transform NATO’s approach to war
TBC
09.30–10.00 Artificial intelligence and the introduction of “Maven”: what it is, status of implementation, strengths, weaknesses and experiences with “Maven” in war & exercises
TBD, AIRCOM, Ramstein (digital lecture)
10.00–10.15 Coffee break
10.15–11.00 Panel discussion
11.00–12.00 Lunch
Session 4: Technology and Multi-Domain Operations – a Norwegian perspective
12.30–13.00 Andøya space: what it means for Norway and Europe, and how we can approach and exercise Multi-Domain Operations that includes space-based and autonomous systems
TBC
13.00–13.30 The Norwegian Defence Force commitment to Artificial Intelligence (AI): purpose, ambition, challenges
TBC
13.30–13.50 Coffee break
13.50–14.50 Panel discussion
14.50–15.00 Closing remarks