OPENING KEYNOTE SPEECH | IDENTIFYING THE CONFLICT LANDSCAPE TO DEFEND AGAINST ASYMMETRIC AND HYBRID THREATS

• Defining the characteristics of different types of warfare and the overarching objectives
• Understanding how the security environment dynamics have changed over the years
• Methodologies and analytical framework to be put in place to counter various types of threats
• Building capabilities and relations that will help gather timely and relevant information for prompt and tactical response
• Top defence applications and advanced technologies that will chart the path for the next decade through artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomous control

OPENING PANEL DISCUSSION | FUTURE AIR FORCE AND THE EVER-INCREASING TECHNOLOGY PRIORITIES FOR BUILDING THE BEST CAPABILITIES

• Future capabilities and technologies for the Air Force of 2030 and beyond
• Rebalancing air force competencies by improving efficiency, effectiveness and agility through modern warfare technologies
• Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to generate threat warnings and alert human analysts for real time judgement
• Integrating existing platforms with cutting edge technologies to dominate all types of threats

PRESENTATION | NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR UNIFIED ANTI-TERRORISM PROGRAM – DETER, DETECT AND MITIGATE CRIMINAL AND TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

• Focusing on neutralizing extremist groups as a top priority in the African continent
• Enabling and enhancing the collaborative capacities of African air forces, law enforcement and supporting partners to conduct counterterrorism operations regionally
• Reducing the operational capacity of terrorist network by enhancing border security to counter their financing and recruitment
• Utilizing multi-mission unmanned capabilities, including unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) capable of teaming with manned systems and increase air force capacity

PANEL DISCUSSION | STRENGTHENING THE C4ISR CAPABILITIES OF AIR FORCES IN AFRICA – IMPLEMENTATION, INTEGRATION AND INTEROPERABILITY

• Developing a C4ISR acquisition and application strategy in line with the dynamic changes occurring in the region
• Developing and integrating C4ISR systems across all divisions of the armed forces to combat emerging regional threats for better command, control, framework and operations
• Modernizing intelligence, air surveillance and reconnaissance for the modern era of security
• Exploring innovative mission capable systems that is cost-effective and can be tailored to address a wide range of ISR requirements
• Identifying the need for cutting edge cyber security solutions for air force weapon and emerging C4ISR technologies

PANEL DISCUSSION | BRIDGING THE GAPS WITH NEW CAPABILITIES FOR AFRICA AIR FORCE FLEET MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND OVERHAUL (MRO)

• Understanding the current MRO landscape within the African air forces and the importance of building long term contracts with service providers
• Improving overall MRO function by making fundamental changes to organization, processes and mind-sets
• Enhancing information technology and data analytics capabilities for maintenance execution, inventory optimization and supply chain management for better efficiency and minimal procurement costs
• Ensuring secure wireless access to MRO resources to increase aircraft servicing efficiency

PRESENTATION | AIR LEADERSHIP FOR AFRICA – CURRENT STAND AND THE FUTURE OUTLOOK

• Identifying the advantages of joint and combined air force operations and exploring opportunities
• Air force development through manpower training, resource management and future ready strategies
• New trends and developments that can promote future interoperability in line with the current geopolitical environment
• Technology innovations and the future of air force intelligence analysis