Integrated Air & Missile Defence Technology
- Global Military Communications
- 32 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In 2026, Ukraine has warned of critical shortages in missile defence systems as aerial attacks intensify, while allies have committed over £500 million in new air defence support to strengthen protection against sustained drone and missile threats. As adversaries continue to scale both the volume and sophistication of attacks, how can armed forces develop truly integrated and resilient air and missile defence architectures to keep pace?
The 10th Annual Integrated Air and Missile Defence Technology Conference marks a decade of bringing together senior military, government, and industry leaders to address these evolving challenges. We are pleased to welcome back Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as Gold Sponsors, alongside DRS RADA Technologies returning as exhibitors.
What's new for Integrated Air and Missile Defence Technology 2026?
Multilayered and Integrated IAMD - The German Perspective on Current and Future Capabilities
Brigadier General Arnt Kuebart, Commander, Ground-Based Forces, Bundeswehr
Germany’s approach to building a fully integrated, multilayered air and missile defence capability is examined, with a strong emphasis on strengthening NATO interoperability and operational readiness. Future ground-based air defence developments are positioned to address evolving and increasingly complex missile threats.
Magazine Depth vs. The Cost Curve: Scaling Directed Energy for European Air Defense
Hon. Mike Dodd, Assistant Secretary of War, Department of War - Critical Technologies
The economics of modern air defence are explored through the lens of directed energy, particularly in countering low-cost, high-volume UAV threats. A transition toward scalable laser systems supports reduced cost-per-shot and enables sustained defensive capacity.
Arctic Over the Horizon Radar Tracking: NORAD’s Modernization for Higher Surveillance
Mr Pete Saunders, Director General, IAMD, Royal Canadian Air Force
An update on NORAD’s surveillance modernisation highlights the role of Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) in detecting emerging threats. Progress to date shows expanding early warning capability, while future phases aim to deliver full-spectrum situational awareness.
SBAMD Integration and Interoperability: Quick Wins, Command and Control, and the Role of NATO and Industry
Lieutenant Colonel Alfons van Wuytswinkel, Staff Officer, GBAMD, JAPCC
Greater cohesion across allied air defence systems is addressed by focusing on improved integration within surface-based air and missile defence. Key opportunities include enhanced data sharing, stronger command frameworks, and more effective sensor-to-shooter connectivity through NATO–industry collaboration.
Brigade and Divisional Air Defence in Sub-Arctic Environments: The Swedish Approach
Lieutenant Colonel Anders Broberg, Head of IAMD Divison, Policy & Plans, Swedish Armed Forces
Sweden’s air defence strategy prioritises maintaining combat effectiveness in sub-Arctic conditions by adapting mobility, sustainment, and system resilience to extreme environments. A strong focus is placed on ensuring these capabilities align with NATO frameworks, enabling seamless integration into allied operations in the High North.
2026 Focus Day: Open Architecture C2
In recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the pace of capability development has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, placing new demands on how nations detect, track, and respond to increasingly complex aerial threats. Effective, flexible, and resilient Command and Control (C2) has emerged as a critical force multiplier, requiring both industry and governments to adapt rapidly to ensure the most advanced capabilities reach the war fighter. Greater collaboration is essential; learning quickly, sharing insight, and “failing fast” together to stay ahead of evolving threats and deliver operational advantage.
Against this backdrop, the returning Open Architecture C2 Focus Day, taking place on 2nd November, will explore how organisations can improve coordination across domains, accelerate capability development, and ensure defence systems remain agile and effective in an increasingly complex operational environment.
Explore the full Focus Day agenda: Focus Day
