The Air & Space Forces Association concluded its 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, held at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland from September 14 to 16. Major highlights included:
Keynote Addresses and Announcements
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Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced the existence of on-orbit space control weapons to defend the Joint Force and introduced the first operational Collaborative Combat Aircraft: General Atomics FQ-42 “Vengeance” and Anduril FQ-44 “Fury.”
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Gen. Doug Schiess, the new Chief of Space Operations, shared his strategy focusing on the Guardian ethos and capability integration, emphasizing the Space Force’s role in a joint military framework.
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Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, unveiled point-defense initiatives aimed at enhancing air defense capabilities.
NASA’s Lunar Goals
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the competitive landscape in space exploration, focusing on returning Americans to the moon and launching the Mars mission by 2028.
Military Adaptation and Preparedness
- Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, urged a swift adaptation of military strategies given today’s changing warfare environment, emphasizing the need for quicker, outcome-driven solutions.
Commemorating 9/11
- The conference marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, featuring pilots Heather Penney and Lt. Gen. Marc H. Sasseville recounting their experiences on that tragic day.
Funding and Support for Forces
- Discussions included the need for solid funding pathways for projects like Golden Dome, alongside personal accounts of rides and initiatives that raised over $120,000 for the Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program.
Leadership Insights and Innovations
- Notable discussions involved a collaborative approach in leadership featuring celebrity chef Robert Irvine and former senior enlisted advisor Ramon Colon-Lopez, addressing accountability and effective communication.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for showcasing military advancements, discussing crucial policy issues, and honoring past sacrifices while looking forward to future challenges and initiatives. For more information and full session recordings, visit afa.org.
