Reasons to Attend
While there are many reasons to attend AIAA DEFENSE Forum, we’ve carefully narrowed it down to three.
1. A Comprehensive Technical Program
The technical program is extensive, with more than 144 presentations covering the most important topics for the aerospace and defense communities. Technical disciplines featured in the program include:
- Advanced Prototypes
- Air and Missile Defense
- Autonomous and Collaborative Systems
- Digital Engineering
- Directed Energy Weapons
- Guidance, Navigation, Control, and Estimation
- High-Maneuverability and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies
- Signature and Sensing
- Space Access and Space Systems
- Strategic Missile Systems
- Survivability
- System and Decision Analysis for National Security
- System Performance Modeling and Simulation
- Tactical Missiles
- Test and Evaluation
- Weapon System Operational Performance
- Weapon Systems History and Lessons Learned
2. Engaging Speakers
The keynote sessions will address critical challenges shaping the future of national defense, and will feature experts from government, industry, and academia.
2026 speakers included:
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- Lt Gen Heath Collins, USAF, Director, Missile Defense Agency
- VADM Jon Hill, USN (Ret.), Vice President and General Manager, Air Dominance and Strike Weapons, Lockheed Martin
- Hon. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology, Department of War
- VADM Sara Joyner (USN, Ret.), Senior Managing Director, Cerberus Capital Management
- Bradley “Bones” McCoy, Director, Next Gen Requirements—Integrated Systems, Advanced Development Programs, Lockheed Martin
- Katherine Rink, Head of Air, Missile, and Maritime Defense Technology Division, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
3. A Classified Event for Aerospace and Defense Professionals
The forum’s size fosters an environment ideal for in-depth, classified discussions on critical defense and security topics. It encourages meaningful collaboration, idea exchange, and strategic insights. Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, engage with industry leaders, and grow their professional networks.
Founding and Executive Sponsor
AIAA Corporate Partners
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the largest and most prestigious community of aerospace professionals in the world. AIAA exists to help aerospace professionals and their organizations succeed across government, industry, and academia.