Air and space leaders from across the globe have wrapped up a two-day gathering in Canberra that reinforced regional dynamics and the pivotal role of allies and partners in strengthening deterrence.

Hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, the Air and Space Power Conference 2026 brought together foreign military leaders, industry partners and strategic experts to explore the evolving role of air and space power in an increasingly complex security environment.

Commander Air Wing Unit Tonga Lieutenant Colonel Toma’akino Tu’itavuki said the opportunity to speak strategically with key leaders strengthened the strategic partnerships with the air forces in the region.  

“To also see the key leaders’ intent and ask what support they are going to provide for us in the Pacific helps Tonga contribute to the regional security of the Pacific Island countries,” Lieutenant Colonel Tu’itavuki said.

Australia's Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, extended his thanks to the Air and Space Power Centre, Joint Capabilities Group, visiting international partners and allies, industry, academia, presenters and aviators, all of whom made this year’s conference possible.

“Air and space power remain fundamental to Australia’s defence and are critical components of a whole-of nation defence strategy,” Air Marshal Chappell said.

“By bringing together domestic and international insights, we examined how our mindset, capabilities, plans and procedures; civil and commercial aviation; educational institutions; and our reserve aviators can contribute to building fighting depth which strengthens Defence’s resilience, deterrence and preparedness against emerging challenges.

'Space security is no longer a future consideration; it is present and an urgent requirement.'

“Our aviators are armed with the capabilities, training and partnerships required to generate and deliver highly effective air power with enhanced lethality and survivability.”

Australia's Chief of Space and Cyber, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle said this year marked the first time Australia had hosted the Space Chief’s Conclave, bringing together nine space chiefs and representatives from nations around the world.

“Space security is no longer a future consideration; it is present and an urgent requirement,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.

“As these functions evolve, the contested nature of space has become central. Almost every aspect of modern society – civil, commercial and military – now relies on space systems. That makes the domain both indispensable and vulnerable.”

Air and space power in the strategic environment is also relevant for junior aviators, which was recognised with the conference hosting its inaugural Aviator Symposium. Participants took part in discussions about building the warfighter mindset, the meaning of mental toughness and the importance of teamwork. 

During the conference, senior leaders and air force aviators alike reaffirmed teamwork as crucial to overcoming shared challenges.

Air Marshal Chappell said: “Our people remain the decisive capability in achieving deterrence through the Strategy of Denial – a demand that calls for readiness, resilience, and integrated partnerships."