Shaping the Next Era of Air Superiority With General VanHerck

When IDGA’s Air Dominance Summit returns for its fourth year this May 12- 13 in Henderson, Nevada, it might look a little different than years past. That’s because, in 2026, IDGA is proud to welcome General (Ret.) Glen VanHerck, former commander of US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), as the events co-chair. With decades of experience leading the nation’s homeland defense enterprise and flying frontline platforms from the F-15C and F-35A to the B-2 and B-1, General VanHerck brings a uniquely deep perspective on the future of airpower.

As the U.S. and its allies accelerate work on sixth-generation fighters, Collaborative Combat Aircraft, and advanced sensing and data systems, the 2026 Air Dominance Summit will gather leaders from across the Air Force, Navy, industry, and academia to examine how these technologies are redefining air dominance.

To preview this year’s event, IDGA sat down with General VanHerck to discuss the evolving meaning of air dominance, the most pressing airborne threats to the homeland, and what the joint force must do to maintain decision advantage in an era of rapid technological change.