Content Library | Air Dominance Summit

Defence IQ, the international defense sister to IDGA, published its annual “International Fighter Global Market Report” this past fall. The 57-page market report covered everything from emerging technologies to the latest procurement figures, to regional breakdowns of ongoing air superiority programs.

The following is one portion of the market report, looking specifically at two of the largest sixth-generation aircraft programs in the world, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), programs that share similarities to the U.S. equivalent, Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD). This report highlights key industry players, timelines, and international collaborators for both FCAS and GCAP.

When IDGA’s Air Dominance Summit returns for its fourth year this May, 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.

Before 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.

Twenty years after the first production model of the F-35 was introduced to the armed services, the sixth generation of fighter aircrafts are beginning to enter development. The Air Force was the first service branch to make headway in the realm of sixth-generation fighters when its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) selected Boeing to lead the manufacturing and development of the F-47.

Following the Air Force is the Navy, whose NGAD equivalent, F/A-XX, is beginning to gain some traction at the start of 2026. The Navy’s next-generation air dominance program will replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler fleets. This report will look at progress on F/A-XX, including the latest funding secured in this year’s NDAA.

The future of air combat is being shaped by two ambitious sixth-generation fighter programs: the United States’ NGAD (F-47) and Europe’s FCAS. This infographic provides a side-by-side comparison of the two initiatives, highlighting their timelines, costs, industry players, and defining technologies. The goal is to give a clear, at-a-glance overview of how these programs stack up against each other and where they diverge.

Delivered by Colonel Ryan Hayde, Commander of the 505th Command and Control Wing (CCW), U.S. Air Force, at our 2025 Air Dominance Summit, this presentation delves into:

• 505th CCW priorities to improve multi-domain C2 for air superiority 
• Bamboo Eagle overview
• Test, evaluation, and training C2 capabilities, challenges, and strategy 
• Communications & situational awareness 
• U.S. air superiority strategy 

Curious to see who will be attending the Air Dominance Summit?

IDGA is excited to share our 2026 attendee snapshot, showcasing the senior decision-makers and experts who will be onsite in May. You’ll find a mix of leaders from major commands, program offices, test and evaluation units, operational wings, and the top companies driving modernization across the air domain.

This is a glimpse of the high-caliber conversations and strategic engagement you can expect at this year’s summit.

In May 2025, IDGA hosted its 3rd iteration of the Air Dominance Summit in Henderson, NV. The two-day summit gathered defense and aerospace leaders from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, allied nations, and industry to advance discussions on next-generation fighter programs, loyal wingman initiatives, system sustainment, and innovation in air superiority.

To glean insights from the various leaders who spoke at last year’s summit, IDGA has assembled the following post-show report. This document not only highlights key takeaways from the summit but also includes results from on-site polling, testimonials from attendees, and a list of attending organizations.

Throughout the 2025 iteration of IDGA's Air Dominance summit, attendees were urged to participate in live polling to analyze the air superiority efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces. The following infographic displays how attendees responded to topics such as the U.S. Navy's air capabilities, the alignment of ongoing air defense efforts, and more.

Want to know whether IDGA's Air Dominance Summit is the right place to build relationships, showcase your solutions, or elevate your brand?

The 2026 Prospectus gives you:

• A preview of the industry and military experts taking the stage
• A snapshot of the seniority and influence of past attendees
• An insight into our two esteemed chairs 
• A clear breakdown of sponsorship and networking opportunities

Share your information to access the full prospectus and discover where your organization fits into this year’s summit.