E Smart Horizons:
Redefining Defence
Through Intelligent Autonomy
260
Delegates
1,800+
Industry experts & specialists
40
Countries
The International Defence Conference (IDC) stands as the premier global platform for defence and security leaders to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the future of defence.
Taking place this 19 January at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, IDC 2026 introduces the transformative theme, “_Smart Horizons: Redefining Defence Through Intelligent Autonomy_”. This year’s theme will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping societies, transforming defence ecosystems, and influencing global security architectures. Sessions will examine both the opportunities and the implications of intelligent autonomy across the modern battle space.
KEY TOPICS SHAPING DEFENCE AT IDC 2026
Command Networks of the Future
The New Nerve System of Defence
The Autonomous Force
Integrating AI into Joint and Tactical Operations
Global Autonomy Standards
Building Trust, Safety and Readiness
WHY ATTEND IDC 2026?
Network with leading industry professionals from around the world, including defence leaders, policymakers, and innovators.
Gain actionable insights from global experts across three cutting-edge panels
Lead the conversation on critical topics such as supply chain resilience, information warfare, and space defence.
Discover the latest technological advancements and strategies redefining global defence.
A GLIMPSE INTO IDC 2026
SHAPING FUTURE DEFENCE STRATEGIES: INSIGHTS AWAIT AT IDC 2026
Panel 1:
Command Networks of the Future – The New Nerve System of Defence
Intelligent, data-driven command networks are redefining how decisions are made, shared, and executed across the battlespace. This session explores how AI-enabled systems are transforming command, control, and coordination (C3), linking human commanders, allies, and autonomous platforms into cohesive, adaptive defence ecosystems. It will also address the operational and policy implications of building resilience and trust within digitally connected forces
Panel 2:
The Autonomous Force – Integrating AI into Joint and Tactical Operations
From mission planning to execution, autonomy is emerging as a decisive enabler of speed, precision, and survivability. This session examines how militaries are embedding intelligent and unmanned systems into joint operations across land, air, sea, and cyber domains. It will explore lessons from recent conflicts, organisational adaptation, and the evolving balance between human judgement and autonomous decision-support at the tactical edge.
Panel 3:
Global Autonomy Standards – Building Trust, Safety and Readiness
As defence innovation accelerates, global standards have become essential to ensuring safe, interoperable, and trusted deployment of autonomous technologies. This session examines how governments, industry, and international bodies can harmonise certification, safety, and ethical frameworks to build confidence in autonomous defence systems, support export readiness, and enable secure collaboration among allies.
RELIVE THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM IDC 2025