Successful Air and Space Power Conference

National and international leaders and experts from military, academia and aerospace industry met in Canberra last week for the biennial 2022 Air and Space Power Conference (ASPCon22).

CAPTION: Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Minister for Defence, Peter Dutton, and Chiefs of Air and Space from various countries.

The two-day conference, examined resilience and innovation in an increasingly contested air and space power environment. The challenges presented by space as an operational domain were also addressed.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said significant change across the geopolitical, societal and technological spectrums had made it vital to harness collective expertise to shape and deliver air and space power.

Minister Dutton also officially announced the establishment of Defence Space Command at ASPCon22, with Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts as Commander Defence Space Command.

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said ASPCon22 was an opportunity to enhance thinking both collectively and individually, about air and space power within the context of national and international objectives.

“Credible air and space power that enables Australia to shape, deter and respond also requires resilient support systems combined with an organisational culture that embraces innovation,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said.

“I enjoyed discussing our respective approaches to, and lessons learnt, on air and space capability issues, as well as identifying opportunities for future cooperation in these areas.”

CAPTION: Head of the Australian Space Agency, Mr Enrico Palermo, addresses a question during a panel discussion at the 2022 Air & Space Power Conference at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Samuel Miller. 

ASPCon22 featured an Innovation Expo aimed at connecting cutting-edge research and innovation from Defence, research institutions, academia, start-ups and industry to key innovators and stakeholders.

A variety of domestic and international military, industry and academic speakers included Chairman of the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore Mr Bilahari Kausikan, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, and president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Dr Brendan Nelson AO.

Due to COVID-19 limitations, ASPCon22 was delivered as a hybrid event (virtual and in-person) from March 22-23 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.

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