Following a complex NATO summit, military leaders specializing in air and space domains from the United States, the United Kingdom, and 50 other nations will meet in London this week. The summit aims to coordinate future military strategies as the U.S. continues to advocate for increased defense spending among its allies.
Keynote speakers for the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, include U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, and senior U.K. military and government officials. U.K. representatives plan to discuss strategies for their expanding F-35 fleet—part of which will be nuclear-capable to support alliance deterrence—and examine the nation’s role within NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence mission.
“The conference theme explores three key capability areas: space, nuclear, and integrated air and missile defense,” according to the official agenda. “These focus areas are critical to the UK and to key partner nations as we develop and deliver domination of the skies and beyond.”
The gathering follows last week’s NATO conference in Turkey, which was marked by friction involving President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Spain and Denmark. While private discussions reportedly emphasized cooperation and unity, the public sentiment in the wake of the summit has prompted U.K. air and space leaders to make a strong push for solidarity during this week’s proceedings.
“In 2026, the rate of change in the global strategic environment shows no signs of abating; if anything, the tempo is increasing,” stated U.K. Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smith, Chief of the Royal Air Force, via the conference website. “This is the ultimate team game; we cannot do this alone.”
Last month, the U.K. introduced a new defense investment strategy focused on advancing its autonomous drone wingman programs and strengthening military space capabilities. This strategic shift follows the resignation of the previous defense secretary, who had expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of initial military spending in the face of rising global threats.
Following that leadership change, the U.K. unveiled a $298 billion investment plan. The strategy includes funding for UK Space Command to enhance space control and the integration of autonomous systems across the army, air, and naval branches.
“We will build a Hybrid Navy with new autonomous vessels and uncrewed sub-surface vessels, an Army transformed by AI, armed autonomous vehicles and drones, and accelerate the development of a Next Generation Royal Air Force with new autonomous fighter jets capable of operating from land bases or our aircraft carriers,” the investment plan summary states.
While the U.S. and U.K. maintain a deep-rooted military bond, experts suggest the push for independent defense investments could signal evolving dynamics. Victoria Samson, Chief Director of Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, noted that some European nations are increasingly concerned about the reliability of U.S. partnership, leading them to prioritize developing indigenous military hardware and niche capabilities.
In preparation for the conference, Saltzman and Wilsbach have been meeting with allies throughout Europe. Saltzman recently visited Poland’s Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency in Warsaw, where he signed a statement of intent reinforcing a shared commitment to space domain collaboration. During his visit, Saltzman emphasized that the United States requires capable partners to successfully execute space missions.
Prior to the London summit, Wilsbach visited U.S. troops at Aviano Air Base in Italy, as well as RAF Mildenhall and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. Expressing his anticipation for the event, Wilsbach told Defense One, “Gatherings like this are important because they give us the opportunity to learn from one another, challenge each other, and strengthen the relationships that bolster our collective security.”
