RAMSTEIN, Germany – Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) hosted the first of its biannual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium (NACS) for 2026. The NACS serves as a critical strategic platform for Allied and NATO Partner Air Chiefs to discuss the evolution of air and space power, synchronize multinational capabilities, and align national contributions to NATO’s collective defence. The primary objective of the symposium is to refine strategies that ensure the Alliance remains prepared to defend every inch of NATO territory.
We gather at a time where air and space power is more critical than ever
The theme for this iteration, “Operationalizing the Shift to Air Defence”, reflects NATO’s new strategic approach to defending NATO territory. This transition evolves traditional air policing into a robust air defence posture, tailored to the high-threat environment of the modern battlefield. Air Chiefs and Senior Representatives from 27 NATO nations and 5 NATO partner nations attended the two-day event to define this new defensive posture and confirm national commitments. 
Air Chiefs and Senior Representatives from 27 NATO nations and 5 NATO partner nations attended the two-day event to define this new defensive posture and confirm national commitments – photo courtesy Allied Air Command
“We gather at a time where air and space power is more critical than ever,” stated Lieutenant General Jason Hinds, Commander Allied Air Command. His remarks underscored the necessity of adapting to the dynamic and contested security environment. Key topics included NATO Command and Control (C2) framework, Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), the reinforcement of the Eastern Flank through enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Eastern Sentry and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts for ensuring resilience and sustainment. The NACS 26-I also symbolizes an event of unity and collaboration.
“Your presence here demonstrates our shared commitment to Airpower’s contribution to the defence of the Alliance”, Lieutenant General Hinds pointed out, highlighting the overall goal of the conference. “It is our chance to exchange insight, tackle emerging threats and advance Airpower’s contribution to the multi-domain operations that make our nations safe”.
The symposium facilitated the exchange of lessons learned and provided a venue for AIRCOM to discuss Exercise Ramstein Flag 26, NATO’s largest multi-JOA LIVEX. This gathering offered a unique opportunity for nations to share relevant intelligence in a secure, multinational forum. Further emphasizing the requirement for technological adaptation, the symposium also included static displays of Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) complementing the symposium’s theme and showing the Alliance’s rapid adaptation to modern air defence requirements.
NACS 26-I sends a clear signal to any potential adversary: NATO is constantly adapting to an increasingly complex and contested environment. Through initiatives like eVA Eastern Sentry, the Alliance demonstrates its resolve to maintain a persistent and credible defensive presence. By fostering interoperability across 32 NATO nations and our partners, AIRCOM continues to ensure that Allied Air and Space Power remain the bedrock of a resilient and unified air defence posture, fully prepared to deter aggression by our adversaries.