JAPCC Conference 2012

Under the leadership of its Director, General Philip M. Breedlove, the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) conducted its 8^th Annual Conference from 09 to 11 October 2012 in Kleve, Germany, under the theme “Warfare in the 21^st Century – Decline or Rise of Air Power?”. The goal of the conference was to address how Air and Space Power can best contribute to the challenges in a rapidly changing world and, therefore, appeal not only to those who wear a military uniform but also to senior officials from GOs, NGOs, IOs, industry and academia. The keynote address was given by SACT, General Jean Paul Palomeros. In highlighting the key issues “Lessons identified from OUP, the challenges of Compatibility and Interoperability, the Comprehensive Approach and the Connected Forces Initiative” in his keynote address, SACT provides a great start to JAPCC’s conference. In line with the conference objectives, the JAPCC invited five guest speakers and conducted four panel discussions with the themes “The Lessons of History on the Development of Air and Space Power, Air and Space Power Future Concepts – A Comprehensive Approach, Leading Air and Space Power Technologies – Industry as Force Multiplier?” and “Air and Space Power in an Era of Austerity – The Dilemma of Requirements and Challenges!” On its way to enhance collaboration and cooperation with partner nations and organisations, which is to be seen as an essential course of action to become Smart Defence and Pooling & Sharing alive, the JAPCC welcomed Brigadier General Pascal Roux, Director of Concepts and Capability Directorate from the EUMS and Colonel Dmitry Kostyunin, Chief of Staff Long Range Aviation from RF, as two (of five) guest speakers. Twenty four NATO – and Non-NATO nations were represented by 224 participants, including 51 flag officers. In his closing remarks, Lieutenant General Joachim Wundrak, Executive Director JAPCC, summarized the first findings as follows: “Air Power is and will remain relevant, an easy solution to overcome the dilemma of budget cannot be found, strategic communication of Air Power is essential”, and “The research activities on future challenges, risks and opportunities NATO after ISAF is facing with, require JAPCCs contribution as facilitator for Air and Space Power”.  He also gave a preview of the next Annual Conference scheduled for 8 – 10 October 2013. The JAPCC identified three potential themes for the 2013 conference, “Air Power in the Age of Transformation – The Real Challenge”, “Air Power Post Afghanistan” and “The Destiny of the Third Dimension and the Rise of the Fourth!”. Preference of the JAPCC Conference 2013 theme will be asked of sponsoring nations respective air chiefs and NATO commanders in accordance with JAPCC’s engagement strategy. In order to highlight the strong tie between ACT and the JAPCC, General Breedlove invited General Palomeros to be the keynote speaker for the annual conference in 2013 once again.