Course Details
Modern Combat Air Threats and Implications for Western Operational Capability Requirements | AOC Europe 2027 Pre-Convention Course
Course Dates: 3 May, 2027
Course Location: FIL Exhibition Centre
Rua do Bojador, Parque das Nações
1998-010 Lisboa, Portugal
Course Length: 8 hours total delivered across one course
Description: The evolving capabilities of both Russian and Chinese traditional ground-based air defences, counter-UAS and electronic warfare systems, and combat aircraft and air-launched weapons capabilities have significantly increased the complexity and lethality of threats that Western air forces would have to confront in any direct conflict.
This course will provide attendees with a detailed understanding of how both Russian and Chinese ground-based and airborne threats to Western air power capabilities have evolved over the past decade. It will then detail the operational and strategic implications for Western powers in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and what the resulting technical and procurement requirements are to meet the threat and ensure deterrence.
Audience: This course is designed for military personnel, defense industry professionals, government officials, and analysts involved in air operations, electronic warfare (EW), air defense, intelligence, operational planning, and capability development. It is particularly relevant to those responsible for assessing emerging threats, developing operational requirements, and supporting defense modernization and acquisition efforts.
Questions related to the pre-convention course and/or its content can be directed to [email protected].
This course will be held before AOC Europe 2027 Convention & Symposium at the FIL Exhibition Centre, Lisboa, Portugal. Course registrants must also be registered for AOC Europe 2027.
Learning Objectives
- How Russian and Chinese threats to Western air forces have evolved?
- What Western air forces need to counter these enhanced threats
- What the current threat level means for Western deterrence and warfighting options in Europe and the Indo-Pacific?
Registration
Registration will open in Spring 2027.
Please Note: To attend a course, you must be registered for the convention. Course registration is available as part of the main event registration process – simply select your desired course(s) when completing your event registration.
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AOC Professional Development On-Site Event Cancellation Policy
To cancel a pre-convention course or on-site event registration, submit a written request at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled event via email to [email protected]. Phone cancellations are not accepted. Cancellations received less than two (2) weeks prior to the event will not receive a refund.
Review the full on-site refund policy.
- Approved, requested refunds will be issued minus a $100 administrative fee.
- If the registration fee includes materials (e.g., textbooks, printed content) that were pre-purchased or developed before the event, registrants will be invoiced for these items that will include the cost of the material (s), shipping, taxes, and any customs fees, if applicable. Once paid in full, materials will be shipped. Payment must be received within 14 days of the date when the invoice is sent. Invoices not paid within the 14-day window will be subject to additional late fees.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the event or for no-shows.
- If a registered attendee is having trouble obtaining a visa, a written notification must be sent no less than 30 days prior to the course/on-site event to [email protected]. Refunds related to visa obtainment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Instructor
Justin Bronk is the Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology in the Military Sciences team at RUSI, and also holds an Associate Professor position at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy.
His particular areas of expertise include the modern combat air environment, Russian and Chinese ground-based air defences and fast jet capabilities, the air war during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and novel weapons technology.
Justin is also a private pilot with more than 300 flying hours in light aircraft and gliders. In addition, he has over 40 hours backseat flying experience with 12 different air forces on fast jet types including Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen, Tornado IDS and ECR, Mirage 2000, F-5, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, MiG-29, M-346, T-38, TA-50, L-39 and Hawk.
