SHAPING THE RESPONSIBLE FUTURE OF INTELLIGENT AND AUTONOMOUS DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Dubai-Based Great Minds Event Management Launches Global Summit on Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems, Supported by 18-Member Global Advisory Board

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Dubai-based Great Minds Event Management has announced the launch of the Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit (IADSS) Global Summit Series, to be hosted in strategically selected countries across different regions of the world, bringing together governments, armed forces, defence experts, research institutions and industry to examine emerging defence technologies, their operational integration and responsible advancement.

The Global Summit Series is supported by an 18-member Global Advisory Board from 13 countries, comprising distinguished former military leaders, strategic defence experts, academics and specialists in emerging defence technologies.

The launch comes at a time when technologies once considered experimental are rapidly becoming part of modern military operations. While these advancements offer significant opportunities for defence forces worldwide, they also raise important questions about accountability, responsible governance and human supervision.

In August 2026, the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross renewed their joint call for States to urgently adopt new international rules on autonomous weapon systems, highlighting concerns over diminishing human control, accountability and the growing gap between technological advancement and existing legal frameworks.

Recognising the importance of these developments, IADSS will bring together governments, armed forces, policymakers, defence experts, research institutions and industry to examine emerging technologies, exchange operational experiences and discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with their responsible advancement. While IADSS does not seek to establish rules or regulatory frameworks, it aims to encourage informed international dialogue, knowledge exchange and greater understanding of responsible governance and human supervision.

Each country edition will combine a two-day conference and technology exhibition, providing opportunities for host nations and the wider international defence community to share knowledge, explore advanced capabilities and strengthen cooperation. Defence manufacturers, technology developers, systems integrators and emerging companies will also have opportunities to engage with military stakeholders, showcase their technologies and explore international partnerships.

South Africa has been confirmed as one of the host nations, with IADSS South Africa taking place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria on 13–14 July 2027. Discussions are progressing with host organisations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions to establish additional editions of the Global Summit Series.

GLOBAL ADVISORY BOARD

Supporting the international series is the IADSS Global Advisory Board, bringing together 18 distinguished members from 13 countries, including former senior military commanders, strategic defence experts, academics and specialists in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and emerging defence technologies.

Australia: Dr. Peter Layton

Croatia: Admiral Robert Hranj (Retd)

Estonia: Eva Sula

France: Brigadier General Olivier Kempf (Retd)

Ghana: Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu (Retd)

India: General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd); Lieutenant General A.B. Shivane (Retd); Air Marshal G.S. Bedi (Retd); Air Marshal Philip Thomas (Retd); Major General Vikram Singh (Retd)

Indonesia: Air First Marshal Asst. Prof. Dr. Ir. Arwin Datumaya Wahyudi Sumari

Kuwait: Major General Thafer Alajmi (Retd)

Saudi Arabia: Brigadier General Ahmed Bin Abdullah Alshathry (Retd)

South Africa: Sandile Ndlovu

South Korea: Dr. Jong-Hwan Kim

United Kingdom: Lieutenant General Sir Ian Cave KCB (Retd)

United States: Rear Admiral Patrick S. Hayden (Retd); Zachary Kallenborn

Together, the Board brings extensive military, strategic, academic and technological experience to support the development of the IADSS Global Summit Series, contribute independent perspectives and strengthen international knowledge exchange.

Beyond the physical summits, the IADSS Network and Directory will operate year-round, connecting defence ministries, military commands, research and development institutions, academia and advanced industry worldwide, encouraging continued engagement and collaboration across the global defence community.

ABOUT IADSS

The Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit (IADSS) is a global summit series bringing together governments, armed forces, policymakers, academia, research institutions and industry to examine the development, operational integration and responsible advancement of intelligent and autonomous defence capabilities.

Organised through individual country editions across strategic regions, the series combines expert discussions, military perspectives, technology exhibitions and international engagement to encourage knowledge exchange, defence cooperation and greater understanding of the technologies shaping modern warfare.

At the heart of IADSS is a clear principle:

Defence innovation must advance alongside responsible governance, accountability and human supervision.

Great Minds Event Management, Dubai, UAE

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Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit (IADSS)
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Website: www.iadssglobal.com

Organised by Great Minds Event Management, Dubai, UAE
Intelligent & Autonomous Defence Systems Summit (IADSS)