Athens will host the inaugural Athens Defense Summit (ADS) on May 20-21 bringing together global leaders to examine the future of warfare, defense of freedom and alliance renewal amid rapid technological and geopolitical change.
The summit, organized under the auspices of Greece’s Ministry of National Defense, Hellenic Defense Systems, and Hellenic Aerospace Industry, will focus on how artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, aerospace capability and industrial strength are reshaping conflict.
Political leaders, military commanders, defense industry executives and strategic thinkers will discuss how democratic nations can preserve sovereignty, maintain credible deterrence and strengthen alliances.
Confirmed speakers include former European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans, NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Commander Gen. Sir Ralph Wooddisse, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, former UK Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Sir Nick Carter, and former Colombian President Andres Pastrana.
The summit will also address regional security in Africa and the Middle East, featuring Kenya’s National Security Advisor Monica Juma, Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali and Kurdistan Regional Government Minister Shoresh Ismail Abdulla.
Greek ministers, state defense industry leaders and European officials will highlight the role of industrial capacity, digital governance and strategic planning.