The ACK3 Middle East team attended the EU–GCC Defence Technology Forum 2026, a strategic international meeting focused on defence innovation, geopolitical transformation and cooperation between Europe and the Gulf region
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — The event brought together government representatives, defence industry leaders and international security experts to analyse the rapid evolution of the global defence landscape and the operational challenges shaping the future of security. Throughout the different panels and working sessions, participants discussed key trends related to artificial intelligence, cyber defence, drones and counter-UAS systems, interoperability between allied platforms, industrial cooperation and strategic resilience in increasingly complex geopolitical environments.
How are geopolitical tensions and emerging technologies transforming the future of global security and defence cooperation?
One of the central themes of the forum was the acceleration of defence transformation processes across both Europe and the GCC following recent global conflicts and the growing demand for agile technological capabilities capable of adapting to emerging threats. The discussions also highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation between European and Gulf stakeholders, particularly in areas such as technology transfer, operational readiness, defence industrial ecosystems and long-term strategic planning.
About the EU–GCC Defence Technology Forum 2026
The EU–GCC Defence Technology Forum is a high-level international platform that brings together government representatives, defence industry leaders, technology companies and security experts from the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The forum focuses on the future of defence, emerging technologies, strategic cooperation and geopolitical challenges affecting both regions. Key topics include artificial intelligence, cyber defence, drones, interoperability, industrial partnerships, defence innovation and operational readiness in an evolving global security environment.
According to the ACK3 Middle East team attending the event:
“The forum clearly reflected how defence and security ecosystems are evolving faster than traditional institutional structures. Europe and the Gulf are increasingly aligned by shared operational challenges, technological priorities and geopolitical realities.”
The team also highlighted the growing importance of interoperability, operational agility and regional industrial cooperation as critical factors shaping the future of defence capabilities across both regions. Another major point repeatedly raised during the forum was the shift from traditional procurement relationships towards long-term strategic partnerships focused on technology transfer, local industrial development and shared innovation capabilities.
ACK3 continues to strengthen its international presence across the Middle East through strategic advisory, geopolitical analysis and support capabilities for organisations operating in complex and rapidly evolving environments.
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