The fifth annual NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Conference was held in Gdynia, Poland, from 9 to 11 March 2026, serving as a key forum for high-level policy discussions on the current security environment and the future direction of NATO IAMD.
The conference took place amid intense focus on air and missile threats, driven by Russia's expanded use of missiles and drones in its war against Ukraine, and alongside NATO's demonstrated effectiveness in recent intercepts of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Türkiye. Bringing together NATO delegates, senior decision-makers from capitals, and stakeholders from across the Alliance, the event addressed political and strategic themes central to strengthening the Alliance's integrated defence posture.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte provided opening remarks at the conference. He underscored the need for Allies to continue to increase defence spending and urgently invest in more air and missiles defences. "NATO IAMD is our first line of defence", said the Secretary General, adding that "NATO must - and will - strengthen the shield that protects our skies". The conference discussions reinforced NATO's commitment to vigilance, capability enhancement, and collective resilience in the face of evolving threats.
