For many, the term “wargame” can feel abstract, but the AFD35 wargame is a critical, forward-looking initiative led by the U.S. Air Force and hosted by Air University to test how future conflicts may unfold. It brings together military leaders, technologists, academics, and global industry partners to examine how emerging technologies—like artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cyber capabilities—will shape warfare in the years ahead.
And it’s happening here in Montgomery.
As Air University hosts this effort, global leaders from companies and institutions such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Raytheon Technologies, and MIT Lincoln Laboratory are in Montgomery helping shape the future of defense, technology, and national security.
The Chamber brought this world-class conversation off base and into downtown, creating a unique opportunity for a select group of regional leaders to engage directly with the thinkers and innovators behind this work.
The panel featured nationally recognized experts examining the evolution of warfare from multiple perspectives:
- Trent Hone, author of Learning War, whose work explores how military organizations adapt and learn over time
- George Dougherty, author of Beast in the Machine, focused on artificial intelligence, autonomy, and precision warfare
- Dr. John “Jack” Long, contributor to Avoiding the Fate of Goliath; Cyber Warfare and Navies, specializing in AI adoption and digital transformation within military organizations
- Dr. Heather Venable, author of The Future of Air and Space Power, a leading voice on airpower theory and emerging technologies
The conversation centered on a defining challenge: while technology is advancing rapidly, it is not technology alone that determines outcomes. Success depends on how quickly institutions can adapt, integrating new capabilities into strategy, doctrine, and operations.
Panelists emphasized that warfare has always evolved alongside technology, but today’s pace of change demands faster, more intentional adaptation. The ability to learn, adjust, and operationalize innovation will define the next era of military readiness.
For the Chamber, this moment reflects something bigger.
Montgomery is not just part of the conversation, we are helping host it. Through Maxwell Air Force Base and Air University, our region continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of air power, national security, and defense strategy.
By creating space for these conversations, we are connecting national thought leadership with regional opportunity—strengthening the Capital Region’s position at the intersection of defense, technology, and innovation.
The future of warfare is being debated and defined, and Montgomery is where that work is happening.
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