MANAMA, Bahrain (AFNS) —  

Maj. Gen. David Harris, deputy commander, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), and Deputy, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, was a guest speaker at the 4th Manama Air Power Symposium, Bahrain, Nov. 8.

During his briefing entitled “Collaborative Combat Aircraft in Modern Air Power,” Harris addressed the ever-evolving technology environment, the use of unmanned aerial systems, and the importance of joint training and integration with partners to achieve maximum effectiveness in the air domain.

“By training together and establishing common data-sharing practices, we can flatten communication, capitalize on the strengths of every country and improve the effectiveness of our coalition,” Harris said. “While technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and distributed edge computing are rapidly maturing and will be essential elements of autonomous UAS, the need for joint and coalition training will be foundational to advance our collective strength.”

The symposium was the anchoring event for the Bahrain International Air Show, taking place Nov. 9-11 at Sakhir Air Base, and provided a platform for 300 defense officials and industry partners to stay at the cutting edge of developments.

Participants included Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and international air force leaders from Bahrain, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom.

This was the first iteration of the Manama Air Power Symposium held in person in more than two years.