👥 Who: Air Combat Command, Air Force Airmen, Gen. Adrian Spain, Gen. Ken Wilsbach
🛩️ What: Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC)
📅 When: January 2026 (two-week event)
📍 Where: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
🎯 Why: To develop warfighter-driven solutions and prepare for high-end conflict
Air Combat Command has wrapped up Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 (WEPTAC) at Nellis Air Force Base, bringing together Airmen from across the force to tackle evolving battlefield challenges and sharpen warfighting strategies — Published by Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski, 57th Wing Public Affairs.
The two-week annual conference is the Air Force’s premier forum for developing warfighter-driven solutions designed to prepare joint and coalition forces for high-end conflict. Leaders say the event plays a critical role in translating tactical innovation into real-world operational improvements.
This year’s conference built on past success, including a major tactics improvement proposal from WEPTAC 2025 that focused on low-cost, high-inventory weapons effectiveness for cruise missile operations and counter-unmanned aerial systems. That proposal was later tested by the 96th Test Wing and the 53rd Wing at the Eglin Test and Training Range, before being rapidly integrated into current combat operations, including Operation Midnight Hammer.
Air Combat Command Commander Gen. Adrian Spain emphasized the conference’s role in shaping the future of air combat readiness.
“WEPTAC is the crucible where we forge the future of air combat,” Spain said. “By harnessing warfighter-driven solutions and strengthening our joint and coalition partnerships, we’re building a more lethal and ready force prepared for conflict – anytime, anywhere – when our nation calls.”
Throughout the conference, mission area working groups addressed key problem sets, including integrating fifth-generation aircraft, countering advanced adversary threats, managing global pacing challenges, and improving multi-domain operations across air, space, cyber, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Special focus was also placed on the operational demands of the INDOPACOM region.
Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach said the tactical expertise developed during WEPTAC directly influences how the Air Force trains and fights.
“WEPTAC is where our experts refine ideas needed to drive the force forward,” Wilsbach said. “The proposals born here directly shape our doctrine, our training, and our ability to deliver decisive airpower alongside our joint and coalition partners.”
The conference concluded with the creation of the WEPTAC executive plan, a package of recommendations that will be presented to senior Air Force leadership. The plan is expected to guide doctrine updates and training improvements across the service over the next year.
Military officials say WEPTAC continues to serve as a key engine for tactical innovation, ensuring Airmen remain prepared to meet emerging threats and maintain air dominance in future conflicts.
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