Deputy Minister of Defense, Gegë Lleshi, together with the delegation of the Ministry of Defense, is participating in the ASDA 2026 International Defense and Security Conference, which is being held in Zagreb, Croatia, with the participation of representatives of state institutions, armed forces, the defense industry, and security experts from different countries around the world.
The opening ceremony began with the address of the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Croatia, Tomislav Galić, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of experiences in addressing contemporary security challenges. During the first panel of the conference, discussions focused on the transformation of the defense industry through new technologies and innovation. It was assessed that artificial intelligence, advanced algorithms, autonomous systems, and drones are fundamentally changing the concept of modern military operations by creating new opportunities for the development of defense capabilities.
Particular attention was devoted to electromagnetic spectrum management, the integration of artificial intelligence into defense systems, as well as the need for continued investment in research and development. According to experts, the development of the domestic defense industry remains a key factor in strengthening national security and increasing the strategic resilience of states.
The discussions also addressed the interconnection between defense technologies and the development of the space sector, emphasizing that many technological innovations originate from research in the defense industry and contribute to the advancement of satellite systems and space technologies.
The panelists underlined the importance of cooperation among academic institutions, research laboratories, and armed forces, noting that innovation and technological development require continuous interaction between scientific research and practical field testing.
Participation in this conference represents an important opportunity for the exchange of experiences, strengthening international cooperation, and becoming acquainted with the latest developments in the field of defense and security.
