The Future Air Force 2025 conference was not only an opportunity to meet with customers, experts, and military leaders from around the world – it was above all a powerful reminder that we are standing at the threshold of a fundamental transformation in aviation and military operations.
The discussions made it clear that the future will not be defined solely by new weapons, military systems, or advanced technologies, but by how effectively we integrate people, machines, and data into one seamless ecosystem.
Today, we are witnessing the rapid rise of new platforms, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence – innovations that are reshaping the needs and capabilities of modern air forces. Yet, one truth continues to hold firm: the human factor remains irreplaceable. A pilot’s ability to assess complex situations, adapt to unpredictable conditions, and make decisive judgments is something no technology can fully replicate. For this reason, training must remain the cornerstone of the air forces of the future.
At the conference, we presented our LVC (Live, Virtual, Constructive) training solutions. I am convinced that this approach – combining live pilots (L), pilots in ground-based simulators (V), and computer-generated entities (C) – will play a vital role in preparing not only pilots but entire military units. LVC allows forces to safely and efficiently rehearse scenarios that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to perform in real life, while also enabling seamless cooperation between different branches and international partners within a shared training space.
Looking ahead, it is clear that air forces will face increasingly dynamic threats that cannot be addressed in isolation. Comprehensive training platforms capable of connecting international allies and preparing them for joint operations will become the foundation of every nation’s defense.
In my view, the future lies in greater integration of people, technologies, and simulations. Those who succeed in bringing these elements together into a single whole will gain a decisive advantage. This represents a tremendous opportunity – not only for Aero Vodochody, but for the entire domain of air power.
From the conference, I take away two key messages: first, the critical importance of cooperation between industry and air forces in developing innovative solutions; and second, the irreplaceable role of the human being on the modern battlefield. I believe our technologies can contribute to both areas – helping to push the boundaries of training and operational capability.
Viktor Sotona
President & CEO, AERO Vodochody Aerospace a.s.
Edited: Kateřina Urbanová
Photo Credit: Aero Vodochody Aerospace
