Over the past few years, several countries in the world, including USA, UK, and France, have integrated their respective tactical ballistic missile defense systems with short-range missiles interceptors to form combined multi-tiered air defense networks. Intra-networks management and coordination works are conducted via advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) systems.

Acknowledging the dire need of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for adopting a strategy for integrated air defense, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) has invited representatives from countries around the globe to participate in the Kingdom’s first official Air Defense Symposium, the International Symposium on Air Defense 2020+ (ISAD2020+), due to take place on 17-20 April 2011 at the Air Defense Forces Institute, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (www.isad2020.org.sa/english).

Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; the inaugural ISAD2020+ will feature what is regarded as the largest gathering of high-profile international air defense and missile experts speakers. It’s confirmed that HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will deliver the primary speech. As Assistant to Minister of Defense for Military Affairs and with previous long distinguished experience in the air defense field, HRH Prince Khalid is truly a key asset for ISAD2020+ and the air and missile defense community.

Other Speakers include Lieutenant General Dr. Abdul Lateef bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; General James Mattis, Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM); Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant, Commander-in-Chief of the UK Air Forces Air Command; Lieutenant General Patrick O'Reilly, Director of the US Missile Defense Agency; Lieutenant General Mike Hostage, Commander of US Air Forces, US CENTCOM; and Lieutenant General Gilles Desclaux, Commander of the Air Defense, Command and Air Operations in France.

Due to the top level of representation from key countries in the air and missile defense, ISAD 2020+ is expected to be the most prominent air and missile defense event in the region. The symposium will also be attended by the most influential and groundbreaking air and missile defense manufacturers, experts and advisors. The event will witness presentations of state of the art products and services that constitute an integral part of the future of integrated air and missile defense.