Post by Ifa Reist

🚀Reflections from the NEX42's AI & Autonomous MSC Side Event and the official Munich Security Conference Opening by Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger Last week, I had the honor of delivering opening remarks at the NEX42 AI & Autonomous Side Event, just two days before the official kick‑off of the Munich Security Conference (#MSC2026). In both forums, the message was clear: this is a time to be serious - "not to mince words". We must confront differences honestly, and commit to strengthening partnerships across the transatlantic space and beyond. At the MSC opening, Conference Chairman *Wolfgang Ischinger* underscored that the world is facing “growing insecurity” with multiple overlapping crises, and that the transatlantic relationship is at a critical inflection point. He challenged leaders to consider whether the United States still truly sees its European allies as partners - a question that resonates deeply with our work in emerging technologies and defense innovation. That framing of serious challenges requiring honest dialogue and strategic collaboration reflects exactly why we brought together leaders, technologists, and decision‑makers at our side event: to ignite real cooperation in AI, autonomy, and defense manufacturing readiness. Our discussions emphasized that innovation cannot thrive in silos and that cross‑industry and cross‑border collaboration isn’t just beneficial - it’s essential. Thank you to everyone who contributed and joined the conversation. The path ahead is complex, but with integrity, shared purpose, and a commitment to collaboration, we can help shape a future that’s both secure and innovative. 💬 Let’s keep this critical dialogue going. How do you see transatlantic collaboration evolving in the coming year — both in policy and in technology? https://lnkd.in/dvzQm9Rk Amir Gat | Noam Elsberg | Oz Bachar | Ofer S. | Yariv Bar-Yam | Niv Aharoni | Justin Steinke | Alexandrine Armstrong-Cerfontaine | Pavel A. Shaitanoff | Dr. Marc Tenbücken | Matthias Hoffjan | Sensorz | XTEND | Orca AI | Strix Drones #NEX42 #MSC2026 #TransatlanticPartnership #AI #AutonomousSystems #DefenseTech #Collaboration #Innovation