NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Air Combat Command recently hosted Weapons and Tactics Conference 2026 here, an annual, two-week event where Airmen from across the force gather to identify and solve the most pressing tactical challenges.
The conference, more commonly known as WEPTAC, is the Air Force’s premier forum for developing and refining warfighter-driven solutions to ensure the joint and coalition force is ready for a high-end conflict.
At WEPTAC 2025, squadron-level tacticians developed a tactics improvement proposal, or TIP, to establish tactics for low-cost, high-inventory weapons capability and effectiveness for cruise missiles and counter-UASs. Ranked as the Air Force’s number two TIP, the tactic was later tested by the 96th Test Wing and the 53rd Wing at the Eglin Test and Training Range. Combatant commands rapidly integrated the tactic into current operations, to include Operation Midnight Hammer. Planners formalized it in operational plans, demonstrating how WEPTAC accelerates solutions for warfighters.
“WEPTAC is the crucible where we forge the future of air combat,” said Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command. “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. Our mission is to solve the most pressing tactical problems to ensure our Airmen can dominate in any high-end conflict.”
Throughout the conference, mission area working groups focused on key problem sets – from integrating 5th-generation assets, to countering advanced adversary threats and overcoming global pacing challenges. These efforts emphasized joint and coalition integration, the operational demands of the INDOPACOM theater, and multi-domain tactics across air, space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum. The groups built on months of foundational work, ensuring every discussion was grounded in real operational need and strategic relevance.
“We deter our adversaries because of the tactical excellence of our Airmen,” said Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “WEPTAC is where our experts refine ideas needed to drive the force forward, translating them into actionable solutions. 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 culminated in the development of the WEPTAC executive plan, a series of actionable recommendations that will be presented to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and other senior leaders. This plan will guide tactical improvements and drive changes to doctrine and training across the Air Force for the next year, reinforcing WEPTAC’s mission to deliver warfighter-driven solutions for tactical problems.