The Euro Defence Expo will make its debut in September 2026, with organisers reporting strong early momentum for the new international defence exhibition. The event will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen in Germany and is positioned as a major new platform for the military and security industry in Europe.
More than 250 exhibitors are expected to participate in the premiere edition of the Euro Defence Expo, known as EUDEX. The event will be held in parallel with Security Essen, Europe’s leading trade fair for civil security. Together, the two exhibitions are expected to host more than 800 exhibitors, creating what Messe Essen describes as Europe’s first integrated platform combining military and civil security technologies under a single, holistic security concept.
According to Messe Essen chief executive Oliver P. Kuhrt, the combined format reflects the realities of modern security architecture, where military and civil domains are increasingly interconnected. He said the dual exhibition offers clear benefits for exhibitors, providing access to senior decision-makers from both defence and civil security sectors and creating opportunities to present technologies to a wider professional audience.
Security and Defence Challenges
A central theme of EUDEX is its total defence approach, addressing the full spectrum of contemporary security challenges. The exhibition will cover areas ranging from cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure through to conventional national defence capabilities. Organisers say this broad scope aligns closely with current strategic requirements facing governments, armed forces and security authorities across Europe and allied nations.
The exhibition is being designed to attract a high-level international audience. Target visitors include representatives from defence ministries and procurement organisations, members of the German Armed Forces and allied militaries, and senior officials from police and internal security agencies. Messe Essen expects delegations from more than 30 countries to attend the event.
EUDEX will also benefit from the timing of the annual conference of the Joint Air Power Competence Centre, which will take place in Essen during the same period. The JAPCC conference is expected to draw more than 400 senior military representatives from NATO and partner nations, further enhancing the international relevance of the exhibition and strengthening Essen’s profile as a defence and security location.
Co-Location Benefits
Exhibitors will have access to extensive indoor exhibition halls and outdoor areas, allowing for static displays and live demonstrations. The co-location with Security Essen is expected to attract more than 20,000 trade visitors from both military and civil security sectors, increasing visibility and potential engagement for participating companies.
Industry interest in the new exhibition format has been strong, with registrations spanning established defence system houses, international corporations and innovative start-ups. Confirmed exhibitors include Heckler & Koch, Scania, Nokia, Fokker, Vincorion, BwConsulting and the Munk Group.
Although the event is still several months away, organisers report high demand for exhibition space. Companies interested in participating in Euro Defence Expo 2026 are encouraged to register early, with further information available at www.eurodefenceexpo.de.
