About the Event

Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) holds its premiere edition September 22 to 25, 2026 at Messe Essen, occupying Halls 3 and 4 plus a section of the Galeria. It runs in parallel with security essen, the established civil security fair, and the organizers describe it as the first and only trade fair to present civil and military security innovations at the same time and place.

Audience and Attendees

The expo is designed to reach national and international delegations from armed forces, relevant ministries and procurement organizations, government representatives and politicians, police and law enforcement agencies, research institutions, and defence technology companies. The NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) holds its annual conference at Messe Essen at the same time, bringing together over 400 high-ranking military representatives from the 32 NATO member nations.

Programme Structure

The EUDEX Conference, organized by CPM, runs alongside the exhibition and this year focuses on the European Deep Strike Capability, bringing together decision-makers from the armed forces, politics and industry. The programme also includes an International Diplomatic Forum, a Dutch-focused networking track, and V4 Business Matchmaking sessions, plus live demonstrations across both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.

Main Topics

Exhibition categories span protection and effect, personal equipment and gear, research and development, logistics and supply, leadership and communication, reconnaissance and surveillance, training and simulation, AI and software, unmanned systems and robotics, vehicles and large equipment, and NBC defence, with particular emphasis on cyber security, unmanned systems and AI.

Closing Session

The expo runs through its final day, September 25, 2026, in Essen, alongside the close of security essen.

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