From 22 to 25 September 2026, EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) will make its debut at Messe Essen, bringing together companies, armed forces, procurement organisations, research institutions and international decision-makers. With more than 300 exhibitors across eleven product categories, the new trade fair is establishing itself as a European meeting point for defence technology, industrial cooperation and security expertise.
EUDEX covers the defence industry value chain, from personal equipment, command and communication technologies and reconnaissance to unmanned systems, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, software, vehicles, logistics, training and simulation. Modern Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply & Support and CBRN Defence are among the areas with particularly strong representation. Joint stands and dedicated platforms for young companies and technology-oriented start-ups add further opportunities to discover emerging solutions, connect with new partners and explore technologies with applications across both civilian and military markets.
New business opportunities
International cooperation is at the heart of the 2026 programme. On 23 September, “V4 Business Matchmaking @ EUDEX” will connect companies with potential partners from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The format is designed to support industrial cooperation, dual-use technologies and joint development and supply projects. On 24 September, “Keep in Touch with the Dutch – Defence Innovations from the Netherlands” will bring together Dutch, German and international companies, with pitches and networking focused on innovative technologies and new cooperation opportunities.
Networking continues throughout the exhibition with “EUDEX Match & Meet”, allowing participants to arrange individual B2B meetings in advance. The aim is clear: to turn the exhibition into a practical platform for new business relationships, technology partnerships and European defence-industrial cooperation.
Strategic perspectives on the future of European defence
The specialist programme adds a strong strategic dimension. The International Diplomatic Forum on 23 September will bring embassies and consulates together for briefings, discussions on the future of European defence cooperation, guided exhibition tours and networking. The “EUDEX Conference by CPM” gives the trade fair an exclusive conference format that addresses current security policy challenges, with a particular focus on cooperation between military and civilian actors. The conference will take place on 22 and 23 September alongside the exhibition and is organised by CPM Verlag. At the same time, the NATO JAPCC Conference will bring senior military representatives and experts together to address current challenges and the future of
air and space power. A live demonstration will provide a practical perspective on operational cooperation, showing how different forces and technologies interact in a complex military scenario. Together, the conferences, specialist forums and demonstrations make EUDEX a place not only to see new technologies, but also to understand the strategic and operational requirements shaping tomorrow’s defence capabilities.
Where defence, security and technology come together
With a EUDEX ticket, trade visitors also gain access to Security Essen. With more than 500 exhibitors, the leading trade fair for civil security showcases the full range of products and solutions in the fields of special-purpose vehicles, civil protection, civil defence, access control, video surveillance, perimeter security, fire protection and cybersecurity. Together, EUDEX and Security Essen, create a unique European environment where military requirements, civilian security, industrial expertise and emerging technologies meet at one location. The combination highlights the increasingly close relationship between defence, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, resilience and public security.
Tickets and further information: EURO DEFENCE EXPO Ticket Shop
