Brussels, Belgium — The inaugural Brussels European Defence Exhibition & Conference (BEDEX) 2026 concluded today after three days of demonstrations, industry announcements, and strategic discussions that positioned Brussels as a new hub for Europe’s defense ecosystem.

Held at Brussels Expo from 12–14 March, the exhibition brought together more than 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and over 35 international delegations, including defense companies, military officials, policymakers, and technology innovators. 

The event was the first major defense exhibition ever hosted in Belgium, reflecting the growing strategic importance of defense industry cooperation in Europe. 

NATO Leadership Emphasizes the Role of Industry

One of the key moments of the exhibition was the appearance of Mark Rutte, who highlighted the critical role of the defense industry in maintaining security across the Euro-Atlantic region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he emphasized that cooperation between governments, armed forces, and industry is essential as Europe adapts to a more challenging security environment. 

His remarks reflected a broader theme throughout the exhibition: defense industrial capacity is now central to European security policy.

New European Defense Technologies Unveiled

Several companies used BEDEX to present new systems and technologies.

Belgian company ALX Systems unveiled a fully Belgian-developed loitering munition, designed for reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The drone can operate up to 50 km from its control station, remain airborne for approximately 35 minutes, and carry payloads of around 2 kilograms, reflecting the growing importance of tactical unmanned strike capabilities on modern battlefields. 

The system was presented as part of Belgium’s effort to strengthen sovereign defense technologies and domestic production capacity.

Air and Missile Defense Takes Center Stage

Air and missile defense capabilities were another prominent theme of the exhibition.

South Korean defense giant Hanwha Aerospace showcased its L-SAM long-range interceptor and Chunmoo rocket launcher, highlighting the company’s ambition to expand its presence in the European defense market. 

The systems reflect the growing demand across Europe for integrated air and missile defense solutions, particularly following the evolving security environment on the continent.

Industrial Cooperation Agreements

BEDEX also served as a platform for new industry partnerships.

Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed letters of intent with three Belgian companies to cooperate on ground-based air defense programs, demonstrating how defense exhibitions increasingly function as venues for industrial collaboration rather than simply equipment showcases. 

Such partnerships are expected to play a key role in expanding Europe’s defense manufacturing capacity.

AI and Advanced Technologies for Defense

Emerging technologies also featured strongly at BEDEX.

Spanish technology firm Multiverse Computing presented compressed AI models designed for aerospace and defense applications, aimed at enabling advanced artificial intelligence capabilities on edge devices with limited computing power. 

These solutions highlight the increasing role of AI, data processing, and digital systems in modern military operations.

A New Defense Hub in the Heart of Europe

With Brussels hosting both EU institutions and NATO headquarters, the organizers positioned BEDEX as a strategic meeting point for European defense stakeholders.

The exhibition included conferences, B2B meetings, demonstration zones, and recruitment areas, reflecting a broader European shift toward linking defense policy with industrial innovation, manufacturing capacity, and workforce development. 

Industry observers note that the event could evolve into a significant new platform within the global defense exhibition calendar.