Defense Trade Shows 2027: Global Calendar & Top Military Exhibitions

Explore the 2027 global defense trade show calendar, featuring 23 major military exhibitions, confirmed dates, locations and expert insights on the best events for defense companies.

Defense industry exhibition floor at AUSA, part of the global defense trade show calendar for 2027.
Exhibitors and attendees at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., October 2025. The 2026 exhibition opens on October 12. Photo: U.S. Army / Spc. Micah Mackintosh.

THE 2027 DEFENSE INDUSTRY GUIDE | ADRIADEFENSE

From IDEX in Abu Dhabi to DSEI UK in London, the 2027 defense trade show calendar brings together some of the world's most important military exhibitions, defense industry conferences and aerospace events. For manufacturers, suppliers and military technology companies, choosing the right exhibition can determine access to new markets, government customers and industrial partnerships.

The year ahead features major events across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, including MSPO in Poland, DSEI Germany in Hannover, ASDA in Croatia, IDEF in Türkiye, AUSA in Washington and IDEX in the United Arab Emirates.

This AdriaDefense guide covers 23 major defense and security exhibitions in 2027, with dates, locations, official event websites and practical recommendations for companies deciding where to exhibit, network or explore business opportunities.

Last updated: October 30, 2026. Dates have been checked against organizer announcements where available. Events without confirmed schedules are identified separately.


Defense Trade Shows 2027: Complete Global Calendar

The following calendar includes the major international military exhibitions scheduled for 2027, alongside specialized events covering naval systems, military aviation, electronic warfare, tactical equipment and security technologies.

ADRIADEFENSE | INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE

Defense Trade Shows 2027: Complete Global Calendar

Explore the major international defense exhibitions scheduled for 2027, including official event links, locations and industry focus areas.

2027 Dates Exhibition Location Industry Focus
Jan 25–29 IDEX & NAVDEX Abu Dhabi, UAE Global defense, naval
Feb 8–12 Aero India Bengaluru, India Military aerospace
Mar 1–3 Enforce Tac Nuremberg, Germany Tactical equipment
Mar 9–12 DSEI Germany Hannover, Germany Multi-domain defense
Apr 13–16 LAAD Defense & Security Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Latin American defense
Apr 20–24 LIMA Langkawi, Malaysia Maritime and aerospace
Apr 27–29 ASDA Zagreb, Croatia Southeastern Europe
Apr 28–30 DSEI Japan Chiba, Japan Indo-Pacific defense
May 3–9 IDEF Istanbul, Türkiye Turkish and global defense
May 4–6 AOC Europe Lisbon, Portugal Electronic warfare
May 4–6 IMDEX Asia Singapore Naval and maritime
May 12–15 Indo Defence Tangerang, Indonesia Tri-service defense
May 18–20 DEFEA Athens, Greece Mediterranean defense
May 18–20 FEINDEF Madrid, Spain European defense industry
May 26–28 IDET Brno, Czech Republic Central European defense
Jun 14–20 Paris Air Show Le Bourget, France Military and civil aerospace
Aug 31–Sep 3 MSPO Kielce, Poland Central and Eastern Europe
Sep 7–10 DSEI UK London, UK Global defense industry
Oct 11–13 AUSA Annual Meeting Washington, D.C., US U.S. Army and land systems
Nov 15–19 Dubai Airshow Dubai, UAE Aerospace and defense
Nov 16–19 Milipol Paris Paris, France Homeland security
Dec 6–9 EDEX Cairo, Egypt African and Middle Eastern defense
Date TBC PARTNER (expected) Belgrade, Serbia Regional defense industry

Editor's note: PARTNER's expected 2027 edition does not yet have an officially confirmed date. Exhibition schedules can change, and participants should consult the organizers before making travel or exhibition commitments.

Best Defense Trade Shows in Europe in 2027

Europe's defense exhibition calendar offers a combination of large international events and more focused regional gatherings. For manufacturers and suppliers targeting NATO countries, European procurement programs or industrial partnerships, the most valuable event depends on the intended customer and technology sector.

MSPO 2027: Kielce, Poland | August 31–September 3

MSPO, the International Defence Industry Exhibition, is one of Central and Eastern Europe's leading annual defense industry events. Its 35th edition will take place in Kielce from August 31 to September 3, 2027.

The exhibition brings together Polish defense institutions, international military delegations, major defense manufacturers and suppliers involved in land systems, air defense, ammunition, communications and unmanned technologies.

Poland's position as a major European defense market makes MSPO particularly relevant for companies seeking industrial partnerships or access to regional military modernization programs. The event also serves as a platform for agreements involving manufacturing cooperation, technology integration and defense exports.

Who should attend? Military equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, ammunition producers, defense electronics companies and international businesses seeking partnerships in Poland or neighboring Central and Eastern European markets.

For companies targeting Polish industrial partnerships, MSPO may provide a more concentrated regional audience than larger general-purpose aerospace exhibitions.

DSEI Germany 2027: Hannover | March 9–12

The inaugural DSEI Germany exhibition is scheduled for March 9–12, 2027, at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.

The event will bring together military stakeholders, defense manufacturers, technology companies, government representatives and industrial suppliers across multiple operational domains.

Its launch comes amid significant attention to German military capabilities, defense-industrial capacity and the participation of international suppliers in European defense supply chains.

For companies based in Central and Eastern Europe, the exhibition represents an opportunity to pursue relationships with German manufacturers, systems integrators and potential industrial partners.

Who should attend? Defense manufacturers, industrial subcontractors, military technology startups, component suppliers and companies seeking entry into the German defense market.

Because 2027 will be the first edition, exhibitors should examine the announced participation and delegation program rather than assume the same attendance profile as the established DSEI UK exhibition.

ASDA 2027: Zagreb, Croatia | April 27–29

Adriatic Sea Defense & Aerospace (ASDA) will take place from April 27 to 29, 2027, at Arena Zagreb in Croatia.

The event's location is an important detail for exhibitors. Earlier editions were associated with Split, but the organizer has confirmed Zagreb for 2027.

ASDA is a biennial defense, aerospace and security exhibition bringing together international military equipment manufacturers, Croatian defense stakeholders and industry representatives from the wider Adriatic region.

According to the organizer, the 2025 edition featured more than 230 exhibitors from 27 countries and attracted more than 8,000 military and business visitors.

The exhibition's regional positioning makes it relevant to international companies seeking access to Croatia and the wider Southeastern European defense market.

Who should attend? Defense SMEs, military equipment manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, systems integrators and businesses pursuing distributors or industrial partnerships across Southeastern Europe.

For manufacturers interested in the Western Balkans, ASDA offers a more geographically focused alternative to Europe's largest defense exhibitions.

IDET 2027: Brno, Czech Republic | May 26–28

The IDET International Defense and Security Technologies Fair returns to the Brno Exhibition Centre from May 26 to 28, 2027.

Held every two years, IDET serves as an important international platform for the Czech defense industry, which has established industrial capabilities in military vehicles, ammunition, engineering, electronics and defense-related manufacturing.

The exhibition includes military systems, security technologies, logistics equipment, communications and supporting technologies. The accompanying IDET ARENA provides opportunities for practical equipment demonstrations.

For international companies, IDET is particularly relevant when identifying Czech subcontractors, technology partners or manufacturers capable of supporting larger defense programs.

Who should attend? Defense electronics manufacturers, vehicle suppliers, mechanical engineering companies, subsystem producers and businesses seeking Czech industrial partners.

Enforce Tac 2027: Nuremberg, Germany | March 1–3

Enforce Tac will take place in Nuremberg from March 1 to 3, 2027.

The specialist exhibition focuses on security and defense technologies for professional users, including military personnel, law enforcement agencies and security organizations.

Products and technologies presented at the event include tactical equipment, soldier protection, communication systems, robotics, unmanned platforms and specialized security solutions.

The exhibition is particularly relevant to companies whose products target specific operational users rather than broad multi-domain military programs.

AdriaDefense previously covered Quantum Systems' first unmanned ground vehicle, presented at Enforce Tac 2026.

Who should attend? Tactical equipment manufacturers, counter-UAS companies, robotics suppliers, soldier system developers and specialist communications providers.

DSEI UK 2027: London | September 7–10

DSEI UK will return to ExCeL London from September 7 to 10, 2027.

The exhibition brings together international defense manufacturers, military delegations, government representatives, technology companies and major systems integrators.

The UK Ministry of Defense introduced the 2027 edition under the theme Delivering the Integrated Force, emphasizing innovation, military capability delivery and cooperation across operational domains.

The event serves as an international meeting point for companies involved in land, maritime, aerospace, cyber and emerging defense technologies.

Who should attend? Established defense manufacturers, technology suppliers, international companies pursuing the UK defense market and businesses seeking partnerships with major contractors.

IDEF 2027: Istanbul, Türkiye | May 3–9

IDEF 2027 will take place at the Istanbul Expo Center from May 3 to 9.

The exhibition is an important showcase for Türkiye's expanding defense-industrial ecosystem, bringing together domestic manufacturers, international suppliers, military delegations and technology providers.

Its coverage extends across land, air, naval and supporting defense technologies, including unmanned systems, electronic equipment, weapons systems and military platforms.

For European companies, IDEF provides opportunities to explore industrial cooperation with Turkish manufacturers and evaluate export markets where Turkish defense technologies have an established presence.

Who should attend? Defense manufacturers, electronics suppliers, unmanned systems companies, naval technology providers and businesses pursuing Turkish industrial partnerships.

Other European Defense Exhibitions Worth Considering

DEFEA 2027, Athens, May 18–20: Defense Exhibition Athens provides access to Greece's defense market and to companies active across the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe.

FEINDEF 2027, Madrid, May 18–20: Spain's International Defense and Security Exhibition connects manufacturers, technology companies and defense institutions. Its international profile has grown across recent editions.

AOC Europe 2027, Lisbon, May 4–6: A specialized industry gathering focused on electronic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations, with particular relevance to radar, RF technologies, signals intelligence and counter-UAS systems.

Paris Air Show 2027, June 14–20: One of the world's major aerospace exhibitions, serving civil and military aviation, propulsion, aerospace engineering, sensors and space-related technologies.

Milipol Paris 2027, November 16–19: Primarily focused on homeland security and law enforcement rather than conventional military platforms, but relevant to surveillance, cybersecurity, counter-drone technologies and specialized equipment.

PARTNER, Belgrade, date unconfirmed: Serbia's defense exhibition is expected to return in 2027 under its biennial schedule. It provides a regional platform for defense manufacturers and international suppliers interested in Serbia and neighboring markets.

Major Defense Exhibitions Outside Europe in 2027

The global calendar includes major multi-domain military exhibitions and specialized events focused on military aviation, naval technologies and regional defense markets.

IDEX & NAVDEX 2027: Abu Dhabi | January 25–29

IDEX and the accompanying naval exhibition NAVDEX will take place in Abu Dhabi from January 25 to 29, 2027.

IDEX is among the most prominent international defense exhibitions serving the Middle East and global export markets.

The event connects defense manufacturers, military delegations, government officials and technology companies across land, air, naval and emerging defense capabilities.

NAVDEX provides an additional maritime industry focus, including naval platforms, maritime technologies and supporting systems.

Best suited for: Companies seeking Middle Eastern customers, international distribution relationships and partnerships involving major defense platforms or subsystems.

AUSA 2027: Washington, D.C. | October 11–13

The Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition will take place from October 11 to 13, 2027, in Washington, D.C.

AUSA is a leading gathering for companies working with the U.S. Army and the wider land warfare industry.

Its exhibition includes military vehicles, soldier equipment, precision fires, communications, autonomous systems, sensors and technologies supporting Army modernization.

The event also provides international defense suppliers with opportunities to engage American manufacturers and explore potential industrial partnerships.

AdriaDefense covered AUSA 2026 from Washington, reporting on defense industry participation and emerging military technologies.

Best suited for: Companies targeting the U.S. Army, American systems integrators, land warfare technologies and potential U.S. industrial partners.

Aero India 2027: Bengaluru | February 8–12

Aero India 2027 is scheduled for February 8 to 12 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

Organized by India's Ministry of Defense, the exhibition brings together aerospace manufacturers, military aviation stakeholders, government representatives and foreign suppliers.

For international companies, the event provides opportunities to explore partnerships with Indian aerospace manufacturers and evaluate entry into local defense and aviation supply chains.

LIMA 2027: Langkawi, Malaysia | April 20–24

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, known as LIMA, is scheduled for April 20 to 24, 2027.

Malaysia's Ministry of Defense has confirmed the dates for the exhibition, which combines aerospace, maritime and emerging technology sectors.

LIMA is particularly relevant to manufacturers pursuing naval, maritime surveillance, military aviation and related business opportunities in Southeast Asia.

DSEI Japan 2027: Chiba | April 28–30

DSEI Japan returns to Makuhari Messe in Chiba from April 28 to 30.

The exhibition provides an international industry platform focused on Japan and the wider Indo-Pacific region, covering defense technologies, industrial partnerships and emerging military capabilities.

Companies working in advanced electronics, communications, maritime systems and multi-domain technologies may find opportunities to engage Japanese and international defense stakeholders.

IMDEX Asia 2027: Singapore | May 4–6

IMDEX Asia will take place from May 4 to 6, 2027, at the Changi Exhibition Centre in Singapore.

Unlike broad military exhibitions, IMDEX Asia specializes in naval defense and maritime security.

Its focus includes shipbuilding, naval systems, maritime surveillance, communications and technologies supporting naval operations.

Best suited for: Naval manufacturers, shipbuilding suppliers, maritime security companies and businesses targeting Asia-Pacific naval markets.

Additional Global Defense Events

LAAD Defense & Security, April 13–16, Rio de Janeiro: An important platform for companies seeking defense and security opportunities across Latin America.

Indo Defence, May 12–15, Tangerang: Indonesia's tri-service defense exhibition brings together manufacturers and military stakeholders across land, aerospace and maritime sectors.

Dubai Airshow, November 15–19, Dubai: A major international aerospace exhibition with significant defense, space and unmanned technology participation.

EDEX, December 6–9, Cairo: Egypt's international defense exhibition attracts manufacturers and military delegations active in African and Middle Eastern markets.

Which Defense Trade Show Should Your Company Attend in 2027?

Not every defense exhibition delivers the same commercial value. A major international event may attract large numbers of visitors, but a smaller regional exhibition can provide a more relevant audience for companies targeting specific customers or industrial partners.

The following comparison identifies exhibitions suited to common business objectives.

ADRIADEFENSE | STRATEGIC GUIDE

Which Defense Trade Show Should Your Company Attend in 2027?

Not every defense exhibition delivers the same commercial value. Compare the leading events based on your target markets, industrial priorities and business development objectives.

Business Objective Recommended Events Strategic Value
Enter the German defense market DSEI Germany, Enforce Tac Connect with German manufacturers, specialized suppliers and potential technology partners.
Reach Poland and Central Europe MSPO, IDET Explore regional defense supply chains, industrial partnerships and military modernization opportunities.
Expand into Southeastern Europe ASDA, DEFEA, PARTNER Identify regional distributors, defense manufacturers and potential government and industry customers.
Target the UK defense industry DSEI UK Engage major contractors, technology suppliers and stakeholders across the British defense sector.
Pursue U.S. Army opportunities AUSA Annual Meeting Access the U.S. land warfare ecosystem and explore partnerships with American defense manufacturers.
Enter Middle Eastern markets IDEX & NAVDEX Build relationships with regional industry representatives, international manufacturers and potential buyers.
Promote military aviation technologies Paris Air Show, Aero India Reach aerospace manufacturers, military aviation stakeholders and international suppliers.
Target naval and maritime markets IMDEX Asia, LIMA, DSEI Japan Explore opportunities in shipbuilding, maritime surveillance, naval systems and supporting technologies.
Develop electronic warfare partnerships AOC Europe Engage specialist companies working in RF technologies, spectrum operations, radar and electronic warfare.

For small and medium-sized defense companies, selecting two or three well-targeted exhibitions may be more commercially productive than attending numerous events without a defined market-entry strategy.

A manufacturer pursuing German industrial partnerships, for example, may prioritize DSEI Germany and Enforce Tac. A company targeting Poland's defense supply chains could instead focus on MSPO, while a supplier seeking contacts across the Adriatic region may find ASDA particularly relevant.

Major Defense Exhibitions Not Taking Place in 2027

Several important military exhibitions follow biennial schedules rather than taking place annually. Understanding these cycles is essential for defense manufacturers planning future exhibition budgets.

ADRIADEFENSE | FORWARD PLANNING

Major Defense Exhibitions Not Taking Place in 2027

Several important international defense exhibitions operate on a biennial schedule. These events held their latest editions in 2026 and are expected to return in 2028.

Exhibition Location Next Edition Status
Eurosatory Paris, France 2028 Expected
IDEB Bratislava, Slovakia 2028 Expected
HEMUS Plovdiv, Bulgaria 2028 Expected
BSDA Bucharest, Romania May 17–19, 2028 Confirmed
World Defense Show Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jan 16–20, 2028 Confirmed

Eurosatory is one of the world's largest land and air-land defense exhibitions. Following its June 2026 edition, its next exhibition is expected in 2028.

IDEB in Slovakia is an important platform for Central European defense manufacturers and technology suppliers. Its biennial schedule places its next expected edition in 2028.

HEMUS in Bulgaria provides opportunities for companies involved in military technologies, cybersecurity and security-related systems. Following the 2026 exhibition, its next edition is expected in 2028.

BSDA, Black Sea Defense & Aerospace, serves the Romanian and wider Black Sea defense markets. The organizer is preparing a 2028 edition.

For further information on the regional exhibition schedule, see AdriaDefense's earlier analysis, Defense Trade Show Calendar 2026–2027: Which CEE and SEE Events Matter.

How Defense Companies Should Prepare for Trade Shows

Successful exhibition participation begins well before the opening day. Manufacturers and technology suppliers should identify potential customers, establish meetings and prepare relevant technical and commercial information.

1. Identify priority markets and buyers. Determine which countries, military programs and industry partners are relevant to the company's products. An exhibition should be selected according to potential commercial opportunities rather than attendance figures alone.

2. Research exhibitors and participating organizations. Official exhibitor directories, government announcements and previous editions can help identify manufacturers, systems integrators and relevant institutions.

3. Arrange meetings before the exhibition. Contact prospective customers and partners ahead of the event. A structured meeting schedule generally provides a stronger foundation for business development than relying entirely on exhibition-floor encounters.

4. Prepare credible technical material. Product specifications, verified technical performance, certifications and appropriate demonstrations should be ready for prospective customers and integration partners.

5. Plan industry communications. Meaningful product launches, industrial agreements and technology demonstrations can generate interest before and during an exhibition. Media engagement is most effective when supported by substantive company announcements.

6. Follow up with potential partners. Exhibition meetings should be documented and followed by clear next steps, particularly when discussions involve technical evaluations, supply-chain opportunities or long-term industrial cooperation.

For companies participating in multiple defense exhibitions, a coordinated strategy across marketing, business development and industry relations can improve the value of each event.

Frequently Asked Questions About Defense Trade Shows in 2027

What are the biggest defense trade shows in 2027?

Major international defense exhibitions include IDEX in Abu Dhabi, DSEI UK in London, IDEF in Istanbul, MSPO in Poland, AUSA in Washington and DSEI Germany in Hannover. Their relative importance depends on the target market, participating buyers and technology sector.

When is DSEI UK 2027?

DSEI UK will take place from September 7 to 10, 2027, at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom.

When is DSEI Germany 2027?

The inaugural DSEI Germany exhibition is scheduled for March 9 to 12, 2027, at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.

When is MSPO 2027 in Poland?

MSPO 2027 will take place from August 31 to September 3, 2027, in Kielce, Poland.

Where will ASDA 2027 take place?

ASDA 2027 will be held at Arena Zagreb in Croatia from April 27 to 29. Earlier editions were associated with Split, but Zagreb is the confirmed location for 2027.

When is IDEF 2027 in Türkiye?

IDEF 2027 will take place from May 3 to 9 at the Istanbul Expo Center.

Is Eurosatory taking place in 2027?

No. Eurosatory follows a biennial schedule. After its June 2026 exhibition, the next edition is expected in 2028.

What defense exhibitions are best for smaller companies and startups?

The most suitable events depend on the company's technology and target customers. Enforce Tac can be relevant for tactical equipment and robotics, AOC Europe for electronic warfare, MSPO for Central European industrial partnerships and ASDA for Southeastern European markets.

Which military trade shows are best for companies targeting NATO countries?

DSEI UK, MSPO, IDET, DSEI Germany, ASDA and AUSA provide opportunities to engage defense manufacturers and other stakeholders in NATO member countries. Participation by military representatives does not necessarily indicate an active procurement opportunity.

Defense Trade Shows 2027: Final Outlook

The 2027 defense exhibition calendar provides international manufacturers and technology suppliers with numerous opportunities to develop partnerships, explore markets and understand evolving military technology requirements.

For companies operating across Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, MSPO, IDET, ASDA, DSEI Germany and IDEF deserve particular attention. Their regional and industrial relevance makes them important platforms for manufacturers pursuing business relationships across European defense supply chains.

Major international exhibitions such as IDEX, DSEI UK and AUSA offer additional opportunities to engage global defense markets and established industry partners.

Ultimately, the most valuable defense trade show is not necessarily the largest. Companies should prioritize exhibitions where relevant customers, potential industrial partners and military programs align with their products and commercial objectives.

AdriaDefense will continue updating this 2027 defense exhibition calendar as organizers confirm new dates and event details. Readers should consult official exhibition websites before booking travel, exhibition space or business meetings.