Slovenia Hosts First International Defence, Security, and Rescue Fair in Celje
Slovenia launched its first International Defence, Security, and Rescue Fair (SIDEC 2025) in Celje, featuring over 170 companies from 20 countries and marking a major step in the country’s defence industrial ambitions.
Slovenia has officially opened the inaugural International Defence, Security, Protection, and Rescue Fair (SIDEC 2025) at the Celje Congress Centre, marking a significant milestone for the country’s growing defence sector.
The four-day event, organised by the Ministry of Defence, the Slovenian Armed Forces, and the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster (GOIS), features more than 170 companies from 20 countries presenting advanced technologies across 10,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Opening the fair, Defence Minister Borut Sajovic emphasised the importance of unity and domestic innovation in strengthening national security. “More than 250 Slovenian companies are already participating in key development projects,” he said, highlighting the country’s increasing focus on research, development, and industrial cooperation with global defence leaders.
GOIS Director Boštjan Skalar described SIDEC as more than a technology showcase, calling it “a platform for dialogue, integration, and strategic thinking” that reflects Slovenia’s ambitions for strategic sovereignty.
The event includes a high-level conference with five panels on cyber security, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, future technologies, and the new national strategy for developing the defence industry. State Secretary Boštjan Pavlin announced plans to gradually raise the defence budget to 3% of GDP within five years, focusing on homegrown expertise and cross-sector collaboration.
A new state-owned company, DOVOS, established in September, will fund domestic defence innovations and plans to issue its first public call for industrial projects by the end of the month.
Major global exhibitors such as Rheinmetall, Diehl Defence, Leonardo, Airbus, KNDS, FN Herstal, and Thales are participating alongside 110 Slovenian companies. The fair also features cutting-edge displays including Pipistrel’s Nuuva unmanned aircraft and KIA’s hydrogen-powered reconnaissance vehicle.
Running concurrently with the fair is the “In Service of the Homeland” event, offering the public an interactive look at the Slovenian Armed Forces’ equipment and career opportunities.
SIDEC 2025 positions Slovenia as an emerging player on Europe’s defence innovation map—bridging local expertise with global partnerships to strengthen both its industry and resilience.
