Events
DEFCROS 2026 will take place on October 1–2 in Šibenik, Croatia, bringing together defense, public safety, and industry stakeholders. The event will focus on robotics, autonomous systems, and operational integration. It is expected to attract participants from across NATO and partner countries.
NATO
NATO and Ukraine have moved forward with the next phase of the UNITE BRAVE innovation initiative, aimed at strengthening defense collaboration. The program focuses on integrating Ukrainian defense innovation into NATO frameworks.
Events
The Xponential Europe trade fair opens today in Düsseldorf, bringing together industry stakeholders focused on autonomous and uncrewed systems. The event highlights technological developments across defense, security, and commercial applications.
Events
DroneVation & Defence 2026 will take place in Vienna on May 21, bringing together military officials, industry representatives, and researchers to discuss developments in unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies.
BEDEX 2026
BEDEX 2026 concluded in Brussels, bringing together over 200 exhibitors and international delegations to showcase new defense technologies and strengthen European defense cooperation.
Analysis
From Paris to Brussels and Celje to Abu Dhabi, a surge in military spending and geopolitical tension is reshaping the world of defense trade shows.
BEDEX 2026
DAF Trucks, Tatra Trucks, and VDL Groep are presenting a new 6×6 military logistics truck at BEDEX 2026 in Brussels. The vehicle combines DAF powertrain components, a Tatra off-road chassis design, and a VDL-developed cargo body.
Defense Trade Shows
As exhibition costs rise and decision-makers plan meetings weeks in advance, defense companies are rethinking how they approach trade shows. A growing number are adopting structured pre-event visibility strategies to build awareness before the doors open.
Belgium
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed his participation in the BEDEX Gala Dinner, where he will deliver a keynote address. The appearance adds high-level political weight to the inaugural edition of the Brussels-based defense event. BEDEX is scheduled to take place on March 12–14, 2026.
Enforce Tac 2026
Twenty-six Croatian defence-industry firms are presenting products and technologies at the Enforce Tac security and defence trade fair in Nuremberg, aimed at expanding export markets and industrial partnerships.
Slovenia
RTC and Valhalla Turrets demonstrated a 6x6 large-class unmanned ground vehicle in cooperation with Slovenia’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. The platform combines heavy payload capacity, integrated autonomy, and a remotely operated 12.7 mm weapon station.
IWA OutdoorClassics
The 2026 IWA OutdoorClassics trade fair in Nuremberg introduces crisis preparedness as a central theme, reflecting industry interest in resilience and civilian security. Sessions and expert panels will examine supply chain security and survival-oriented products for specialised retail.