Defence and national security events remain one of the most effective environments for collaboration, partnership-building, and doing business in complex markets. They bring together government, industry, and innovators in a way few other forums can, creating space for real conversations around capability, procurement, and delivery. Drawing on our experience attending and tracking these events over recent years (2024 & 2025) we’ve curated a list of the 22 most important Defence & National Security conferences to attend in 2026, helping you plan your growth and partnership strategies accordingly.
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*Accurate as of January 2026*
The following list is in chronological order.
(1) Maritime Reconnaissance & Surveillance Technology 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 27 – 28/01/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
The 11th annual Maritime Reconnaissance and Surveillance Technology Conference is Europe’s dedicated forum on maritime ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) and maritime domain awareness systems. It brings together international military leaders, naval ISR planners, and defence industry innovators to discuss maritime patrol aircraft, RPAS/UAS for surveillance, space-based ISR, C4ISR, autonomy, coastal and littoral monitoring, and emerging sensor technologies. For tech innovators, this event provides strategic insights into how naval forces are integrating cutting-edge surveillance and reconnaissance technologies to enhance coastal security and protect maritime interests, as well as opportunities to engage with capability owners and programme decision-makers shaping future maritime security capability requirements.
(2) European Defence Agency (EDA) Annual Conference 2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium, Europe
Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
Date: 28/01/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Hosted by the European Defence Agency in Brussels, this conference is a central forum for European defence capability development and collaborative procurement. It brings together EU institutions, national defence authorities, programme leaders, prime contractors, SMEs, and technology innovators to align on shared capability priorities, interoperability requirements, and multinational delivery models. For technology providers, the event offers valuable insight into how European defence requirements translate into funded programmes, how cooperative procurement frameworks are structured, and where early engagement can shape partnerships, standards, and long-term adoption across EU member states.
(3) Specialist Defence & Security Convention (SDSC) 2026
Location: Birmingham, UK, Europe
Airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Date: 3 – 04/02/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Specialist Defence & Security Convention (SDSC) 2026 is the UK’s leading defence and security innovation expo focused on specialist user capability and emerging technologies. The event brings together MOD Strategic Command, DE&S, police and intelligence agencies, prime contractors, SMEs, and international partners to examine operational requirements and future capability priorities. For technology innovators, SDSC provides a focused platform to engage procurement stakeholders, validate solutions with end users, and establish collaboration pathways aligned with UK defence and security programmes.
(4) Munich Security Conference 2026
Location: Munich, Germany, Europe
Airport: Munich Airport (MUN)
Date: 13 – 14/02/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026 is the world’s leading forum for debating international security and foreign policy. Held annually in Munich, the conference convenes heads of state, ministers, senior military leaders, and decision-makers from international organisations, alongside representatives from industry, academia, media, and civil society. For organisations operating in defence, security, and geopolitics, MSC provides unparalleled insight into global security priorities, alliance dynamics, and emerging policy directions making it a critical setting for strategic dialogue, high-level relationship building, and understanding the political context shaping future defence and security decisions.
(5) ENFORCE TAC 2026
Location: Nuremberg, Germany, Europe
Airport: Nuremberg Airport (NUE)
Date: 23 – 25/02/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Enforce Tac 2026 is an operator-led exhibition dedicated to internal security, law enforcement, and special operations. The event brings together police units, special forces, security agencies, and carefully selected industry partners to examine real-world operational challenges, equipment performance, and evolving threat environments. For technology innovators, Enforce Tac provides rare, direct access to end users enabling realistic testing and validation of solutions, candid operational feedback, and a clearer understanding of which capabilities are trusted, adopted, and sustained under real operational conditions rather than laboratory or demonstration settings.
(6) Chatham House Security & Defence 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 25 – 26/02/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Hosted by Chatham House, this conference brings together global defence leaders, policymakers, senior military strategists, and security experts to examine emerging threats, strategic defence challenges, and international security policy. The event provides a high-level forum for candid discussion on geopolitics, deterrence, alliance dynamics, and long-term defence planning. For technology innovators, it offers an outstanding opportunity to understand shifting strategic priorities, engage with senior decision-makers shaping defence thinking, and align technology roadmaps with real-world defence strategy and national security agendas—often well before capability requirements are formalised or translated into procurement programmes.
(7) Future Soldier Technology 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 9 – 11/03/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Future Soldier Technology 2026, delivered by SMi Group, focuses on the integration of digital networking, data-driven command systems, augmented and mixed reality, and next-generation soldier lethality and survivability technologies. The conference examines how dismounted forces are being equipped for a more connected, sensor-rich, and information-enabled battlefield, with sessions covering situational awareness, human–machine teaming, power and data management, and interoperability across allied forces. For technology innovators, the event provides insight into how soldier modernisation programmes are evolving, how requirements are defined and tested, and where emerging technologies can transition from experimentation into scalable, deployable capability within future land forces.
(8) Brussels European Defence Conference (BEDEX) 2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium, Europe
Airport: Brussels Airport (BRU)
Date: 12 – 14/03/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
The Brussels European Defence Conference (BEDEX) is a new but highly influential dialogue on the strategic and policy dimensions of European defence cooperation, focused on strengthening EU-NATO cooperation, capability development, and defence innovation. It brings together defence ministers, NATO and EU officials, military leaders, industry representatives, and thought leaders to explore joint security challenges, capability harmonisation, and future defence requirements. For tech innovators, BEDec offers insight into policy drivers that shape procurement priorities, early visibility on strategic capability gaps, and opportunities to align solutions with Europe’s evolving defence integration agenda.
(9) Global Government Forum (Defence) 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 24 – 25/03/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Part of the broader innovation programme hosted by the Global Government Forum, in collaboration with the UK Government, UK Civil Service, and the Cabinet Office, this defence-focused stream examines how national defence systems can adopt emerging technologies, modernise procurement processes, and accelerate capability delivery across government. Sessions explore digital transformation, agile and outcomes-based procurement, AI and data security, and the cultural enablers of innovation within defence institutions. For technology innovators, the forum provides practical insight into how governments actually modernise, helping bridge the gap between policy intent, procurement mechanisms, and real-world technology adoption at scale.
(10) London Defence Conference 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 10 – 11/04/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
The London Defence Conference is one of the UK’s most senior defence forums, focused on national and allied defence strategy, long-term capability development, and future force design. The event routinely features keynote addresses from the UK’s most senior political leadership, alongside defence ministers, senior military commanders, and allied representatives, setting strategic direction at the highest level of government.
Discussions centre on the UK’s defence posture, alliance commitments, deterrence, and force modernisation priorities. For technology innovators, the conference offers rare exposure to top-level strategic intent—providing clarity on where political will, military planning, and future investment are converging, and enabling early alignment of technology roadmaps with emerging national and allied defence priorities well ahead of formal capability definition and procurement cycles.
(11) Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 13 – 15/04/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems (MRAS) is an established annual conference series delivered by SAE Media Group (formerly SMi Group), bringing together senior military leaders, capability directors, programme managers, and defence industry specialists focused on uncrewed and autonomous systems. The conference centres on how UxS and autonomy are being operationalised across land, maritime, and air domains, with discussions covering concept of operations, human–machine teaming, trust and assurance, interoperability, and the transition from experimentation to deployable capability. For technology innovators, MRAS provides direct insight into how autonomous systems are being evaluated, funded, and integrated within military programmes, as well as early visibility into procurement challenges, certification barriers, and partnership models shaping the adoption of robotics and autonomy across allied forces.
(12) Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 14 – 16/04/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2026 is the premier global forum dedicated to undersea and maritime defence technology, bringing together naval operators, submarine and undersea warfare specialists, programme leads, and defence industry partners from allied nations. The conference focuses on seabed security, undersea surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and the protection of critical subsea infrastructure, alongside the growing role of autonomy, sensing, and data fusion in contested maritime environments. For technology innovators, UDT provides rare access to capability owners and programme decision-makers, offering insight into how undersea requirements are evolving, how technologies are trialled and integrated, and where novel sensing, autonomous platforms, and data-driven solutions can be positioned within future naval programmes and multinational maritime security initiatives.
(13) C4ISR Global 2026
Location: London, UK, Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: 06 – 07/05/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
C4ISR Global 2026 is a specialist forum focused on command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, bringing together NATO and allied programme leaders, military commanders, capability directors, and defence technology providers. The conference examines how information advantage is being achieved across multi-domain operations, with sessions covering data integration, decision-support systems, secure networks, interoperability, and the fusion of ISR across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains .For technology innovators, the event provides critical insight into real-world integration and interoperability challenges, offering clarity on where digital platforms, data architectures, AI-enabled analytics, and decision-support tools can be positioned within complex C4ISR ecosystems supporting allied operations and future force design.
(14) Military Comms & Information Systems (ICMCIS) 2026
Location: Bath, UK, Europe
Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
Date: 12 – 13/05/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
ICMCIS 2026 is a NATO-led forum focused on communications and information systems (CIS) and alliance-wide interoperability. The event brings together NATO CIS authorities, national digital and communications leads, military operators, and industry specialists to examine how the Alliance’s digital backbone is evolving to support multi-domain operations. Discussions cover secure networks, federated data architectures, interoperability standards, resilience, and the integration of national systems into NATO command structures. For technology innovators, ICMCIS provides rare, direct engagement with the authorities responsible for setting technical direction and assurance frameworks across NATO. Attendees gain insight into how technologies are evaluated, certified, and adopted for alliance-wide use; making it a critical forum for organisations seeking to align digital, communications, and information solutions with NATO interoperability requirements and long-term CIS priorities.
(15) Supply, Security & Defence (SSD) Expo 2026
Location: Tallinn, Estonia, Europe
Airport: Tallinn Airport (TLL)
Date: 10 – 11/06/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Supply, Security & Defence Expo (SSD Expo) 2026 is the leading defence and security industry exhibition in the Baltic region, hosted in Estonia and convening NATO allies, EU defence stakeholders, national governments, and defence industry leaders. The event attracts military commanders, capability planners, procurement authorities, and policymakers from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Nordic partner nations, reflecting the region’s central role in NATO’s evolving deterrence and defence posture. The expo places strong emphasis on national and alliance security, supply chain resilience, interoperability, and the development of regional innovation ecosystems. For technology innovators, SSD Expo offers direct access to regional decision-makers and procurement stakeholders, providing a valuable platform to build visibility, form partnerships, and position emerging defence technologies within one of NATO’s most operationally relevant and rapidly evolving theatres.
(16) Eurosatory 2026
Location: Paris, France, Europe
Airport: Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Date: 15 – 19/06/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Eurosatory 2026 is Europe’s largest and most influential land defence and security exhibition, held biennially in France and attracting global Ministries of Defence, armed forces, and defence industry leaders. The event brings together senior military commanders, capability directors, procurement authorities, and prime contractors from across NATO, Europe, and allied nations to assess next-generation land systems, digital enablement, mobility, protection, fires, and sustainment. For technology innovators, Eurosatory offers unmatched access to multinational procurement stakeholders and programme decision-makers operating at scale. It is a critical venue for aligning solutions with coalition requirements, interoperability standards, and alliance-led programmes; particularly where systems must integrate across national forces and be adopted within complex, long-term multinational procurement frameworks rather than single-nation acquisitions.
(17) Autonomous Ship Expo 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe
Airport: Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS)
Date: 16 – 18/06/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Autonomous Ship Expo 2026, held in the Netherlands, is a specialist event focused on uncrewed and autonomous maritime systems across surface and sub-surface domains. The expo brings together naval authorities, coastguards, shipbuilders, technology developers, regulators, and defence and commercial operators to examine how maritime autonomy is being designed, tested, and operationalised in real-world environments. Discussions span autonomy frameworks, sensor fusion, navigation and collision avoidance, communications, assurance and certification, and the intersection between civilian, commercial, and defence use cases. For technology innovators, the event offers valuable access to naval stakeholders and programme influencers, insight into dual-use adoption pathways, and a clearer understanding of how autonomous maritime capabilities are transitioning from trials into deployable, trusted systems across allied fleets and maritime security missions.
(18) Arctic Security Summit 2026
Location: Stockholm, Sweden, Europe
Airport: Stockholm Arlanda Sirport (ARN)
Date: 30 – 31/06/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Arctic Security 2026 is a specialist summit focused on the evolving military, geopolitical, and commercial challenges shaping security in the High North. The event brings together senior defence officials, military commanders, government policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts from Arctic and allied nations to examine security cooperation, emerging capability gaps, and strategic competition in the Arctic theatre. Discussions centre on cold-weather operations, maritime domain awareness, space- and sensor-enabled surveillance, resilient communications and C2 interoperability, logistics and sustainment in extreme environments, and the protection of critical infrastructure as strategic interest in the region intensifies. For technology innovators, Arctic Security provides rare access to stakeholders defining new operational requirements, offering a valuable forum to position technologies designed for harsh climates, distributed operations, and cross-sector collaboration in a region of growing geopolitical and defence significance.
(19) DALO Industry Days 2026
Location: Ballerup, Denmark, Europe
Airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Date: 19/08/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
DALO Industry Days 2026, hosted by Denmark’s defence acquisition authority, is the country’s primary defence procurement engagement forum, designed to connect industry directly with those responsible for capability acquisition and delivery. The event brings together Danish Armed Forces stakeholders, acquisition officials, programme managers, and selected international partners to outline upcoming requirements, procurement timelines, and priority capability areas across land, maritime, air, and joint domains. For technology innovators, DALO Industry Days offers rare, direct access to acquisition authorities in a pragmatic, low-theatre environment that prioritises delivery, interoperability, and whole-life value over concept demonstrations. It provides clear insight into Nordic procurement culture, decision-making processes, and partnership expectations; making it a valuable forum for positioning solutions that can integrate quickly, scale reliably, and deliver sustained operational impact within Danish and allied defence programmes.
(20) Resilience Conference 2026
Location: London, UK,Europe
Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Date: TO BE CONFIRMED
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Resilience Conference 2026, held in London and produced by Resilience Media, brings together investors, startups, policymakers, and innovators operating at the forefront of defence, security, and resilience technologies. The conference convenes NATO partners, government leaders, venture capital firms, and founders to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping national security and defence capability.Across two days, discussions span AI and data-driven defence systems, dual-use technologies, cyber and information security, quantum, and the commercial pathways required to scale innovation responsibly within defence markets. For technology innovators, the event provides a rare opportunity to engage both capital and government stakeholders in the same forum; offering insight into how investment, policy, and operational demand intersect, and how breakthrough technologies transition from startup innovation into credible, deployable defence capability.
(21) MSPO 2026
Location: Kielce, Poland, Europe
Airport: Krakow International Airport (KRK)
Date: 08 – 11/09/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
MSPO 2026 is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest annual defence industry exhibition, hosted in Poland and attracting military delegations, procurement authorities, government representatives, and defence industry leaders from across NATO, the EU, and allied global partners. The event reflects Poland’s growing role as a frontline NATO nation and a key driver of regional defence modernisation. MSPO showcases a broad spectrum of defence and security technologies, including land systems, communications and C4ISR, ISR and sensing, autonomy, fires, protection, and mission systems. For technology innovators, the exhibition provides direct access to military decision-makers and acquisition authorities, offering valuable opportunities to build strategic partnerships, explore export pathways, and increase visibility within rapidly evolving European defence markets—particularly where interoperability, alliance integration, and near-term capability delivery are critical considerations.
(22) Future Forces Forum 2026
Location: Prague, Czech Republic, Europe
Airport: Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG)
Date: 21 – 23/10/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Future Forces Exhibition & Forum 2026, held in Prague, is one of Central Europe’s most respected defence industry events, bringing together senior military leaders, defence ministries, NATO representatives, research institutions, and private-sector innovators. The forum combines a major international exhibition with live demonstrations, high-level strategic panels, and practitioner-led discussions focused on the future of multi-domain operations. The programme spans land, air, cyber, space, and joint capabilities, with particular emphasis on force modernisation, digital integration, sensors and ISR, autonomy, and interoperable command and control. For technology innovators, Future Forces provides direct access to Central and Eastern European defence buyers and capability planners, offering valuable insight into emerging requirements and a practical environment for building partnerships and positioning solutions aligned with NATO standards and evolving regional defence priorities.
(23) Future Land Forces 2026
Location: Warsaw, Poland, Europe
Airport: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Date: 03 – 05/11/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
Future Land Forces 2026, held in Warsaw, Poland, is a major annual defence conference and exhibition focused on the modernisation and transformation of land warfare capability in response to evolving threats and increasingly digitised battlefields. Positioned on NATO’s eastern flank, the event brings together senior military leaders, capability directors, programme managers, engineers, and defence industry experts from across allied nations to share operational lessons and examine future land combat requirements. Discussions span uncrewed and autonomous systems, digital command and control, cyber and electronic warfare resilience, agile platforms, and interoperability across joint and multi-domain operations. For technology innovators, the conference provides strategic visibility into NATO-aligned land force priorities, direct access to capability owners, and a credible forum to position solutions for operational adoption and procurement within allied land forces.
(24) NATO Edge 2026
Location: Izmir, Turkey, Europe
Airport: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)
Date: 17 – 19/11/2026
Industry: Defence & Security
Event Description:
NATO EDGE 2026, held in Turkey and led by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), is NATO’s flagship digital and technology conference focused on the Alliance’s future operational edge. The event brings together senior NATO digital leaders, military commanders, capability planners, and national representatives to examine how digital infrastructure, data, and emerging technologies underpin modern multi-domain operations.
Discussions centre on interoperability, federated data architectures, secure networks, cloud and edge computing, AI-enabled decision support, and resilient command and control across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains. For technology innovators, NATO EDGE provides rare, direct engagement with the leaders shaping alliance-wide digital priorities—offering critical insight into future NATO capability requirements and a strategic forum to position technologies that enable data dominance, interoperability, and scalable adoption across allied forces.
Conclusion
Defence and national security events are not all created equal. The right conferences provide early visibility into emerging priorities, access to real decision-makers, and the opportunity to shape partnerships and positioning well before procurement cycles formally begin. We hope this list helps you plan a focused, high-impact year of engagement across the global defence ecosystem. If you’d like support identifying which events genuinely align with your growth objectives—or help turning conference attendance into meaningful commercial, partnership, or procurement outcomes; the team at Karve International would be glad to help. Get in touch at info@karveinternational.com to start a conversation.
