EUDEX and Security Essen 2026: strong signal in support of civil-military cooperation
The very first EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) and Security Essen, held at Messe Essen, have ended with excellent results: four days, around 900 exhibitors from 49 countries and 30,000 trade visitors from 96 countries attended both events to find out about new technologies and solutions for defence and civil security. Exhibitors and visitors alike were highly satisfied with the combination of the new trade fair for the defence industry and the established security trade fair.
“With this dual trade fair event ‘made in Germany’, we have broken new ground in linking civil-military cooperation. This unique platform offered participants visibility and new opportunities”, says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. He particularly highlighted the calibre of the trade visitors: 83 per cent of EUDEX trade visitors are decision-makers in purchasing and procurement, whilst the figure for Security Essen is 76 per cent.
Drones, AI and connectivity
Key topics at both events were AI, the interconnection of systems, robotics and unmanned aerial systems. The overlap in content was particularly evident when it came to drones: at EUDEX, remote-controlled systems for reconnaissance, resupply and other military applications were on display. One exhibitor unveiled its new long-range reconnaissance drone for the first time, with a flight time of up to eight hours. At Security Essen, companies showcased solutions for surveillance, inspection and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as for the detection and defence against unauthorised aerial vehicles. One in four trade visitors at Security Essen was particularly interested in the drone sector, whilst at EUDEX, unmanned systems and robotics were the most important topic for 40 per cent of trade visitors.
The launch of EUDEX
EUDEX kicked off for the first time with 365 exhibitors from 28 countries. Trade visitors came primarily from industry and the armed forces, but also from government bodies, research, politics and diplomacy. They made the most of the new trade fair format to engage in direct dialogue. The products and services on offer ranged from unmanned systems and robots, AI and software, through to personal protective equipment, transport containers, mobile protective infrastructure, supply and packaging solutions, right up to command and communication technologies, reconnaissance and surveillance solutions, as well as vehicles and heavy equipment. EUDEX specifically sought to forge links between the defence industry and companies from other industrial sectors.
Another increase in visitor numbers at Security Essen
“With a rise in visitor numbers of around ten per cent – the organizers highlight – Security Essen once again underlined its strong position as the leading international trade fair for the civilian security industry. 522 exhibitors from 41 countries presented the full range of modern security technology to trade visitors, from access control, fire and burglary protection, through video and perimeter security, to risk management, services and civil protection. The exhibitors’ innovations included, for example, AI agents for control centres, solutions for new programming interfaces in hazard management systems and the centralised management of various access technologies, as well as new developments for improved protection of critical infrastructure. To this end, companies presented, amongst other things, enhanced biometric identification options, highperformance photoelectric barriers for perimeter protection and centralised alarm systems”.
“Security Essen – says Klaus Hirzel, Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies – once again showed how important connected solutions are for our customers. For us, it is a strong signal to bring fire and life safety, security and access solutions, and building automation together as one integrated offering”.
“The many positive conversations at Security Essen – says Stefanie Goetz, Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies – showed that connected Building Automation solutions continue to play an important role for our customers, from fire detection and alarm systems to access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and building automation.For us, it is therefore especially important to bring these areas together and present them as integrated solutions”.
Visitors were satisfied with their participation
“Nine out of ten visitors to Security Essen were satisfied with their visit, would recommend the trade fair to others and intend to attend the next event as well. Visitors to both trade fairs praised the international character of the events, the presence of market leaders and the range of new products on offer. The combination of the two events was also taken full advantage of: one in two visitors to EUDEX also visited Security Essen. A total of 30,000 trade visitors attended the twin trade fairs. In addition, numerous members of the press, political delegations and guests of honour were in attendance”.
Next exhibition dates
The next Security Essen and the next EUDEX will take place from 19 to 22 September 2028 at Messe Essen.
