The security industry: a key driver of growth and EURO DEFENCE EXPO
EURO DEFENCE EXPO, the new international trade fair for the defence industry will make its debut at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. Around 250 exhibitors are expected and representatives from industry, the military, politics, security authorities and research are expected at Messe Essen. A particular highlight: Security Essen, one of the leading trade fairs for civil security, will take place at the same time as the EURO DEFENCE EXPO. “For the first time, Messe Essen will bring together military and civil security solutions in one place, becoming a central meeting point for the security-related industries”, says Oliver P. Kuhrt, Messe Essen CEO.
The security landscape and the industrial development in Germany
The evolving security landscape is increasingly shaping industrial development in Germany. The war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and a growing focus on civil protection have a noticeable impact on markets, business models and investment decisions. This is precisely where the EURO DEFENCE EXPO comes in and for Kuhrt, the economic implications of these developments are clear.
“Germany – he underlines – still tends to discuss defence primarily in political terms, but in reality, we are currently witnessing a profound industrial shift. Anyone talking about the future of industry today cannot ignore this topic. Behind it lies enormous momentum for innovation, investment, and employment”.
The figures underline this trend: the German defence sector employs well over 100,000 people. At the same time, military spending in Germany rose to more than €97 billion in 2025 – an increase of 24 percent compared to the previous year.
“Demand for security and defence technologies is growing faster than it has for years – Kuhrt adds. – This is no longer benefiting only traditional defence companies, SMEs and technology providers are also opening up new markets”.
Dual-use technologies are gaining in importance
At the same time, a structural transformation is taking place: an increasing number of companies from traditional industries are entering security-related business fields.
“Automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering firms and technology companies are developing solutions for drone defence, reconnaissance, and the protection of critical infrastructure – explains Kuhrt. – The area of dual-use technologies, in particular, is currently experiencing very dynamic growth”.
This development will be clearly visible at the EURO DEFENCE EXPO.
EURO DEFENCE EXPO and Security Essen: military and civil security together for the first time
“For companies today, the key question is no longer whether they engage with security, but how strategically they do so. The EURO DEFENCE EXPO makes this transformation visible and brings together the key stakeholders”, Kuhrt concludes.
