Between September 22 and 25, 2026, Messe Essen hosted a dual-exhibition event combining the inaugural Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) and the established Security Essen, drawing 900 exhibitors from 49 nations and 30,000 trade visitors from 96 countries to explore defense and civil security technologies.
EUDEX and Security Essen Launch Dual Exhibition
The co-location marked the first time Security Essen ran alongside the newly launched Euro Defence Expo. Oliver P. Kuhrt, managing director of Messe Essen, stated that the dual trade fair format created a novel pathway for connecting civil and military cooperation, offering participants heightened visibility and new collaborative potential. Visitor profiles heavily skewed toward decision-makers, with 83 percent of EUDEX attendees holding purchasing and procurement roles, compared to 76 percent at Security Essen.
Artificial Intelligence, Drones, and Robotics Converge
Unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, system networking, and robotics served as primary focal points across both exhibitions. The technological overlap became particularly evident in remote-controlled systems designed for reconnaissance, supply, and military applications. Concurrently, exhibitors at Security Essen highlighted infrastructure protection, inspection tools, and counter-drone technologies meant to detect and neutralize unauthorized flight devices.
EUDEX Debut Draws Industry and Military Stakeholders
The first iteration of EUDEX featured 365 exhibitors from 28 nations, drawing attendees from industrial sectors, armed forces, public authorities, research institutions, politics, and diplomacy. Exhibited products ranged from autonomous systems, AI software, personal protective equipment, and mobile protective infrastructure to command and communication technologies, supply and packaging solutions, and heavy-duty vehicles. The platform specifically aimed to bridge the gap between the defense industry and companies from other industrial sectors.
Security Essen Records Ten Percent Visitor Growth
Security Essen registered a visitor increase of roughly 10 percent, reinforcing its standing as an international leading trade fair for the civil security industry. A total of 522 exhibitors from 41 nations showcased access control systems, fire and burglary protection, video surveillance, perimeter security, and population protection. Highlights included AI-powered agents for control centers, updated programming interfaces for hazard management systems, and centralized access management tools, alongside biometric identification upgrades and enhanced perimeter light barriers.
Future Exhibition Dates
Messe Essen confirmed that the next combined edition of Security Essen and the Euro Defence Expo is scheduled to take place from September 19 to 22, 2028.
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