Defence trade fairs have always been a major gathering point for the world's most important figures. Now, especially with the turbulent political situations that have developed in recent years, the global security landscape has an even greater need for defence trade fairs. These events serve as more than just product exhibitions and are often considered strategic arenas for governments, military personnel, and defence companies to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and stay ahead of technological developments.
From major platforms focused on land, air, and naval defence to specialised trade fairs for law enforcement and internal security, these events are critical to shaping the future of global defence policy and procurement.
Below, we explore the most influential defence trade fairs worldwide, highlighting their unique contributions, who the audience is that attends, and why they are important for the sector.
Eurosatory – Paris, France
Next Edition: June 15–19, 2026
Venue: Paris Nord Villepinte
As the world’s largest land and airland defence and security exhibition, Eurosatory brings together over 1,800 exhibitors and 60,000+ visitors, including high-level military and governmental delegations. With full-scale demos and advanced tech on display, Eurosatory is where nations discover the future of defence and civil security.
Key Focus:
- Land & airland systems
- Homeland security
- Robotics, AI, and cyber defence
DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) – London, UK
Next Edition: September 9–12, 2025
Venue: ExCeL London
DSEI is one of the world’s largest defence shows, with more than 2,800 exhibitors and 36,000+ attendees spanning air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains. The trade fair offers High-level strategic conferences and technology pavilions showcasing emerging threats and countermeasures. In 2027, the event will be adding another edition - DSEI Germany, which will serve as yet another way to emphasise the importance of security and defence.
Key Focus:
- Naval defence
- UAVs and aerospace
- Digital warfare and C4ISR
IDEX – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Next Edition: January 25-29, 2027
Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
IDEX is the premier defence expo in the Middle East, drawing over 1,300 exhibitors and 130,000 visitors. It serves as a vital hub for defence trade and diplomacy across MENA and Asia.
Key Focus:
- Military vehicles and naval demos
- Cybersecurity and border control
- Defence deals and regional cooperation
AUSA Annual Meeting – Washington D.C., USA
Next Edition: October 13–15, 2025
Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Centre
The AUSA Annual Meeting is the leading land power exposition in North America, hosted by the Association of the United States Army. The event is essential for companies targeting U.S. DoD procurement and policymakers.
Key Focus:
- U.S. Army modernisation
- Soldier systems
- Multinational interoperability
MSPO – Kielce, Poland
Next Edition: September 2–5, 2025
Venue: Targi Kielce
Eastern Europe’s top defence trade fair, MSPO, welcomes over 600 exhibitors from NATO and EU nations. MSPO supports NATO cooperation and Eastern European defence modernisation by providing an important forum for networking and building know-how about the most recent developments in the industry.
Key Focus:
- National pavilions
- Homeland and border security
- Tactical and heavy-duty military tech
Defence Services Asia (DSA) – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Next Edition: April 20-23, 2026
Venue: MITEC
DSA is Asia’s top defence and national security event, hosting 1,500+ companies and delegations from across ASEAN. With rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, DSA is key to regional preparedness and cooperation.
Key Focus:
- Maritime surveillance
- Smart border technology
- Counterinsurgency and cyberwarfare
Expodefensa – Bogotá, Colombia
Next Edition: TBD
Venue: Corferias
Latin America’s premier defence and security event, Expodefensa, focuses on regional challenges including narco-trafficking, cybercrime, and peacekeeping. More international defence players are eyeing this region’s strategic demand for modernisation, which makes this trade fair a focal point that brings together many experts in the industry.
Key Focus:
- Border control
- Civil-military cooperation
- Smart surveillance
Enforce Tac – Nuremberg, Germany
Next Edition: February 23–25, 2026
Venue: Nürnberg Messe
Enforce Tac is a highly focused exhibition for law enforcement, border control, and special forces professionals. Although smaller in scale than others on this list, it has grown rapidly due to increasing global demand for civil security tools. Unlike traditional defence fairs, Enforce Tac is tightly focused on internal security, making it a must-attend for police forces, military police, and tactical units.
Key Focus:
- Tactical gear and weapons
- Surveillance and cyber tools
- Riot control and personal protection
Euro Defence Expo – Essen, Germany
Next Edition: September 22-25, 2026
Venue: Messe Essen
A rising player in Europe’s defence calendar, Euro Defence Expo focuses on innovation, interoperability, and cross-border collaboration within NATO and EU frameworks. With a concentration on defence transformation, Euro Defence Expo attracts a younger wave of defence tech companies, think tanks, and policymakers aiming to shape the future battlefield.
Key Focus:
- Emerging defence technologies
- Space and cyber operations
- Green military logistics
Why These Trade Fairs Matter
Defence trade fairs influence many important aspects of the industry, such as:
- Policy and procurement decisions
- International alliances
- Technology transfers
- Operational readiness
With each region facing its own unique security challenges, these events serve as key junctions for global cooperation, innovation, and readiness. They serve as concentrated spaces that gather together important decision-makers, investors, government officials and legislators.
Plan Your Visit with Confidence
Whether you are exhibiting, visiting, or arranging a delegation, organising travel and accommodation for a defence trade fair can be complex. With high demand and tight security, securing the right hotel near the venue is crucial.
Fair Point provides tailored business travel solutions for defence trade fair attendees, including:
- Strategic hotel booking close to the venue
- Group and delegation accommodation
Contact our team today for a customised travel offer to your next defence event and focus on your mission while we take care of the rest.
How can we help you?
Are business travel expenses tax deductible?
What does a travel agency do?
Is it cheaper to use a travel agent?