EUDEX, Security Essen focus on civil-military ties

EUDEX and Security Essen brought defense and civilian security industries together at Messe Essen, with civil-military cooperation at the center of the four-day event. Around 900 exhibitors from 49 countries and 30,000 trade visitors attended the two fairs.

According to Messe Essen, visitors from 96 countries attended the events, which combined the new EURO DEFENCE EXPO with the established Security Essen trade fair.

Civil and defense sectors come together

The first EUDEX featured 365 exhibitors from 28 countries. Visitors came mainly from industry and the armed forces, as well as government bodies, research, politics and diplomacy.

The event was designed to create links between the defense industry and companies from other industrial sectors, reinforcing the focus on civil-military cooperation highlighted ahead of EUDEX.

Products and services included unmanned systems, robots, AI and software, personal protective equipment, mobile protective infrastructure, command and communication technologies, reconnaissance and surveillance solutions, vehicles and heavy equipment.

AI, drones and connected systems span both events

AI, system connectivity, robotics and unmanned aerial systems were key topics across both exhibitions.

The overlap was particularly visible in the drone sector. EUDEX featured remote-controlled systems for reconnaissance, resupply and other military applications.

At Security Essen, companies showcased solutions for surveillance, inspection and critical infrastructure protection, as well as systems for detecting and defending against unauthorized aerial vehicles.

One in four Security Essen visitors showed particular interest in the drone sector. At EUDEX, unmanned systems and robotics were the most important topic for 40 percent of trade visitors.

Visitors view a robotics demonstration at Security Essen 2026.

Security Essen expands civilian security focus

Security Essen recorded an increase in visitor numbers of around 10 percent. A total of 522 exhibitors from 41 countries presented technologies covering access control, fire and burglary protection, video and perimeter security, risk management, services and civil protection.

Exhibitors also presented AI agents for control centers, new programming interfaces for hazard management systems and centralized management of different access technologies.

Other developments included enhanced biometric identification, high-performance photoelectric barriers for perimeter protection and centralized alarm systems.

Next editions set for 2028

Nine out of ten Security Essen visitors said they were satisfied with their visit, would recommend the event and intended to attend again.

Half of EUDEX visitors also attended Security Essen. The next editions of both events will take place from September 19 to 22, 2028, at Messe Essen.