2025 will be a pivotal year for European security and defense policy. Defense companies in Germany are facing the challenge of strategically positioning themselves within a dynamic political environment. Those aiming for visibility and opportunities for dialogue should mark the industry’s key events in their calendars—across both the civil-military space and the traditional defense sector. The following overview is especially helpful for communication professionals planning their year ahead.
Key Events in the Security and Defense Industry in 2025
Cybersecurity Summit
A specialist forum for military and civilian cyber defense. A key opportunity to position technological capabilities and security-critical software solutions.
Where: Hamburg
When: May 14–15, 2025
Since 2014, Rise of AI has brought together AI experts from all sectors—and consistently shines a spotlight on defense-related applications.
Where: Berlin
When: May 14, 2025
Berlin Congress “Resilient Democracy”
Democratic resilience is gaining traction—with implications for cybersecurity, infrastructure, and communication.
Where: Berlin
When: May 16–17, 2025
A central platform for internal security and police technology—with growing overlaps into the defense industry, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure.
Where: Berlin
When: May 20–22, 2025
The concept of integrated security is becoming standard. This interdisciplinary event brings together civic, business, and governmental stakeholders.
Where: Berlin
When: June 16, 2025
Focuses on European defense, transatlantic cooperation, and procurement policy. Hosted by Behördenspiegel.
Where: Berlin
When: November 18–19, 2025
protekt – Conference for Critical Infrastructure Protection
This event addresses security demands in critical infrastructure sectors. Defense companies with dual-use technologies can establish a strong presence here.
Where: Leipzig
When: November 25–26, 2025
Sector-Specific Trade Shows and Symposia
3rd European Military Additive Manufacturing Symposium
Dedicated to 3D printing in military applications. A niche event with high technological relevance and international scope.
Where: Berlin
When: April 8–9, 2025 – 09.04.2025
An international conference on biological threat response and medical defense. Highly relevant for companies in MedTech, CBRN protection, and logistics.
Where: Munich
When: April 8–10, 2025 – 10.04.2025
Dialogue with Military Attachés
An exclusive opportunity for exchange with international military representatives.
Where: Schloss Diedersdorf, near Berlin
When: April 8, 2025
Operational Architecture Symposium – Command Capability of the Bundeswehr
Organized by AFCEA Bonn e.V., this event focuses on digital command capabilities, interoperable architectures, and network-centric operations—with room for industry contributions.
Where: Berlin, Julius-Leber-Kaserne
When: April 29, 2025
Ground-Based Air Defense Summit
A meeting ground for policymakers, military leaders, and industry to discuss ground-based air defense systems.
Where: Berlin
When: May 7–8, 2025 – 08.05.2025
ILA Berlin
In addition to civilian aviation solutions, this event emphasizes military aerospace and defense technologies. An ideal platform to showcase technological capabilities at both political and industrial levels.
Where: Berlin
When: June 10–14, 2025
AFCEA Trade Exhibition
Especially important for providers of security-critical IT, platform integration, and cyber solutions. According to organizers: “Participants of the AFCEA Exhibition include companies, organizations, and government representatives from internal/public security sectors—from small businesses to global corporations, from IT consultancies to IT training providers, from hardware suppliers to developers of highly specialized software applications.”
Where: Bonn
When: June 25–26, 2025
The digitalization partner of the German Armed Forces invites industry partners to engage—offering insights into strategic projects, procurement plans, and technological roadmaps.
Where: Berlin
When: September 2–3, 2025 – 03.09.2025
An international B2B platform for aerospace suppliers, increasingly featuring defense applications—particularly in UAVs, sensors, and additive manufacturing.
Where: Augsburg
When: October 22–24, 2025 – 24.10.2025
A Look Ahead: Security and Defense Events in Germany 2026
A focused B2B trade show for police, military, and special forces. Product leads meet directly with procurement decision-makers.
Where: Nuremberg
When: February 23–26, 2026
The globally renowned forum for security and foreign policy also offers industry representatives numerous touchpoints—through side events, background briefings, and media collaborations.
Where: Munich
When: February 2026 (tba)
Handelsblatt Conference on Security and Defense – Spring 2026
Top leaders from industry, politics, and the Bundeswehr discuss key strategic and industrial policy developments. An ideal setting for agenda-setting and thought leadership.
Where: Berlin
When: Spring 2026 (tba)
Why Event Presence Matters in 2025
The conversation around national security readiness, resilient supply chains, and technological sovereignty is gaining momentum. As such, 2025 offers an unprecedented density of security and defense-related events in Germany. Those who define their priorities early and plan their presence—whether at a tech symposium or a strategic security congress—won’t just boost brand visibility, but also increase their relevance within political and industrial networks. Early planners will find themselves center stage this fall—right in front of the decision-makers shaping one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Your contact person for all questions regarding communication for Defense-Tech is Maria Urban (mailto: maria.urban@piabo.net).