The increasingly complex global security environment is driving significant industrial changes in Germany, influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, unrest in the Middle East, and heightened attention to civil protection.
These dynamics are shaping market behaviors, business models, and investment trajectories. The EURO DEFENSE EXPO, an emerging international defense industry trade fair scheduled from September 22 to 25 at Messe Essen, is set to address these transformations. The event anticipates featuring around 250 exhibitors. According to Messe Essen CEO, Oliver P. Kuhrt, these shifts have significant economic implications.
Profound Industrial Transformation
“Germany still tends to discuss defense primarily in political terms – but in reality, we are currently witnessing a profound industrial shift,” says Kuhrt.
“Anyone talking about the future of industry today cannot ignore this topic. Behind it lies enormous momentum for innovation, investment, and employment.” The German defense sector, supporting over 100,000 employees, demonstrates this trend, with military spending surpassing €97 billion in 2025—an increase of 24% from the previous year.
Expansion of Traditional Defense Companies
Kuhrt further highlights that the demand for security and defense technologies is expanding rapidly
Kuhrt further highlights that the demand for security and defense technologies is expanding rapidly, presenting opportunities not only for conventional defense companies but also for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technology providers.
A structural shift is underway as companies from traditional sectors are venturing into security-driven business areas. “Automotive suppliers, mechanical engineering firms, and technology companies are developing solutions for drone defense, reconnaissance, and critical infrastructure protection,” explains Kuhrt.
Growth of Dual-use Technologies
Dual-use technologies are experiencing robust growth, prominently displayed at the EURO DEFENSE EXPO. Companies like AIRSENSE Analytics, analyticon instruments, and ARX Robotics showcase innovations applicable in both civilian disaster response and military operations.
Established firms such as BINDER, Bernd Siegmund, and Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik are leveraging their expertise for security-related purposes. Key industry leaders, including KNDS Deutschland Tracks and Heckler & Koch, are using the event to highlight their military and infantry weaponry solutions.
Integrating Military and Civil Security
“For companies today, the key question is no longer whether they engage with security, but how strategically they do so. The EURO DEFENSE EXPO makes this transformation visible and brings together the key stakeholders,” Kuhrt concludes.
The event promises to gather representatives from various sectors, including industry, the military, politics, security authorities, and research, at Messe Essen from September 22 to 25. A highlight of the event is Security Essen—a notable civil security trade fair—running concurrently, marking the first time military and civil security solutions will be jointly showcased in one venue, enhancing Messe Essen’s role as a focal point for security-related industries.
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 are having a noticeable impact on markets, business models, and investment decisions.
This is precisely where the EURO DEFENSE EXPO comes in. The new international trade fair for the defense industry will make its debut at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. Around 250 exhibitors are expected. For Messe Essen CEO Oliver P. Kuhrt, the economic implications of these developments are clear.
Profound industrial shift
“Germany still tends to discuss defense primarily in political terms – but in reality, we are currently witnessing a profound industrial shift,” says Kuhrt. “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 defense 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.
Traditional defense companies
Oliver P. Kuhrt adds: “Demand for security and defense technologies is growing faster than it has for years. This is no longer benefiting only traditional defense 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 defense, reconnaissance, and the protection of critical infrastructure,” explains Kuhrt.
Civilian disaster response
“The area of dual-use technologies, in particular, is currently experiencing very dynamic growth.” This development will be clearly visible at the EURO DEFENSE EXPO. Companies such as AIRSENSE Analytics, analyticon instruments and ARX Robotics exemplify technologies that can be used both in civilian disaster response and in military operations.
Established industrial companies such as BINDER, Bernd Siegmund and Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik are also increasingly applying their expertise to security-related applications. At the same time, leading players are using the event as a platform: KNDS Deutschland Tracks, a key European provider of military land systems, will be present, as will Heckler & Koch, one of the most recognized manufacturers in the field of infantry weapons.
Civil security solutions
Military and civil security together for the first time Kuhrt concludes: “For companies today, the key question is no longer whether they engage with security, but how strategically they do so. The EURO DEFENSE EXPO makes this transformation visible and brings together the key stakeholders.”
Representatives from industry, the military, politics, security authorities and research are expected at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September. A particular highlight: Security Essen – one of the leading trade fairs for civil security – will take place at the same time as the EURO DEFENSE 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 Kuhrt.
