Security Essen and EUDEX Attracted 30,000 Trade Visitors

Four days, around 900 exhibitors from 49 countries and 30,000 trade visitors: the very first EURO DEFENCE EXPO (EUDEX) and Security Essen, held at Messe Essen, have ended with excellent results. Trade visitors from 96 countries attended both events to find out about new technologies and solutions for defence and civil security. Exhibitors and visitors alike were highly satisfied with the combination of the new trade fair for the defence industry and the established security trade fair.

“With this dual trade fair event ‘made in Germany’, we have broken new ground in linking civil-military cooperation. This unique platform offered participants visibility and new opportunities,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. He particularly highlighted the calibre of the trade visitors: 83 per cent of EUDEX trade visitors are decision-makers in purchasing and procurement, whilst the figure for Security Essen is 76 per cent.

Drones, AI and connectivity were the defining topics at both trade fairs

Key topics at both events were AI, the interconnection of systems, robotics and unmanned aerial systems. The overlap in content was particularly evident when it came to drones: at EUDEX, remote-controlled systems for reconnaissance, resupply and other military applications were on display. One exhibitor unveiled its new long-range reconnaissance drone for the first time, with a flight time of up to eight hours.

At Security Essen, companies showcased solutions for surveillance, inspection and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as for the detection and defence against unauthorised aerial vehicles. One in four trade visitors at Security Essen was particularly interested in the drone sector, whilst at EUDEX, unmanned systems and robotics were the most important topic for 40 per cent of trade visitors.

EUDEX celebrated a successful launch

EUDEX kicked off for the first time with 365 exhibitors from 28 countries. Trade visitors came primarily from industry and the armed forces, but also from government bodies, research, politics and diplomacy. They made the most of the new trade fair format to engage in direct dialogue.

The products and services on offer ranged from unmanned systems and robots, AI and software, through to personal protective equipment, transport containers, mobile protective infrastructure, supply and packaging solutions, right up to command and communication technologies, reconnaissance and surveillance solutions, as well as vehicles and heavy equipment. EUDEX specifically sought to forge links between the defence industry and companies from other industrial sectors.

Dr Jens Bodo Koch, CEO of Heckler & Koch GmbH: “In our view, the inaugural EUDEX was a success. It is good and right that Messe Essen here in Germany took the lead early on in establishing a defence trade fair alongside its Security Essen event. We encountered an international trade audience here and held numerous discussions with end-users, suppliers and decision-makers. Even in its very first edition, EUDEX has thus demonstrated that it can be an interesting platform for professional exchange within the security and defence industry. We were also particularly pleased with the very positive response to our products and solutions.”

Stefan Houben, Key Account Manager for Defence and Public Affairs at SCANIA: “EUDEX provided us with an effective platform to present our transport and mobility solutions for the defence sector to a high-calibre specialist audience. We found the exchange with representatives from industry and politics, as well as with military users from both Germany and abroad, particularly valuable. We held many high-quality discussions and arranged specific meetings to further develop business opportunities. We are very satisfied with the footfall and response at our stand. The organisation and compact structure of the trade fair also contributed to our positive overall assessment of the event.”

Another increase in visitor numbers at Security Essen

With a rise in visitor numbers of around ten per cent, Security Essen once again underlined its strong position as the leading international trade fair for the civilian security industry. 522 exhibitors from 41 countries presented the full range of modern security technology to trade visitors – from access control, fire and burglary protection, through video and perimeter security, to risk management, services and civil protection.

The exhibitors’ innovations included, for example, AI agents for control centres, solutions for new programming interfaces in hazard management systems and the centralised management of various access technologies, as well as new developments for improved protection of critical infrastructure. To this end, companies presented, amongst other things, enhanced biometric identification options, high-performance photoelectric barriers for perimeter protection and centralised alarm systems.

Dipl.-Ing. Markus Kock, Managing Director of WAGNER Deutschland GmbH: “Security 2026 provided us with an excellent platform for engaging with customers and prospective clients. The attractive stand location and high footfall enabled us to hold numerous meaningful discussions. In particular, the presentation of our new TITANUS REX® aspirating smoke detector attracted a great deal of attention. The response to our solutions for fire prevention, firefighting and risk management showed that these topics are of great relevance to many of the trade fair visitors. Overall, we consider our participation in the trade fair to have been a success.”

Klaus Hirzel, Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies: “Security Essen once again showed how important connected solutions are for our customers. For us, it is a strong signal to bring fire and life safety, security and access solutions, and building automation together as one integrated offering.”

Stefanie Goetz, Director Sales DACH, Honeywell Technologies: “The many positive conversations at Security Essen showed that connected Building Automation solutions continue to play an important role for our customers – from fire detection and alarm systems to access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and building automation. For us, it is therefore especially important to bring these areas together and present them as integrated solutions.”

Visitors were satisfied with their participation

Nine out of ten visitors to Security Essen were satisfied with their visit, would recommend the trade fair to others and intend to attend the next event as well. Visitors to both trade fairs praised the international character of the events, the presence of market leaders and the range of new products on offer. The combination of the two events was also taken full advantage of: one in two visitors to EUDEX also visited Security Essen. A total of 30,000 trade visitors attended the twin trade fairs. In addition, numerous members of the press, political delegations and guests of honour were in attendance.

The next Security Essen and the next EUDEX will take place from 19 to 22 September 2028 at Messe Essen.