12th March 2026 – As the security architecture that has safeguarded Europe for 70 years is under threat, the themes for Germany’s largest defence and security exhibition have been announced by Managing Director Bernd Kögel.
Coming at a defining moment for Europe’s security landscape, the overarching theme for DSEI Germany is ‘Securing Europe: Advancing defence capability and strategic cooperation’.
Taking place at the Hannover Messe exhibition grounds – Europe’s largest exhibition venue – from 9-12 March 2027, DSEI Germany will serve as the premier forum to bring together government officials, military, industry, and experts across Europe, NATO and allied nations to drive conversations around joint deterrence, procurement, interoperability, and industrial capacity, ensuring that Europe is able to ‘fight tonight and fight tomorrow’.
A platform for policy, military, and industrial issues
DSEI Germany will support Germany’s initiative to take the lead as Europe’s strongest conventional armed forces, while showcasing the strength of Germany’s defence and manufacturing industries on an international stage.
Well established Defence Companies such as Rheinmetall, Diehl Defence and Hensoldt, offer insights and emerging players will demonstrate their capabilities across the show floor.
With one year until the debut of the show, the Hannover Messe exhibition grounds will span the entire value chain – from suppliers to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Specialised exhibition areas reflect the structure of the Bundeswehr, with a focus on land, air and space, sea, cyber and information, and joint support. The significant wave of companies transitioning into Defence from the German automotive and manufacturing sectors will feature in an “Industrial Solutions” area. The Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (BDSV) and its members will also have a strong presence at the event.
A new chapter for European defence and security
As we transition into an emerging world order that requires a fundamental shift in security policy, DSEI Germany will also host a conference for senior military, government, and industry leaders to examine NATO’s urgent security challenges and shape Europe’s response to rising global instability and uncertainty.
The conference will be driven by the main theme of Securing Europe: Advancing defence capability and strategic cooperation, while three sub-themes will guide discussions throughout the event:
Collective deterrence and joint readiness: presenting a unified front
This sub-theme explores multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains among partners
Strengthening industrial capacity and resilience: building resilient, competitive and sustainable supply chains
Germany’s strong manufacturing base positions it to lead Europe’s push for greater industrial capacity and strategic autonomy.
Security through strength: fight tonight, fight tomorrow
Europe must expand investments in conventional and emerging technologies to meet current and future threats.
Managing Director of DSEI Germany, Bernd Kögel, said, “DSEI Germany will be the leading platform for defence and security in Germany and we are proud to support the country’s leading role in strengthening the European pillar in NATO, at a time when the continent is taking greater responsibility for its defence.
The overarching theme for the show – securing Europe by advancing defence capability and strategic cooperation – reflects Germany’s role as a stabilising force within the EU and NATO and underscores Europe’s commitment to investing in its defence, strengthening industrial capacity, and ensuring credible deterrence today and tomorrow. With eight specialised exhibition areas covering 100,000 square meters, DSEI Germany is gearing up to be a valuable addition in the global defence exhibition calendar”
This approach is fully aligned with the defence policy strategy of the German Federal Ministry of Defence, as reflected in earlier comments by German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius: “The Zeitenwende demands not only a strategic realignment of our defence policy, but also targeted support for technological and industrial capability. With DSEI Germany, Germany can establish an important platform to showcase its defence industrial performance, technological leadership and innovative strength on the international stage.”
DSEI Germany will be held in partnership with the Deutsche Messe AG and will take place 9-12 March 2027 at the Messegelände Hannover
