Eudex in Essen: Ticket shop opens for new security and defence trade fair
The Euro Defence Expo (Eudex) has opened its ticket shop. This step marks the start of the registration phase for trade visitors to an entirely new large-scale event that brings the security and defence industry together in one central location for the first time. The trade fair takes place from 22 to 25 September 2026 in Essen and addresses a highly specialised audience from industry, the armed forces, politics, public authorities and research.
What is Eudex? The key facts
The Euro Defence Expo (Eudex) is a B2B trade fair aimed explicitly at professional visitors. The focus is on networking between companies, military stakeholders and the public sector. The fair's thematic priorities are industrial capability, technological development, whole-of-government resilience and civil-military cooperation. Against the backdrop of current security policy challenges, Eudex positions itself as a platform for initiating projects, forming partnerships and exchanging expertise at the highest level.
One special feature: the Eudex ticket automatically includes access to the concurrent "Security Essen" trade fair. This creates an interface between the defence industry and the civil security sector – an approach that reflects the growing interconnection between the two fields.
Ticket prices and registration process
The ticket shop offers day tickets. The regular day ticket costs 79 euros. It gives visitors access to Eudex and, in parallel, to Security Essen as well – a bundle that combines two major trade events.
Special terms apply to certain visitor groups:
- Bundeswehr and allied armed forces: Free admission
- Representatives of public authorities, research and development sector: Reduced price of 35 euros
Purchasing a ticket requires prior registration. According to Messe Essen, registration is generally approved at short notice following a security check. The organisers recommend booking tickets at least five days before the planned visit in order to avoid delays.
Exhibitors and thematic priorities
Several well-known companies have already announced their participation in Eudex. These include Dinse GmbH, GEDIA Gebr. Dingerkus, Mattermost and Messer SE. In addition, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is planning a joint stand where established companies and start-ups will be represented together.
The exhibition landscape covers a broad spectrum: solutions for land forces, cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure are in focus. Under the guiding theme "Modern Industrial Manufacturing", suppliers will present their production methods, digital processes and scalable industrial approaches. This approach underlines that Eudex is not only about end products, but also about the industrial base of the defence economy.
Concurrent events and synergies
Eudex deliberately makes use of its proximity in space and time to other events. Security Essen and the annual conference of the Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC) take place in parallel with Eudex.
Of particular interest to security professionals: the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) is announced for Hall 5 as part of Security Essen, placing it in close physical proximity to Eudex. This creates points of contact on topics such as CBRN defence, which concern both the armed forces and civil protection. For a company offering deposit safes, offertory boxes or other security solutions for public spaces, for example, such interfaces with civil protection measures can be relevant.
Conference programme: Eudex Conference by CPM
In addition to the trade fair itself, Eudex offers a conference programme. The "Eudex Conference by CPM" takes place on 23 and 24 September and addresses the topic of "European Deep Strike Capability". Separate tickets are required for this conference.
The conference focuses on central topics of European defence policy: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, command structures, industrial production and ammunition availability. The aim is to discuss questions of implementing and scaling European defence capability with decision-makers from politics, NATO, the armed forces, European institutions and industry. The JAPCC Conference also requires separate ticketing.
Why is this trade fair relevant for the security industry?
For professionals in security technology – whether in alarm systems, video surveillance, access control or burglary protection – Eudex offers several points of relevance. First, the link to Security Essen creates a direct interface with the civil security sector. Second, topics surrounding critical infrastructure and CBRN protection open up new business areas and cooperation opportunities. Third, the B2B format allows in-depth discussions with decision-makers from the public sector and government authorities.
Practical tips for your visit
Anyone wishing to attend Eudex should note the following:
- Don't forget to register: Tickets are only sold after successful registration and a security check.
- Book early: The trade fair recommends booking at least five days before the planned visit.
- Make use of the Eudex ticket: The regular day ticket (79 euros) combines Eudex and Security Essen – a practical solution for comprehensive trade fair visits.
- Conference tickets separate: Anyone who also wants to attend the Eudex Conference by CPM or the JAPCC Conference must purchase separate tickets.
- Plan your networking: The B2B format thrives on exchange – scheduling appointments with potential contacts in good time makes sense.
Outlook: A new platform for the industry
Eudex marks a turning point in the structure of security and defence trade fairs in the German-speaking region. For the first time, a comprehensive platform is being created under one roof that systematically brings together industry, the armed forces, politics and public authorities. The concurrent Security Essen reinforces this effect and creates interfaces between civil and military security requirements.
For security technology companies – from specialist suppliers of equipment for public officials through to large-scale integrators of infrastructure protection solutions – Eudex offers a high-quality platform for positioning themselves with relevant decision-makers. With the ticket shop now open, the planning phase begins. Early registration and booking are advisable in order to secure a place at this premiere.
