What happened?
From 22 to 25 September 2026, Security Essen will take place, one of the central trade fairs of the international security industry. Around 500 exhibitors from more than 40 nations will present their solutions across more than 40,000 square metres in Halls 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as well as the Galeria. New this year is the parallel Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX), an independent trade fair format specifically addressing the defence industry, housed in Halls 3 and 4. This marks the first time that civil and military security sectors will meet under one shared trade fair roof.
The Details
A key thematic focus of Security Essen 2026 is the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS). According to Julia Jacob, project manager of Security Essen, the list of potential attack targets is steadily growing, while regulatory and technological pressure on operators, installers and manufacturers is simultaneously increasing. The trade fair is responding to this with a new Pocket Planner, in which exhibitors can position their KRITIS solutions. A site map shows which solutions are being offered and how they can be implemented.
This focus is reflected in the trade fair concept in Hall 5: this is where the new exhibition area for civil protection and civil defence will be created. At the same time, this hall will for the first time bring together the key technologies of video surveillance, artificial intelligence, drones and robotics under one roof.
The new Euro Defence Expo is specifically aimed at players in the defence industry. According to Julia Jacob, the focus is on land technologies, drones, AI and dual-use applications, which create the link to Security Essen. A large area is dedicated to CBRN defence, where military and civil applications intersect. More than 300 exhibitors from over 20 nations will present their solutions there. The venue will receive additional international attention through the parallel annual conference of the NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC), which is expected to attract high-ranking military representatives.
The classic subject areas of Security Essen remain in place: electronic and mechanical security technology, access control, perimeter protection, fire protection and cybersecurity. Hall 6 covers access control, mechatronics, mechanics and systems, as well as perimeter protection. Hall 7 is dedicated to fire and burglary protection as well as integrated security systems. Hall 8 addresses the convergence of physical and digital security, including solutions from the fields of digitalisation and Digital Network & Security. The topic of special protection vehicles, introduced in 2024, will be featured in the Galeria, while Hall 2 houses the Asian community area.
Among the companies that have already secured their participation early are Hekatron, NSC Sicherheitstechnik, Deister Electronic, ABI-Sicherheitssysteme, Rohde & Schwarz and Ajax Systems. Advancis and Milestone will present solutions for security and hazard management. Assa Abloy, Dormakaba, Salto and Telenot will showcase innovations in access control and building security. In the field of intelligent video and perimeter security, exhibitors include Axis Communications, Dallmeier and Strops, among others.
Context
The merging of a civil security trade fair and a defence industry format under one roof is a clear signal of how much security policy issues have changed in Europe. Julia Jacob pointed out that the significance of defence has changed considerably in society and politics as a result of global conflicts. The interplay between Security Essen and EUDEX will activate additional visitor groups, she predicted.
This is relevant for the security industry because technological developments such as AI-supported threat detection, drones and robotics are increasingly evolving beyond the traditional boundaries between civil and military applications. The new hall structure, with the civil protection and civil defence area and the bundling of video, AI, drones and robotics in Hall 5, reflects this convergence.
Practical Tips for Trade Fair Visitors
- Those wishing to specifically learn about KRITIS solutions should use the new Pocket Planner, which clearly presents exhibitors and solutions on the topic via a site map.
- For trade visitors from the fields of access control, mechatronics and perimeter protection, a targeted tour through Hall 6 is worthwhile.
- Anyone wishing to visit both Security Essen and Euro Defence Expo must book two separate tickets – a Security Essen ticket does not automatically grant admission to EUDEX. The additional ticket is available via the ticket shop at www.eurodefenceexpo.de.
- For young professionals and those interested in training, the Day of Education and Training on 22 September, organised in cooperation with the German Federal Association of the Security Industry (BDSW), offers targeted insights into careers in the industry.
Outlook
The supporting programme of Security Essen 2026 underscores its thematic direction: on 22 September, the Day of Blue Light Organisations and the Day of Education and Training will take place. The DNS Conference will address digitalisation, live hacking and the deep web. On 23 and 24 September, the European Drone Conference will draw attention, opened by Interior Minister Herbert Reul, focusing on the applications of modern drone technology for security, hazard prevention and the protection of critical infrastructure. On 25 September, a new programme item, the KRITIS Spotlight, will follow, addressing the impact of the KRITIS Umbrella Act and future requirements for KRITIS operators.
Given the reportedly exceptionally high demand for exhibition space months before the event, it is becoming clear that Security Essen 2026, with its new structure and combination of civil and military security technology, will represent an important meeting point for the industry. A day ticket costs 49 euros; the trade fair is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
