First “European Defence Supply” conference – opportunities for cooperation – 28–29 April 2026 in Munich
Against the backdrop of Europe’s rapidly changing security landscape, demand, defence budgets and requirements for technological sovereignty are increasing sharply. German and European industrial companies see many opportunities to contribute their expertise across Europe. European Defence Supply will provide a neutral platform in Munich on 28–29 April 2026, helping civilian technology providers enter the defence industry. The event is organised by the “Aerospace & Defence” media brand of Vogel Communications Group (VCG), which launched as an international, English-language specialist portal in early July 2025.
Europe’s security situation as a driver of industrial cooperation
On the agenda: practical presentations from NATO and the Bundeswehr, as well as industrial companies, defence consultants and experts from the defence industry and supply chain. Workshops, matchmaking and expert discussions provide access to decision-makers, OEMs and relevant German and EU funding programmes such as EDF, EUDIS and DIANA. Speakers include General (ret.) Chris Badia (formerly of NATO), Major General Michael Bender (BAAINBw), Colonel (General Staff) Dirk Harder (NATO) and Colonel Matthias Puschnig (BMVG).
Geopolitical challenges and rising defence spending in Europe increasingly require a robust, interconnected industrial base. At the same time, growing numbers of civilian technology companies are seeking to position themselves as innovative partners in defence and dual-use supply chains, helping to accelerate the ramp-up of defence production. European Defence Supply brings industrial companies, tech innovators and procurement professionals from government and supranational organisations together in one place – creating a platform for dialogue, cooperation and business development.
“We cover the entire value chain of the space and defence sectors – from engineering and manufacturing through avionics and electronics to software and digitalisation. Other key topics include Defence & Security Systems, as well as current market and industry trends that are crucial to the future of this industry,” explains Maria Beyer-Fistrich, Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defence. “Our platform is aimed at everyone who helps shape Europe’s security through engineering, technology and responsibility.”
The conference is aimed at CEOs, CTOs and decision-makers at industrial companies looking to tap into new market opportunities in defence. This includes medium-sized companies in mechanical engineering, electronics, software, robotics, additive manufacturing and materials technology, as well as innovative start-ups and scale-ups focused on sensor technology, AI, IoT or dual-use technologies, along with representatives from EU institutions, public authorities, NATO structures and military organisations.
Aerospace & Defence is an international digital specialist portal for industry, covering innovations, trends and technologies in aerospace and defence. In addition to the digital platform www.aerospace-and-defence.com and the print magazine, the European Defence Supply conference is now being held for the first time. The media brand is part of Vogel Communications Group (VCG). With 920 employees and turnover of around 120 million, the group is a leading provider of B2B communications and specialist information. It operates from 11 locations in the German-speaking region and also has an international presence, with a focus on China. VCG has its own agency network comprising nine communications agencies and service companies. With around 110 specialist media brands, it is established across five business sectors: Automotive, Industry, Information Technology, Law/Business/Tax and B2B Communications/Marketing. For professional and effective corporate communications, VCG offers more than 250 services, over 100 digital platforms and communities, more than 300 business events each year and access to target audiences in around 25 sectors.
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