First European Defense Supply Congress – Opportunities for Cooperation – April 28–29, 2026, in Munich
With the dynamic changes in the European security landscape, demand, defense budgets, and requirements for technological sovereignty are rapidly increasing. German and European industrial companies see many opportunities to contribute their expertise across Europe. The European Defense Supply Congress European Defence Supply on April 28-29, 2026, in Munich offers a neutral platform to enable civilian technology providers to enter the defense industry. The event is organized by the media brand "Aerospace & Defense" of the Vogel Communications Group (VCG), which launched as an international, English-language trade portal in early July 2025.
Europe's security situation as a driver for industrial cooperation
The program includes practical presentations by NATO, the German Armed Forces, industrial companies, defense consultants, and experts from the defense industry and supply chain. Workshops, matchmaking, and expert exchanges provide access to decision-makers, OEMs, and relevant German and EU funding programs such as EDF, EUDIS, and DIANA. Speakers include: Retired General Chris Badia (formerly NATO), Major General Michael Bender (BAAINBw), Colonel Dirk Harder (NATO), and Colonel Matthias Puschnig (BMVG).
Geopolitical challenges and rising defense spending in Europe increasingly require a robust, networked industrial base. At the same time, civilian technology companies are showing growing interest in positioning themselves as innovative partners in defense and dual-use supply chains, thereby accelerating the ramp-up in arms production. European Defence Supply brings together industrial companies, tech innovators, and procurers from government and supranational organizations in one place, creating an interface for dialogue, cooperation, and business development.
"We cover the entire value chain of the aerospace and defense industry—from engineering and manufacturing to avionics and electronics to software and digitalization. Other key topics include defense and security systems, as well as current market and industry trends that are crucial for the future of this industry," explains Maria Beyer-Fistrich, Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defense: "Our platform is aimed at everyone who helps shape Europe's security – through engineering, technology, and responsibility."
The congress is aimed at CEOs, CTOs, and decision-makers from industrial companies who want to tap into new market opportunities in the defense industry. This includes medium-sized companies from the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics, software, robotics, additive manufacturing, and materials technology, as well as innovative start-ups and scale-ups focusing on sensor technology, AI, IoT, or dual-use technologies, but also representatives from EU institutions, government agencies, NATO structures, and military organizations.
Photo: The brains behind the congress: Gerd Kielburger (Director of International Business) and Maria Beyer-Fistrich (Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defense)
Photo credit: Veronika Maucher
Aerospace & Defense is the international digital portal for innovations, trends, and technologies in the aerospace and defense industries. In addition to the digital platform www.aerospace-and-defence.com and the print magazine, there is now also the European Defense Supply Congress. The media brand is part of the Vogel Communications Group (VCG). With 920 employees and a turnover of around 120 million euros, the group is a leading provider of B2B communication and specialist information and is represented at 11 locations in German-speaking countries, as well as internationally with a focus on China. VCG offers a group-owned agency network of nine communication agencies and service companies. It is anchored in the five economic sectors of automotive, industry, information technology, law/business/taxation, and B2B communication/marketing with around 110 trade media. VCG offers 250+ services, 100+ digital platforms and communities, and 300+ business events per year for professional and successful corporate communication, as well as access to target groups in around 25 industries.
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This press release is also available at www.vogel.de. Please send us a copy or link.
