Focus on civil-military cooperation
Premiere for Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX): From 22 to 25 September, 359 exhibitors from 28 countries will present their technologies, products and solutions for the defence industry at Messe Essen for the first time. The new international trade fair brings together companies, armed forces, procurement organisations, research institutions and political decisionmakers. A particular focus is on strengthening civil-military cooperation: EUDEX is taking place alongside Security Essen, the leading trade fair for security, with more than 500 exhibitors. At the same time, high-ranking military representatives from NATO member nations are gathering for the annual conference of the NATO-accredited Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC).At the opening of EUDEX, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur said: “North Rhine-Westphalia is taking responsibility for peace and freedom in Europe. With our strong industrial base, innovative SMEs, cutting-edge research and technological expertise, we have a great deal to offer. With EUDEX, the European trade fair for the defence industry, Essen is becoming an important meeting place for industry, research and politics. The fact that EUDEX is taking place in North Rhine-Westphalia underlines the importance and future potential of our state as a strong location for the security and defence industry.”Broad spectrum of military and civilian expertise
The range of exhibitors demonstrates the breadth and depth of the new trade fair. Established defence companies such as Heckler & Koch, KNDS, Leonardo and Metallwerk Elisenhütte are represented alongside young technology providers, including ARX Robotics and STARK. At the same time, EUDEX is specifically opening up the defence sector to expertise from other industries. At the joint stand of the world’s leading trade fair SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN, 14 companies are presenting technologies for manufacturing, maintenance and modernisation. Among them is CLOOS with automated welding and robotic systems. NATIONAL-BANK, a financial institution that supports companies with financing issues, is also represented at EUDEX.Overall, the exhibiting companies cover a broad spectrum. They are presenting solutions for personal equipment, CBRN defence, logistics and supply, as well as command and communication technologies, intelligence and surveillance, training and simulation. These are complemented by unmanned systems and robotics, AI and software, as well as vehicles and heavy equipment. The Modern Industrial Manufacturing exhibition area focuses on advanced production methods that enable highly precise, scalable and digitally connected manufacturing.
“Defence capability and resilience are, more than ever, also a question of industrial expertise. This makes it essential to intensify cooperation between the defence industry, the civilian economy, research and the armed forces,” explains Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “This is precisely where EUDEX comes in: it connects stakeholders who have not traditionally been in regular dialogue with one another and creates space for new partnerships and concrete cooperation. In this way, we aim to contribute to the long-term advancement of civil-military cooperation in Europe.”
Supporting programme promotes professional exchange
The supporting programme also promotes networking and professional exchange. The EUDEX Forum offers keynotes, panel discussions and specialist presentations on all four days of the trade fair. The EUDEX Conference by CPM focuses in particular on civil-military cooperation, resilience and linking military requirements with civilian capabilities. Live demonstrations provide an opportunity to experience technologies under realistic conditions.
Additional synergies arise from the unique combination of events taking place in Essen. Running alongside EUDEX, Security Essen brings together the civil security industry, while high-ranking military representatives from NATO member nations are coming to Essen for the annual conference of the NATO-accredited Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC). This creates additional opportunities for direct exchange between the defence industry, the civil security sector and the armed forces.
Further information: https://www.eurodefenceexpo.de
