10 most interesting events in defence tech in December

All the most interesting events of December fall at the very beginning of the month — before the business world slips into the slow Christmas season. The first week of December will be especially packed, featuring events from IRON Cluster, Brave1, EDTH, and others.

In our traditional monthly selection, the Defender Media editorial team has gathered 10 events worth your attention. The full list of events is available in the event calendar, created in partnership with Techosystem Defense.

DefenseTech Week

Where: Tel Aviv, Israel
When: December 1-2

In the first days of December, DefenseTech Week will take place at Tel Aviv University. With unparalleled insights from Israel’s unique geopolitical environment and cutting-edge innovation, this conference will showcase the latest advancements in emerging defence technologies.

Components of Freedom

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: December 2

A large-scale conference and presentation of a study on the localisation of components in Ukraine. On December 2 in Kyiv, manufacturers, military representatives, government officials, and investors will gather to discuss joint steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry independence through localisation.

Participants will hear a presentation of the joint localisation study by IRON Cluster and the Snake Island Institute, as well as panel discussions featuring industry leaders and government officials.

Tech Unity: Clusters Forum

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: December 2

On the same day, a forum will take place bringing together members and partners of Ukraine’s IT clusters and communities, policymakers, tech business specialists, investors, educators, and more. The event will also be of interest to representatives of the dual-use and defence sectors: manufacturers, R&D centres, associations, and universities.

Defender Media is a media partner of the event. Our readers can use the promo code DEF_ITC for a 99% discount.

Brave1 Components

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: December 3

The day after Components of Freedom, another specialised event focused on components will take place. Hosted by the state-backed Brave1 cluster, the event will bring together manufacturers, engineers, and developers creating Ukrainian components for drones and modern defence technologies.

The event will feature the largest expo of Made in Ukraine components, where companies will showcase their own developments in communications, microelectronics, optics, engines, software, and other critical elements of modern equipment.

Defence Transformation Conference 2025

Where: London, UK
When: December 3-4

The highly interactive Defence Transformation conference returns for its 9th year, enabling a broad spectrum of the defence tech ecosystem to frame the emerging strategy and evaluate developing solutions that meet the needs of tomorrow’s operational environments.

Brave1 Invest Meet Up

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: December 4

At the investment event hosted by Brave1, a number of leading Ukrainian startups will present their solutions to investors, venture funds, and partners. Participants can expect to engage in networking, matchmaking, a panel discussion, and startup presentations.

European Defense Tech Hackathon – Warsaw

Where: Warsaw, Poland
When: December 5-7

Over 200 hackers from across Europe and beyond will gather for the next hackathon organised by EDTH. The new event will take place on December 5–7, 2025, in the Polish capital. The hackathon is organised in partnership with the Polish Development Fund (PFR).

Defender Media is a partner of the European Defense Tech Hub. Read the latest materials on the development of European defence tech in our special project Rewiring European Defense Tech.

VR-хакатон Deminer’s Lab

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: December 8

On December 8, the technical VR hackathon Deminer’s Lab will take place. The goal of the event is to develop a Minimum Viable Product — a product with basic functionality of a VR training tool for sappers, allowing them to safely practice the typical procedures for detecting explosive devices: surveying the area, using a metal detector, identifying and marking suspicious objects, and making decisions in variable scenarios.

Defence Tech Comms Bootcamp: Global Edition

Where: Online
When: December 8-12

A new Defence Tech Bootcamp by Calibrated and Tech PR School is coming up. The initiative is aimed at supporting Ukrainian defence tech startups and companies. This year, the organisers are focusing on scaling, finding partners, expanding internationally, and building connections with the European defence ecosystem.

Defender Media is the event’s media partner.

Advancing Rapid Defense Innovation Symposium (ARDIS)

Where: Ridgecrest, CA, USA
When: December 16

This event will convene defence and technology leaders to drive urgent innovation across U.S. military systems. Designed to align strategic priorities with actionable R&D, the symposium centres on collaboration between NAWCWD China Lake, Silicon Valley innovators, venture capitalists, and major defence contractors. The goal is to accelerate defence innovation from concept to deployment—ensuring that U.S. warfighters maintain a decisive edge.