6 international defence events to watch in January

The event industry traditionally enters the new year without haste – industry conferences and exhibitions begin in the middle of the month. For our January digest of international events, Defender Media has selected several key events in countries that are Ukraine’s staunch allies, as well as a couple of events in the Middle East, where domestic companies will begin to compete, particularly with the defence industries of hostile countries, as exports open up.

From the first group, the Tallinn-based Ukrainian Tech Showcase, organised by Ondas Group, stands out. From the second, UMEX 2026 in the UAE — the world’s largest event dedicated to unmanned technologies. More details on these and other events can be found in our January events digest.

EstMil.tech

Where: Tallinn, Estonia
When: January 14-15

The main theme of the conference is related to the challenges of technology in military decision-making. Sub-themes include the role of military AI in future conflicts, the impact of cognitive warfare, and the challenges of joint operations. Conference participants include security experts, representatives of armed forces and defence industry, as well as researchers involved in the development of emerging and dual-use technologies.

The conference will cover the following topics:

• Future of military decision making  
• Role of AI in future conflicts  
• Cognitive warfare with superior adversary  
• Cooperation models with academia and industry 

DIMDEX 2026

Where: Doha, Qatar
When: January 19-22

DIMDEX is a world-class showcase of technology, maritime, and defence capabilities that brings together high-profile officials, industry leaders, experts, and key decision-makers across the defence and security sectors. Over four days, experience a dynamic platform for cutting-edge technologies, valuable insights, strategic partnerships, and high-impact agreements.

More than just an exhibition, DIMDEX is a hub of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. From exclusive networking with leading industry professionals and serving as a catalyst for commercial and investment growth, to the live signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), it is here that the future of maritime and defence is shaped.

UMEX 2026

Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE
When: January 20-22

The world’s largest event dedicated to unmanned and autonomous systems, and the only specialised event of this scale in the Middle East. The conference and exhibition bring together global leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers shaping the future of unmanned technologies across the defence, commercial, and dual-use sectors. From live demonstrations to cutting-edge technologies, UMEX offers insight into how unmanned systems will transform industries and shape the world of tomorrow.

The International Armoured Vehicles Conference

Where: Farnborough, United Kingdom
When: January 20-22

The International Armoured Vehicles Conference annually attracts 1,500 qualified, armour-relevant stakeholders from over 60 nations, with conference attendance spanning the full armoured vehicles ecosystem. Representatives from military and government leadership join senior industry solution providers from both the major vehicle OEMs and the supply chain involved in producing the state-of-the-art technologies for the vehicles of the future, in order to address the key question: “How will we fight in the future?”

Apex Defense

Where: Washington, United States
When: January 27-28

Apex Defense is a dynamic deftech event that unites warfighters, acquisition professionals, startups, small and medium businesses, investors and industry leaders to tackle operational challenges from the seabed to space. The mission is to accelerate the delivery of high-impact, mission-critical solutions to U.S. warfighters and allied forces, addressing urgent needs with near-term solutions. The agenda is built around real military needs, creating an environment for collaboration and practical, action-oriented dialogue.

Ukrainian Tech Showcase

Where: Tallinn, Estonia
When: January 27-28

A two-day showcase of Ukrainian unmanned systems technology, featuring insider briefings, live demonstrations, and high-level networking.

What to expect:

1. Curated networking — structured sessions with vetted professionals.
2. Live demonstrations — systems tested in real combat conditions.
3. Direct access to developers — communication without intermediaries, straight with engineers and operators.
4. Combat experience — practical lessons and data from real-world battlefield use.

Do you know about an event that’s not yet on our calendar? Email us at team@thedefender.media.