Top 10 events in defence tech in September

The summer ended with the Lviv event ‘Technological Forces of Ukraine’ Joint Ventures, Joint Defence, where the Ukrainian winged rocket ‘Flamingo’ was shown to the general public for the first time. September promises to be even more eventful, with Lviv once again becoming the epicentre of Ukrainian defence tech, hosting a major summit from Brave1, as well as IT Arena with a powerful defence track. The most interesting international events in September will take place in London, primarily DSEI 2025.

However, there are many more interesting events in the defence sector. Defender Media has selected ten events that deserve special attention for its traditional monthly digest. A complete list of events is available in the events calendar, which is compiled in collaboration with Techosystem Defence.

Commercial UAV Expo 2025

Where: Las Vegas, USA
When: 2–4 September

Commercial UAV Expo is a leading international exhibition and conference dedicated to the integration and operation of commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in specific vertical markets. This year, the exhibition is expected to attract 225 exhibitors and 4,000 specialists in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.

A Ukrainian delegation is also preparing for the event, and a Ukrainian pavilion will be presented at the exhibition. This time, the organisers promise a very large presence.

International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO

Where: Kielce, Poland
When: 2-5 September

The International Defence Industry Exhibition is one of Europe’s and the world’s most important events, targeted at defence industry business insiders, military decision-makers, and experts. The annual MSPO brings together leading companies, institutions and delegations from dozens of countries. MSPO offers the space to present the latest technologies, products and solutions for defence, safety and security. MSPO has also been the place to establish important relations to enhance global defence, safety, and security.

The expo meetings have often culminated in the signing of multi-million PLN contracts. 

European Defense Tech Hackathon | Marseille, London

Where and when: Marseille, France (5–7 September), London, UK(25–28 September)

The organisers invite you to join more than 100 hackers from across Europe and other countries at the next European Defence Technology Hackathons, which will take place on 5-7 September 2025 in Marseille and from 25 to 28 September in London.

The main goal of this series of events is to bridge the gap between innovators, the public sector, investors and operators in the dual-use and defence tech industries.

DSEI UK 2025

Where: London, UK
When: 9–12 September

DSEI UK is a key event for the global defence industry. As the UK’s flagship defence event, DSEI UK promotes the UK’s defence ethos, agenda and leadership, while encouraging opportunities and collaboration with global allies. A Ukrainian defence tech pavilion will be presented at the event.

Defense Tech Valley 2025

Where: Lviv, Ukraine
When: 16-17 September

Defense Tech Valley 2025 is Brave1’s second flagship investment summit. The event will bring together over 5,000 experts and leaders in the defence tech sector, military personnel, Ukrainian and international investors — all those who are building the future of defence innovation not in laboratories, but on the battlefield or for it.

The organisers emphasise that Ukraine, where unique technological solutions are created and tested every day, is becoming a leading producer of security innovations for the entire free world. In their opinion, this summit is a chance to invest in battlefield-proven practices already shaping global security’s future today.

The summit will also feature the Battle Proven competition for defence and dual-use start-ups. Ukrainian developers of technologies already actively used on the front lines or planned to be used there within a year are eligible to participate.

Defender Media is the event’s information partner.

Combat-Driven Innovation Showcase

Where: Lviv, Ukraine
When: 25 September

On 25 September, Snake Island Institute, AB3 TECH, and Women in Defence Tech will hold an exhibition of innovations aimed at combat operations in Lviv. This event will bring together leading units and developers actively creating defence technologies in combat conditions.

Building on the success of previous exhibitions, where winners received financial support and established strong partnerships with other military and civilian developers, this event offers a proven platform for accelerating innovation and impacting Ukraine’s security and global defence capabilities.

Defender Media is the event’s information partner.

European Defence Innovation Forum

Where: The Hague, Netherlands
When: 25 September

The Hague will host the European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) on 25 September. The event will bring together government representatives, investors, leading European and Ukrainian defence companies, research institutions, and start-ups.

The forum programme will include presentations by companies from Ukraine and the Netherlands with experience in developing and implementing solutions for the front line. Defender Media is the forum’s information partner.

IT Arena 2025

Where: Lviv, Ukraine
When: 26–28 September

A global technology event, the conference takes place every year in Lviv on the last weekend of September. Its unique atmosphere promotes innovation, the establishment of important connections, and the emergence of new business opportunities for technology companies and start-ups.

As last year, the event will feature a separate defence track.

London Defence Tech Week

Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 26 September – 3 October

London Defence Tech Week will bring together leading events and networking opportunities across London to support the defence and national security technology ecosystem.

The event aims to help people attend these important events by running them consecutively throughout the week. The sequence of events will foster a more coordinated ecosystem, more effective networking and the development of programmes that can be explored in different but related contexts.

‘Country of Engineers’: Vinnytsia, Odesa

Where and when: Vinnytsia (13 September), Odesa (27 September)

A national series of events for enthusiastic engineers, technical students, scientists, manufacturers, start-ups, and developers with miltech ideas. In September, events will take place in Vinnytsia and Odesa.

Do you know about an interesting event that is not listed in our calendar? Write to team@thedefender.media.