Top February events in defence tech: summits, bootcamps, and grant program presentations

The last month of winter will be packed with international and local events for those working in defence technology, security, and innovation. Summits focused on AI and unmanned systems, grant programs for Ukrainian companies, startup intensives, hackathons, and major international exhibitions — this month, the industry is all about practical solutions and scaling technologies.

The Defender Media editorial team has put together its traditional roundup of the most important defence events in February to keep on your radar. Most of them are international, but the list also includes two Ukrainian events — the first IRON Сluster bootcamp in Lviv and the presentation of EDF and Horizon Europe grant programs in Kyiv.

AI in Defence Summit 2026

Where: Brussels, Belgium
When: February 2

The first summit where leaders in defense, cybersecurity, and institutional sectors will engage in in-depth discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in defense.

Eight hours of talks, analysis, and practical planning for leadership teams who prioritize substance over spectacle. The summit will feature focused discussions and demonstrations of AI applications in the defense sector.

UAV Technology USA

Where: Arlington, USA
When: February 2-3

A leading American conference dedicated to unmanned aerial systems and their role in modern warfare and civilian airspace. The event will bring together representatives from the U.S. Armed Forces, government agencies, international partners, and the defence industry to discuss key trends, technologies, and practical cases in the UAS sector.

IRON Forge Bootcamp: 4-day intensive for defence tech startups

Where: Lviv, Ukraine
When: February 3-7

At the beginning of February, the IRON defence technology cluster is launching a new project — the IRON Forge Bootcamp. This is a four-day intensive workshop for teams that already have a prototype (hardware, software, or hybrid) and need a clear, practical roadmap for their next steps.

The intensive is designed for defence startups at TRL 3–5 stages that aim to validate their technical solutions, prepare for certification processes, explore pathways to government contracts or international grant funding, and collaborate with industry leaders to create the best solutions for the Armed Forces.

From February 4 to 6 in Lviv, over 10 startups will undergo intensive training, culminating in a Pitch Day on February 7. The top three teams will share the prize fund based on the results.

Presentation of grant programs from the European Defence Fund and Horizon Europe

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: February 4

Ukraine is becoming an associated country of the European Defence Fund. What does this mean for Ukrainian companies, and what opportunities does it open up? During the event hosted by EDF, Horizon Europe in Ukraine, and Brave1, participants will learn about available grant programs, priority innovation areas, and practical steps for applying for funding.

DDAC 2026

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark
When: February 5-6

Against the backdrop of recent events around Greenland, Denmark will host its largest defence event, focusing on the country’s role in NATO and its contribution to European security.

The Danish Defence Annual Conference (DDAC) is the leading annual two-day conference for Denmark’s defence and security industry, organized in collaboration with DI Danish Defence and Security Industries, CenSec, and Naval Team Denmark.

A series of hackathons by the European Defense Tech Hub

Where and when:

• Canberra, Australia, February 6-8
• Munich, Germany, February 12-15
• Athens, Greece, February 27 – March 1

The main continental hackathon in defence technology this February is expanding beyond the Old World and will visit Australia for the first time. Two more competitions will take place in Munich and the Greek capital, Athens.

World Defense Show 2026

Where: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
When: February 8-12

In mid-February, Saudi Arabia will host the third World Defence Show, which has already become one of the key global platforms for defence professionals, bringing together industry representatives, military personnel, and government agencies.

The exhibition in Riyadh will focus on the future of integrated defence solutions. The WDS 2026 program includes a large-scale display of international developments, live demonstrations, and professional networking. Many Ukrainian teams and startups are expected to participate.

SPARTA 2026

Where: Munich, Germany
When: February 12

As part of the legendary Munich Security Conference, the SPARTA Defence Innovation Summit will take place. This event brings together key European defence innovators with government officials and military decision-makers responsible for procurement, funding, and the implementation of next-generation defence technologies.

SPARTA 2026 is focused on direct, in-person interaction among a select group of major defence companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, scale-up projects, military personnel, and procurement officials.

Security and Defence 2026

Where: London, United Kingdom, and also online
When: February 25-26

Leading politicians, business executives, and international security experts will gather for a day and a half of in-depth discussions on the future of security and defence, modern conflict domains, and preparation for uncertain challenges.