7 July events: The month’s key defence tech gatherings in Europe and beyond

Despite the seasonal slowdown, July will bring several landmark events across Europe and beyond for defence tech entrepreneurs, investors, military professionals, engineers, and policymakers.

Among the month’s highlights are the European Space Security and Defence Forum, Berlin Defense Tech Week, the latest series of hackathons hosted by the European Defense Tech Hub, and the Farnborough International Airshow.

This Defender Media roundup features only publicly announced events. Due to security considerations, many industry events in Ukraine are held behind closed doors.

The European Space Security and Defence Forum

Where: Brussels, Belgium
When: July 2

The European Space Security and Defence Forum will take place in Brussels on 2 July, bringing together senior officials from European institutions, EU member states, industry, and international organisations. The forum will explore deeper integration between the space and defence sectors, the level of investment required to build resilient capabilities, and the strategic shifts needed to ensure Europe’s long-term resilience and autonomy in an increasingly competitive and contested environment.

European Defense Tech Hub Hackathon Series

Where & when:

• Rome, Italy, July 3-5
• Berlin, Germany, July 9-12
• Abuja, Nigeria, July 24-26

European Defense Tech Hub aims to bridge the gap between engineers, the public sector, and investors in the dual-use and defence technology sectors. Its hackathons have long become landmark events in Europe and beyond. In July, the organisers will visit Italy and Germany, and for the first time also Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.

The Strategic Land Forces Forum of NADCEL 2026

Where: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
When: July 4-6

In addition to the EDTH hackathon in Abuja, another major event will take place in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, Nigeria — the Third Africa Land Forces Forum.

The event will bring together army commanders and senior military leadership from across Africa and other regions to discuss key security challenges, including terrorism, insurgent movements, border security, and organised crime.

Alongside the forum, a defence technology exhibition will showcase modern land forces solutions, including armoured vehicles, ISR systems, and capabilities for military modernisation.

Berlin Defense Tech Week

Where: Berlin, Germany
When: July 6-12

For one week, Berlin will become a hub for people shaping the future of European security — from counter-drone solutions and autonomous systems to resilient communications, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, space technologies, and critical infrastructure protection.

The event will bring together developers, operators, investors, industry representatives, and policymakers from across Europe. As part of Berlin Defense Tech Week, the following events will take place:

• Counter-UAS Forum — July 7
• Berlin Defense Tech Forum — July 8
• Build with Ukraine — July 9
• European Defense Tech Hackathon — July 9–12
• FPV Arena — July 9
• European Defense Tech Meetup — July 9

Defender Media is a media partner of the event series.

Military Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Where: Arlington, USA
When: July 8-9

The Fifth Annual Military Robotics and Autonomous Systems USA Conference will bring together more than 100 participants and 25 speakers.

The event unites experts in the field of ground robotics. Representatives of armed forces from various countries will share their perspectives and experience on the latest advancements in robotic systems.

Scale 100x

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: July

Scale 100x, organised by Darkstar, aims to help Ukrainian teams prepare for scaling, entering European markets, and operating within the EU and NATO defence ecosystem.

The event is designed to support companies in transitioning from promising products to scalable businesses. It will take place in July in Kyiv and will bring together founders and executives of Ukrainian defence tech companies. The programme will include hands-on sessions and working groups led by experienced founders, investors, technical experts, and representatives of the international defence ecosystem.

Farnborough International Airshow

Where: Farnborough, United Kingdom
When: July 20-24

Every two years, representatives of the aerospace, aviation, and defence industries gather at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for one of the world’s most renowned airshows. The event creates unique opportunities to build new connections, exchange ideas with industry leaders, and drive innovation forward.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 will provide leading aerospace and defence companies with a platform to showcase their latest developments.