Seven key defence tech events in August

In our August digest, we are focusing on international events. The domestic industry is still recovering from a missile attack on a private training ground, where an event by one of the Ukrainian deftech associations was taking place on 24 July.

The key events for the defence industry in August will take place in Germany, Denmark, and the USA. These include, in particular, DALO Industry Days, the Counter-UAS Summit, and the AI for Defense Transformation Summit.

However, the selection also includes two conferences in Ukraine: one will take place online, while at the other, defence topics will be covered on only one of the stages, with organisers also implementing additional security measures.

If you work in the defence tech sector, are looking for partners, investors, or want to stay on top of the latest industry trends – this list is worth saving.

We would also like to remind you that all key events can be conveniently tracked in the events calendar from Defender Media.

Kyiv Growth Summit

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine
When: August 1

Kyiv Growth Summit was originally scheduled for late June, but organisers postponed the event due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. The event will now take place on 1 August.

One of the key areas of the event will be the Defence Stage, which will focus on the development of the Ukrainian economy, company scaling, international markets, investment, defence technologies, and the changes currently transforming business and the labour market.

Participants at the conference include: TAF Industries, Kvertus, Vyriy, Ark Robotics, and other companies from the Ukrainian technology market. Defender Media is the information partner of the event. The publication’s Founding Editor, Roman Sudolsky, will also moderate one of the forum’s discussion panels.

Kyiv Miltech Conference 2026

Where: Online
When: August 15

On 15 August, the online Kyiv Miltech Conference will take place. Speakers include former Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Kateryna Chornohorenko, DevDroid R&D Director Oleh Fedoryshyn, AB3.Tech Executive Director Viktoriia Honcharuk, and others.

AI for Defense Transformation Summit 2026

Where: Washington, USA
When: August 18-19

The AI for Defense Transformation Summit 2026 will bring together military personnel, government officials, and technology experts to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in defence. The focus will be on ISR systems, autonomous platforms, data analysis, cybersecurity, and key defence AI programmes, including Project Maven, Replicator 2, and Advana. Participants will examine how AI is changing modern military operations and future defence strategies.

DALO Industry Days 2026

Where: Herning, Denmark
When: August 18-19

One of the largest defence exhibitions in Northern Europe, which every year brings together the Danish Armed Forces, the procurement agency DALO, and international defence companies. The event covers the areas of land, maritime, air, and space systems, cybersecurity, IT, and security technologies, creating a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the development of international cooperation.

As in previous years, the event is expected to see a strong representation of Ukrainian defence tech.

European Defense Tech Festival

Where: Berlin, Germany
When: August 20-23

European Defense Tech Festival 2026 is the first large-scale defence technology festival in Europe, bringing together over a thousand developers, startups, military operators, investors, procurement representatives, and industry leaders. The event will take place at a secret airfield near Berlin and will mark the next stage in the development of the European Defense Tech Hackathon community.

Participants can expect demonstrations of Europe’s most promising defence developments, technology testing in real-world conditions, and engagement with end users and potential customers. Organisers promise a kilometre-long runway for demonstrations of unmanned systems – from FPV drones to aircraft.

Counter-UAS Summit

Where: Maryland, USA
When: August 25-26

The Counter-UAS Summit will bring together representatives of the US Armed Forces, government agencies, allies, and the defence industry to discuss current threats posed by unmanned systems and ways to counter them. The focus will be on the latest counter-drone technologies, government investment in the Counter-UAS sector, as well as the development of the market and procurement mechanisms for counter-drone solutions. The event will serve as an important platform for exchanging experience and building connections among key market players.

European Defense Tech Hub Hackathon

Where: Hamburg, Germany
When: August 28-30

European Defense Tech Hub aims to bridge the gap between engineers, the public sector, and investors in the dual-use and defence technology sectors. EDTH hackathons have long become landmark events in Europe. In August, organisers will head to Hamburg, Germany.