8 top defence tech events in September

Security risks continue to constrain Ukraine’s events industry in the defence sector. However, domestic companies and experts remain welcome guests at many global defence tech events.

Following August, whose highlight was the Danish DALO Industry Days 2026 exhibition, September places the Polish MSPO event at the centre of Ukrainian manufacturers’ attention. It is the largest defence industry exhibition in Central and Eastern Europe, and a significant contingent of Ukrainian defence industry is expected to attend.

Defender Media has selected seven additional noteworthy events beyond MSPO. They span nearly the entire world – Washington, Tallinn, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore and other cities and countries.

A complete list of all defence tech events in autumn is available in the international events calendar.

AI for Defense Summit

Where: Washington, USA
When: 2–3 September

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming approaches to deterrence and the conduct of war in an increasingly complex global security environment. The fifth annual AI for Defense Summit will focus on the integration and practical implementation of AI in the American defence sector and government – from tactical levels to strategic decision-making.

The summit will bring together representatives from the defence sector, intelligence, the US government, business and academia to discuss the practical application of artificial intelligence in national security.

34th International Defence Industry Exhibition

Where: Kielce, Poland
When: 8–11 September

MSPO is the largest defence industry exhibition in Central and Eastern Europe, and annually brings together representatives of the military sector, governments, defence ministries and businesses from around the world. The exhibition serves as an important platform for international cooperation, business development and discussion of the future of the defence sector.

Significant representation of Ukrainian defence industry is expected – Ukrainian companies including Ukrspecsystems, Ukrainian Armor and UBM are already listed as participants, as well as the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry and NAUDI.

Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology

Where: Arlington, USA
When: 14–16 September

The fifth annual conference dedicated to unmanned maritime systems will bring together senior leadership of the US Navy, fleet representatives, operators and procurement specialists. Key topics include unmanned surface, aerial and undersea systems, AI and autonomy, systems testing and integration, procurement processes, and cooperation between the defence industry and the military.

Particular attention will be given to Ukraine’s experience in developing autonomous maritime systems. Organisers’ focus will be on the impact of autonomous maritime systems on modern warfare, experience of their deployment in the Black Sea and the role of these technologies in developing Ukraine’s future maritime capabilities. Speakers will include representatives of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition.

DX KOREA

Where: Goyang, South Korea
When: 16–19 September

The seventh Korea Defense Expo will take place in the South Korean city of Goyang. Held once every two years, it is one of the country’s key defence events. It brings together leading manufacturers, South Korean government representatives and military leadership from various countries to present new technologies and develop international defence cooperation.

At present, participation of representatives from the Ukrainian defence sector has not been confirmed.

Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo

Where: Tshwane, South Africa
When: 16–20 September

Moving from the Korean Peninsula to South Africa, the city of Tshwane will host an exhibition of aerospace, land and maritime defence technologies at similar dates. It is Africa’s only exhibition that combines defence and aerospace equipment displays with an air show.

The event takes place once every two years and is among the largest sectoral events in the country and across the continent.

Estonian Defence Week

Where: Tallinn, Estonia
When: 21–25 September

A five-day event bringing together approximately 4,000 representatives from the defence industry, experts and companies from Estonia and other countries. Participants will discuss current security challenges and present the latest defence industry solutions.

The programme will include an Innovation Day with startup pitches, the Estonian Defence Industry Symposium with representatives from over 30 countries, the Annual Baltic Conference on Defence, the Tallinn Defence Exhibition with over 100 participating companies, as well as the NATO Open Innovation Conference & Expo and Defence Hack Day – an international hackathon focused on practical solutions for defence and security.

Attendance of many Ukrainian deftech companies is expected at the event.

Euro Defence Expo

Where: Essen, Germany
When: 22–25 September

EUDEX – a renowned exhibition in Germany that will run in parallel with Security Essen, which specialises in civil security. The two events will create a joint platform for presenting civil and military security technologies and interaction between key industry stakeholders.

The event also aims to promote cooperation between government representatives, the defence industry and users of military technologies at the European level, with participation of a partner country.

It is known that Ukrainian companies SkyFall, TERMOSKHOV, Sky Lab and Hobbit House will participate in the event.

Singapore Defense Tech Hackathon

Where: Singapore
When: 25–27 September

Founders of the European Defense Tech Hub have already expanded beyond the European continent and are actively holding hackathons in various parts of the world. At the end of September, a three-day hackathon will take place in Singapore. The event will bring together over 150 engineers, startup founders and technology specialists to develop innovative solutions in the defence tech sector.