Formnext Defence Summit Formnext expands focus on security and defence

With the inaugural Formnext Defence Summit, Formnext is creating a dedicated platform for additive manufacturing in security and defence. The event will focus on industrial 3D printing as a strategic technology for resilient supply chains, decentralised production and security-related applications across EU and Nato countries.

Formnext, the international exhibition for Additive Manufacturing (AM) and modern production technologies, is expanding its range of content to address the growing importance of additive technologies in the security and defence sector. The central focus will be the role of industrial 3D Printing in supply and value chains, as well as its contribution to more resilient, flexible, and high-performance structures within the context of security for EU and Nato countries.

The inaugural Formnext Defence Summit will take place during Formnext in Frankfurt / Main on 17 November 2026. The event is being planned and organized in collaboration with the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network (Andefnet), which aims to develop and strengthen the foundations for a European Additive Manufacturing strategy in the context of security and defence.

“Additive Manufacturing offers distinct advantages for the security and defence industry, enabling more resilient supply chains, shorter response times, and flexible, demand-driven production all the way to decentralized manufacturing solutions. As such, AM is increasingly becoming a strategic factor in security-related scenarios,” explains Martin Huber, founding member of the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network.

The new format brings together representatives from military, politics, industry, and academia to address key topics, including supply chain management, procurement, logistics, training, standardization, digitalization, and data management. Content will focus on industrial applications, as well as system and supplier structures in the defence and security environment.

According to Dr. Sascha Hartig, founding member and Member of the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network Board of Directors, “A close exchange between industry, technology drivers, politics, and the military is essential for European security. Only through dialogue can we effectively develop the necessary requirements, quality standards, and frameworks for cybersecurity and resilient supply chains.” Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext, adds, “As the international hub for Additive Manufacturing, Formnext unites key players from technology, industry, and diverse application areas. It provides the ideal platform to foster closer dialogue between the AM industry and security-related sectors.”

The program features keynotes, expert presentations, a panel discussion, and dedicated experience areas, providing opportunities for direct, real-world exchange among industry peers.

The Formnext Defence Summit aims to advance the industrial implementation of Additive Manufacturing in a defence context:

“Additive Manufacturing is a key technology for modern industry. With the Defence Summit, we are providing a dedicated platform to highlight the importance of AM for industrial applications in the security-related sector and to promote professional dialogue,” explains Petra Haarburger, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

The Formnext Defence Summit will be held on 17 November on the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds concurrently with Formnext. Participants from EU and Nato member states are invited to attend.

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