How to break into the defence industry: The first European Defence Supply Congress takes place in Munich

Industry meets defence How to break into the defence industry: The first European Defence Supply Congress takes place in Munich

2026-03-09 From In eigener Sache 3 min Reading Time

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The European security and defence industry is at a turning point. With the European Defence Supply Congress on 28 and 29 April 2026 in Munich, the Aerospace & Defence media brand of the Vogel Communications Group is creating a central platform for civil technology providers to enter the European defence industry.

The driving forces behind the conference: Gerd Kielburger (Director of International Business) and Maria Beyer-Fistrich (Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defence)(Source: Veronika Maucher) — The driving forces behind the conference: Gerd Kielburger (Director of International Business) and Maria Beyer-Fistrich (Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defence)
(Source: Veronika Maucher)

With the dynamic changes in the European security landscape, demand, defence budgets and requirements for technological sovereignty are rising rapidly. German industrial companies see many opportunities to contribute their expertise across Europe. The European Defence Supply Congress, taking place on 28–29 April 2026 in Munich, offers a neutral platform to enable civilian technology providers to enter the defence industry. The event is organised by the media brand ‘Aerospace & Defence’ of the Vogel Communications Group (VCG), which launched as an international, English-language specialist portal at the beginning of July 2025.

Europe's security situation as a driver for industrial cooperation

The programme includes practical presentations by NATO, the German Armed Forces, industrial companies, defence consultants and experts from the defence industry and supply chain. Workshops, matchmaking and expert exchanges provide access to decision-makers, OEMs and relevant German and EU funding programmes such as EDF, EUDIS and DIANA. Speakers include: Retired General Chris Badia (formerly NATO), Major General Michael Bender (BAAINBw) and Colonel Matthias Puschnig (BMVG).

Geopolitical challenges and rising defence spending in Europe increasingly require a robust, networked industrial base. At the same time, civil technology companies are showing growing interest in positioning themselves as innovative partners in defence and dual-use supply chains. European Defence Supply brings together industrial companies, tech innovators and procurers from governmental and supranational organisations in one place, creating an interface for dialogue, cooperation and business development.

‘We cover the entire value chain of the aerospace and defence industry – from engineering and manufacturing to avionics and electronics to software and digitalisation. Other key topics include defence and security systems as well as current market and industry trends that are crucial for the future of this industry,’ explains Maria Beyer-Fistrich, Editor-in-Chief of Aerospace & Defence: ‘Our platform is aimed at everyone who helps shape Europe's security – through engineering, technology and responsibility.’

The congress is aimed at CEOs, CTOs and decision-makers from industrial companies who want to tap into new market opportunities in the defence industry. This includes medium-sized companies from the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics, software, robotics, additive manufacturing and materials technology, as well as innovative start-ups and scale-ups focusing on sensor technology, AI, IoT or dual-use technologies, but also representatives from EU institutions, authorities, NATO structures and military organisations.

Aerospace & Defence is the international digital portal for innovations, trends and technologies in the aerospace and defence industries. In addition to the digital platform www.aerospace-and-defence.com and the print magazine, there is now also the European Defence Supply Congress. The media brand is part of the Vogel Communications Group (VCG). With 920 employees and a turnover of around £120 million, the group is a leading provider of B2B communication and specialist information. It has 11 locations in German-speaking countries and also operates internationally, with a focus on China. VCG offers a group-owned agency network of nine communication agencies and service companies. It is anchored in the five economic sectors of automotive, industry, information technology, law/business/taxation and B2B communication/marketing with around 110 trade media. VCG offers 250+ services, 100+ digital platforms and communities, as well as 300+ business events per year and target group access in around 25 industries for professional and successful corporate communication.

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