European Defence Innovation Forum 2026 returns to The Hague in an expanded format

The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) will convene more than 1,000 representatives of governments, defence industries, investment communities and the wider defence innovation ecosystem from Ukraine, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Latvia, alongside participants from across European NATO and partner countries.The Forum will provide a platform for strengthening cross-border cooperation, connecting industry and government, and turning shared expertise and battlefield experience into stronger defence capabilities across Europe.

Building on its inaugural edition in 2025, this year’s Forum will combine high level strategic discussions with an expanded defence technology exhibition, industry-led side sessions, startup competition, B2B matchmaking, and opportunities for direct engagement between governments, manufacturers, investors and technology companies.

The international dimension of the Forum will also be reflected in dedicated national delegations, including a strong Latvian delegation bringing together defence companies and ecosystem organisations, alongside representatives from the United Kingdom and other NATO and allied nations.

Expanded programme

The two-day programme will address some of the most pressing questions facing European defence today: how to deepen strategic defence cooperation; build a competitive and resilient European defence industrial base; move innovation from research to operational capability; mobilise capital for defence technology; and integrate battlefield-proven technologies and experience into European defence.

Discussions will cover key capability areas including cyber and AI, unmanned ground systems, space and ISR, UAV production and deployment, ammunition production and air defence, with a particular focus on how Ukraine’s operational experience can contribute to stronger European defence capabilities.

Role Security Delta (HSD)

Together, HSD and EDIF share a common belief that the most impactful solutions come from collaboration. Europe's security depends on stronger cooperation across defence, technology, government, and academia, and platforms that connect the right people and ideas matter more than ever.

We look forward to building meaningful connections that turn innovation into real-world impact.

What to expect during EDIF 2026?

EDIF 2026 will also feature an EXPO showcasing defence technologies with proven battlefield applications, ready for integration, scaling, and deployment across allied defence ecosystems.

EDIF 2026 enables defence manufacturers to:

• Meet Ukrainian and European partners for co-production and supply chain integration
• Present proven technologies to decision-makers and investors
• Explore funding and market-entry opportunities
• Build direct relationships with ministries, industry leaders, and integrators
• Join 1,000+ participants shaping Europe’s future defence capabilities

Sponsorship opportunities

EDIF 2026 also offers a limited number of sponsorship packages for companies seeking to strengthen their presence in the European defence market.

Sponsoring EDIF provides an opportunity to:

• increase brand visibility among key players in the European defence ecosystem
• showcase your solutions to a targeted audience of manufacturers, investors, and government buyers
• gain priority access to networking and B2B meetings
• position your company as an active contributor to shaping Europe’s evolving security architecture
• enhance your international profile while supporting the integration of Ukrainian technologies into the European market

Apply here for an EDIF 2026 sponsorship!

More information and registration

Learn more and register for EDIF 2026 here.

Submit your interest in exhibiting at EDIF 2026 here.