The demands on maritime security and defence capabilities in Europe are growing - both in the operational area as well as in procurement and technological development. Geopolitical tensions, new threat scenarios in the maritime space and the increasing importance of critical infrastructures pose complex challenges for navies and security policy players.

Against this background, the MS&D - International Conference & Expo on Maritime Security & Defence brings together relevant players from the navy, industry and politics and creates a framework for exchange, categorisation and cooperation.

From the 1 to 4 September 2026 the event will take place as part of the SMM in Hamburg and is therefore embedded in one of the most important international industry meetings in the maritime sector.

Conference and Expo closely interlinked for the first time

With the further development to MS&D Conference & Expo the format will be significantly expanded in 2026. The aim is to focus even more strongly on the interfaces between operational requirements, technological development and industrial implementation.

In Hall B8 exhibition, conference and the central Naval Stage will be brought together. This will create an area within SMM where maritime security and defence will be concentrated. The immediate proximity to shipyards, system houses and suppliers facilitates direct dialogue along the entire value chain.

The Exhibition runs for the entire duration of the trade fair and showcases technologies for maritime security and defence. These include unmanned systems, cyber solutions, maritime surveillance systems and technologies for protecting critical infrastructure. Dual-use technologies will also play a central role, as they are becoming increasingly important for military applications.

The Conference takes place on 3 and 4 September and is directly integrated into the exhibition programme. The open structure of the Naval Stage enables continuous access to specialist contributions, discussions and presentations over the entire duration of the event.

Focal points of the conference

Under the leitmotif „Maritime Security & Defence in a Rapidly Changing World“ addresses key topics relating to both strategic and technological issues. Among other things, the focus is on

• the capability development of European navies in the context of current security policy framework conditions
• Requirements of modern naval warfare and their impact on platforms and systems
• Developments in the underwater space, particularly with regard to sensor technology, infrastructure and protection concepts
• IT, cyber and space aspects of maritime security
• the interaction of manned and unmanned systems

The conference thus addresses key topics that are highly relevant for military users as well as for industry and research.

The keynote speakers will include Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Germany's National Armaments Director, and Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Deputy Inspector General of the Navy and Commander of the Fleet. Their contributions provide insights into current developments in maritime security and the challenges of defence procurement.

Platform for dialogue, procurement and cooperation

The MS&D Conference & Expo sees itself as a platform for direct exchange between military users, industry and procurement organisations. The focus is on questions of implementation, international cooperation and the acceleration of procurement and innovation processes.

This dialogue is becoming increasingly important, especially against the backdrop of rising demands for speed and efficiency in defence planning. The event offers space to address specific needs, discuss technological solutions and initiate collaborations.

International delegations use the MS&D to find out about the latest developments and to deepen their dialogue with industry representatives and partners. In this way, the event contributes to the networking of relevant players in a European and international context.

Integration into the SMM

The integration of MS&D into SMM creates additional synergies. As the world's leading trade fair for the maritime industry, SMM brings together international companies, organisations and institutions from all sectors of the industry.

For MS&D, this results in an expanded environment in which security-related issues can be discussed in the context of the entire maritime value chain. At the same time, exhibitors and participants benefit from a high level of international visibility and short distances to potential partners and clients.

Save the date

The MS&D Conference & Expo 2026 will take place from 1 to 4 September 2026 in Hamburg as part of SMM.

More information and participation: www.smm-hamburg.com/msd-conference

Contact MS&D Expo:

Sandra Meyer, [email protected]