Civil and military security are converging and are more important than ever: "There's no other trade fair like Security anywhere else."
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Until a few months ago, defense trade fairs like the European Defence Expo Eudex, which runs parallel to Security Essen, were politically and socially taboo. In light of the current geopolitical situation, this has now changed drastically.
By Urs Seiler/Messe Essen || July 23, 2026
The security industry is undergoing profound change. Artificial intelligence is driving rapid innovation, and the protection of critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly important in light of growing cyber threats and geopolitical developments.
At the same time, the demands on companies, authorities, and operators to consider physical and digital security holistically are increasing. How this development is changing the industry and which solutions will shape the market in the future will be demonstrated at Security Essen and the parallel Eudex trade fair, taking place from September 22 to 25, 2026, at Messe Essen.
Trade fair director Julia Jacob (pictured above) said at the press conference for Security Essen on July 22: “Civil and military security are converging and are more important than ever. The topic of defense has completely changed in recent years. We discussed this with the supervisory board and decided to run the European Defence Expo as an independent event alongside Security Essen.” It will take place concurrently with Security Essen in Halls 3 and 4.
As the leading international trade fair for the security industry, Security Essen brings together around 500 exhibitors from 40 nations and offers trade visitors a comprehensive overview of current technologies, innovations and trends.
Security Essen once again showcases the full spectrum of modern security solutions. The offerings range from access control, mechatronics and mechanical security systems to fire and burglary protection, perimeter security and video surveillance, as well as services, special protection vehicles and solutions for civil protection and civil defense.
Advisory board members and representatives of exhibitors commented on Security Essen at the press conference on July 22nd:
"We have been involved with the Security trade fair from the very beginning, since we were founded over 50 years ago. There is no other trade fair like it."
Axel Schmidt (left in the picture), Chairman of the Advisory Board of Security Essen, Chairman of the Board of the BHE Federal Association for Security Technology and Managing Director of Salto Systems
"This is our 20th time participating. The Essen trade fair offers a unique platform here."
Thomas Taferner (center), Head of Sales and Marketing, TELENOT
"Physical security has become more important. We have other tasks to solve."
Dr. Jens Hartmann (right in the picture), Vice President Sales Continental Europe, Africa & Global, Advancis
One trend is particularly evident: the boundaries between individual areas are becoming increasingly blurred. Modern hazard management systems link video technology, access control, and intrusion detection systems on a common platform. Artificial intelligence helps security managers identify risks more quickly and assess events more efficiently. Cloud-based applications enable the cross-site management of complex security infrastructures, while intelligent sensors and automation are setting new standards in prevention and response speed.
This trend is also reflected at Security Essen. Companies like Advancis and Milestone are presenting solutions for modern security and threat management. ASSA ABLOY, dormakaba, Salto, and TELENOT are showcasing innovations in access control and building security. Exhibitors in the field of intelligent video and perimeter security include Axis Communications, Dallmeier, and Strops. The offerings are complemented by numerous other market leaders, specialists, innovative companies, and startups from all sectors of the security industry. Trade visitors thus gain a comprehensive overview of the technologies and solutions that will shape the security industry in the coming years.
Julia Jacob: “The security industry is growing closer together today than ever before. At Security Essen, we are demonstrating how artificial intelligence, digital networking, and innovative technologies are becoming holistic security solutions – and bringing together precisely the manufacturers, users, planners, and decision-makers who are actively shaping this development.”
Knowledge transfer as an integral part of the trade fair
The exchange between the various stakeholders in the security industry doesn't just take place at the exhibition stands. With its comprehensive supporting program, Security Essen creates additional platforms for knowledge transfer, discussions, and networking between manufacturers, users, academia, associations, and government agencies.
The event kicks off on September 22nd with the Training and Professional Development Day, organized by the BDSW Federal Association of the Security Industry in cooperation with Messe Essen, and the Emergency Services Day, organized by Ebner Verlag. Also starting on the first day of the trade fair is the DNS – Digital Networking Security Conference, organized in conjunction with Datakontext, which will focus on current developments in cybersecurity, digital resilience, and networked security solutions on September 22nd and 23rd.
The European Drone Congress on September 23 and 24, organized by the BDSW, focuses on a technology field that is becoming increasingly important for both civil security applications and for authorities and organizations with security tasks.
Another program highlight is the Banks and Savings Banks Day on September 24, which will highlight current challenges and solutions for protecting financial institutions. This event is organized by the European Security Systems Association (ESSA) e. V.
On September 25, the KRITIS Spotlight in the Forum in Hall 7 will focus on the protection of critical infrastructure. The focus will be on the impact of the KRITIS umbrella law and the requirements that will be imposed on KRITIS operators in the future. Expert presentations and discussions will provide practical insights and demonstrate solutions for implementing the new regulations.
Throughout the entire trade fair, the Security Experts Forum also invites attendees to practical presentations and discussions. Exhibitors will present their innovations and provide insights into current developments, best practices, and new technologies.
Security Essen will take place from September 22nd to 25th, 2026 at the Essen Trade Fair Center.
TAKE OUTS: Euro Defence Expo – the new defense trade fair in the heart of Europe
The protection of critical infrastructure, civil protection, crisis preparedness, and resilient security concepts can only be conceived today through the collaboration of industry, government agencies, and armed forces. Holding both events concurrently creates new opportunities for professional exchange and cooperation between the civilian security sector and the defense industry.
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (left), MEP and Chair of the EU Defence Committee, said at the launch of the new trade fair format: “After the brutal Russian attack on Ukraine, Europe’s ability to defend itself together in the future is of central importance. The Euro Defence Expo addresses these challenges. Industry, research, and politics come together in the heart of Europe to work on solutions.”
Comments