With Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, growing geopolitical tensions and the vulnerability of critical infrastructures demanding an increased commitment to defence and security issues from Germany and other European countries, the defence trade fair DSEI Germany will be held for the first time from January 19 to 22, 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.

DSEI Germany is organised by Hannover Fairground operating company Deutsche Messe AG, in partnership with the organisers of DSEI UK and DSEI Japan, “the world’s leading security and defence exhibitions”.

DSEI Germany will be showcasing modern military equipment, armaments, technologies, products, processes and materials needed to ensure the realisation of national defensive potential, while affording nations the ability to meet alliance commitments and enhance security.

The event will support industrial companies and their suppliers to meet the increasing demand brought about by the “Zeitenwende”, the turning point which is transforming Germany’s defence policy.

The security priorities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the EU will form the basis of debates, with military leaders and civilian decision-makers discussing strategic defence issues and opportunities for partnerships.

In the wake of the “historic Trinity House agreement” between the UK and Germany – signed with the aim of deepening security and defence cooperation between two countries –  DSEI Germany will provide a forum for consolidating and expanding partnerships and alliances both within Europe and throughout the rest of the world, while promoting cooperation in security policy.

Defence requirements are becoming increasingly complex and demand comprehensive, networked solutions in all areas of the modern army, says Deutsche Messe AG. The trade fair offers industry partners a platform to present capabilities and technologies tailored to military needs.

DSEI Germany is receiving comprehensive support from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence and Bundeswehr.

“The turning point in Germany’s defence policy not only requires us to reorientate our defence strategy but also calls for technological and industrial capabilities to be promoted in a targeted manner,” explains Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius.

He adds that DSEI Germany can provide an important platform to demonstrate Germany’s defence capabilities, technological leadership and innovative strength on the international stage.

Lower Saxony Minister of Economic Affairs Olaf Lies states that the announcement of DSEI Germany is an important signal for Lower Saxony as an industrial location.

“After all, the view of the defence industry has changed fundamentally, not least as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.”

Lies adds that, in view of the current geopolitical challenges, the importance of close cooperation between industrial, research and political entities to develop new solutions for the security and defence is more evident than ever.

Moreover, Lies believes that Lower Saxony’s security and resilience are directly linked to the operational readiness and capabilities of its armed forces.

He suggests that having Hannover as the location of this new trade fair not only strengthens Lower Saxony’s defence industry, but also strengthens numerous suppliers and partners which play a key role in the value chain.

“Lower Saxony is an important location for industry in Germany and it is therefore only logical that Deutsche Messe AG is also involved in this sector and makes a decisive contribution to networking the industry,” comments Lies.  

The Zeitenwende, described by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, requires DSEI Germany as a society to set the right course for the business location.

DSEI Germany offers a platform on which strategies, innovations and new partnerships can be established to address the “challenges of our time”.

DESI Europe, Middle East, and Africa CEO Dr Jochen Köckler states that no other trade fair company has a national and international political network that can match that of Deutsche Messe.

“Together with the DSEI team, and in combination with our modern premises which have a long track record of hosting world-class industrial trade fairs, we can wield our strengths in a targeted manner to make an important contribution toward strengthening security in Germany and elsewhere in Europe,” concludes Köckler.