Forum for Security and Defense Technology June 10, 2026 | Messe Erfurt

Around 300 participants from the fields of politics, research, the Bundeswehr and business came together on June 10, 2026 in Erfurt for the 2nd Forum for Security and Defense Technology.

The forum discussed and highlighted opportunities for Thuringian companies in the defense and security sector, which arise from the high investment needs of the Bundeswehr and other armed forces, particularly in the areas of optics, sensor technology, electronics, mechanical engineering, and IT. The focus was on, among other things, Bundeswehr procurement programs, batteries as a key factor in security or defense issues, or regulatory requirements and entry opportunities for suppliers. An accompanying exhibition with over 30 companies as well as start-up pitches provided additional impetus for cooperation.

The high level of response underscores the growing interest in the future market; further networking activities are already planned.

Upcoming appointments on the topic

01 Oct.

1st Thuringian Aerospace Day

01.10.2026

adhoc-Arena Jena

Investing & Settling Research & Innovation

With registration

01 Mar

Enforce Tac 2027

01.03.2027 - 03.03.2027

Messe Nürnberg

Investing & Settling Research & Innovation Internationalization

With registration

17 May

ILA Berlin 2028

17.05.2028 - 21.05.2028

Messe Berlin

Investing & Settling Research & Innovation

With registration

Information on the “Space & Defense” sector

News

Impressions

Images: LEG Thüringen / Paul Philipp Braun

Lectures

The Baden-Württemberg Cybersecurity Agency (CSBW) as an operational hub for modern cyber defense, Björn Schemberger, Vice President of the Baden-Württemberg Cybersecurity Agency and Head of the Detection & Response Department [pdf file , 1,024 KB]

Program

from 12:00	Arrival, Registration and Networking
13:00	Joint Opening Colette Boos-John \| Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Areas Andreas Krey \| Spokesperson of the Management Board LEG Thüringen
13:15	Overall Classification of the 2026 Situation Colonel Arndt Günther \| State Command Thuringia
14:00	Batteries as a Key Factor for Defense Capability Maximilian Wagner \| Project Manager Transformation Hub Battery Value Chain (TraWeBa) Michael Deutmeyer \| Managing Director EAS Batteries
14:30	Pitches from Exhibitors & Start-Ups IDloop GmbH \| Redwave Medical GmbH \| eCeramix GmbH \| safetrek.ai GmbH \| Enginsight GmbH \| Weinert Industries AG \| FluiDect GmbH \| FBGS Technologies GmbH
15:00	Snacks, networking and exhibition
16:00	Procurement and Supply for the Bundeswehr Colonel Matthias Puschnig \| Special Staff Ukraine, Federal Ministry of Defence
16:45	Security-relevant conditions for suppliers Simon Schulz \| Representative of a DAX-40 Group
17:15	The Baden-Württemberg Cybersecurity Agency (CSBW) as an operational hub for modern cyber defense Björn Schemberger \| Vice President of the Cybersecurity Agency Baden-Württemberg and Head of the Detection & Reaction Department
17:30	Introduction of the Defense Network & Conclusion Dr. Thomas Rücker \| IPOL GmbH
17:45	Grilling, Speeches and Networking
19:30	End of the event

That was the 1st Thuringian Supplier and Information Forum Defense September 17, 2025 | IHK Erfurt

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Images: IHK Erfurt

Under the motto “Shaping security together – reliable procurement, strong partnerships and regionally anchored value chains”, the 1st Thuringian Supplier and Information Forum Defense took place on September 17, 2025 in Erfurt.

The stated goal of the forum, which was initiated in cooperation with the Thuringian Chambers of Industry and Commerce on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs: to bring together various actors from the security and defense industry (procurement of the Bundeswehr, security and armaments industry) with potential suppliers from the Thuringian economic and research landscape. Thanks to the multi-layered exchange within the framework of the forum, perspectives could be jointly explored on how to strengthen regional value chains, build strategic partnerships, and develop future-oriented solutions for security-related challenges.

Among other things, the Bundeswehr provided insights into its procurement system and system integrators of the defense industry into their purchasing processes.

Thematic Focus of the Forum:

the procurement system of the Bundeswehr,
Actors of the German and global defense industry,
innovative SMEs and potential supplier companies from the Thuringian high-tech, mechanical engineering, optics, electronics, automotive, plastics and IT sectors,
Research institutes and high-tech start-ups.

Photo from the Thuringian Supplier and Information Forum Defense.

Last autumn, over 300 representatives from Thuringian industry, research institutes, chambers of commerce (IHKs), as well as the Bundeswehr and the security and defense industry gathered in Erfurt for the first Thuringian Supplier and Information Forum Defense.