The latest briefing
- 22 October · Erding
- Register by 15 October
Defence TechDay in Erding: use the updated October date
The organiser lists 22 October and registration by 15 October. Older search listings still show September.
- Apply by 31 October
- Independent evaluation · security clearance
EDF seeks independent experts for its 2026 evaluations
Qualified individuals need a security clearance and must pass conflict-of-interest checks.
- 29 September · 17:00 Brussels
- Defence research and development
EDF SME calls: applications close on 29 September
The non-thematic calls require a consortium. A single SME cannot apply on its own.
- EUR 180m · closes 13 Oct 2026
- EUR 80m · closes 16 Feb 2027
EDIP Ukraine production calls: October and February deadlines
The USI industrial reinforcement calls have different scopes and budgets. Plan against the relevant topic.
- 3-6 November 2026
- Paris Nord Villepinte
Euronaval returns to Paris Nord Villepinte in November
The naval defence exhibition runs on 3-6 November, with participation routes for visitors, exhibitors and startups.
- MSPO interviews
- OMAG · Octava Defence · Ekolot
Working with Ukraine: openness and the urgency of decisions
At MSPO, OMAG and Octava Defence discussed cooperation and pace. Ekolot added a perspective from outside the Ukrainian market.
- 12-13 November 2026
- Warsaw · EXPO XXI
ReBuild Ukraine: Warsaw hosts the November reconstruction meeting
Construction and energy are the focus of the 12-13 November event at EXPO XXI.
- From 11 September 2026
- Full application: December 2027
Cyber Resilience Act: reporting duties start this September
11 September marks the start of reporting obligations. The main product requirements follow in December 2027.
- First board: 11 September
- 18 members · drones and counter-drones
EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance holds its first board meeting
The Brussels meeting follows July’s launch. WB Group is among the 18 founding members.
- REGDUALOSA · 19 recommendations
- Poland · Spain · Estonia
Podkarpackie in a new EU study on regional defence industries
A September policy brief examines regional support for dual-use companies, with a Polish case among three examples.
- 15-17 October 2026
- 8 countries · registration open
EUDIS Hackathon: autumn registration is open
Eight locations host the 15-17 October edition, with Ukrainian experience feeding into the challenges.
- 6 teams in the first group
- Unmanned vehicles · operational testing
Poland’s EdgeX Robotics among six BraveTech EU teams
The next stage centres on experiments with military users, including work alongside EU OPEX in Portugal.
- Up to EUR 30m investment
- Closes 28 October 2026
EIC STEP Defence: equity for larger investment rounds
Applications run to 28 October. Ukrainian companies are included in the programme’s geographical scope.
- Agreement at ILA Berlin
- Integrating drones with command systems
Airbus and SkyFall: the integration question behind their partnership
The June memorandum connects a Ukrainian drone company with a European air-defence integrator.
- 14-15 September 2026
- Łódź · dual-use technology
DUAL IMPACT in Łódź: the route into defence supply chains
The 14-15 September forum brings industry, startups and public buyers together. Registration is already closed.
- Due diligence
- Trial · donation · order
“Used by the military” needs a second question
A trial, a donation and a repeat order tell an investor different things. An anonymised MSSG case explains what to check.
- MSPO 2026
- Propulsion · operator · testing
“Autonomous” - but which part?
At MSPO, PERAVIA and Lendurai describe two different engineering challenges. The interviews cover propulsion efficiency, onboard functions and the operator’s role.
- MSPO interviews
- Suppliers · permits · certification
Beyond the stand: suppliers, permits and certification
Four MSPO conversations show the work that remains after a defence product reaches the exhibition hall.
- EUR 150bn in loans to states
- Joint defence procurement
SAFE: start with the buyer, not the headline budget
The €150 billion instrument finances Member States. Suppliers need to identify the procurement route that could reach their product.
- Product validation
- Evidence · conditions · limits
Six questions to take beyond a product demonstration
Version, operator, conditions, attempts, changes and support: a checklist for the conversation after the demonstration.