Madrid today hosted the opening of the largest edition to date of FEINDEF, the Spanish International Defence and Security Fair.
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Press Release, Madrid, 12 May 2025: Madrid hosted today the opening of the largest edition to date of the Spanish International Defence and Security Fair (FEINDEF), a strategic event bringing together 601 exhibitors and 93 international delegations in Halls 4, 6, 8, and 10 of Ifema.
In its 66,690m², 67% more than the 2023 edition, 35,000 professionals are expected to attend, from May 12 to 14, in an exceptional setting showcasing, land, naval, and aerospace defence systems, cybersecurity technologies, artificial intelligence, drones, advanced simulation, and dual capabilities applied to the civil and military fields. A new pavilion, dedicated to static displays, showcases advanced military technology systems, cutting-edge equipment, and innovations in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and logistics. In addition, FEINDEF 25 attendees will experience firsthand land, naval, and air platforms, command and control systems, as well as advances in sustainability and technological duality applied to the field of defence and security.
But FEINDEF 25 is not just an exhibition; it is also a platform for reflection and knowledge generation, where institutional, military, business, and academic leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities of this new cycle. FEINDEF 25 offers a comprehensive high-level programme of activities, featuring discussions on the latest advancements in technology, innovation, and international trends. Leading experts, industry pioneers, and key authorities will address critical topics such as cyber defence, energy efficiency, sustainability, and disruptive technologies. The programme will also delve into the global geopolitical landscape and its impact on the sector, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and reflecting on emerging challenges. The high calibre and diversity of the sessions make FEINDEF 25 a must-attend for anyone aiming to stay at the forefront of the industry.
A global framework with high strategic impact: The celebration of FEINDEF 25 takes place within a rapidly changing geopolitical context, under the effects of the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, instability in the Sahel, and the rise of hybrid threats. Added to this is the shift in the United States’ strategic focus, increasingly oriented toward the Indo-Pacific and the containment of China, which has led Europe to assume a more central role in its own security. In this context, the European Union has accelerated its strategic autonomy in defence matters, with an unprecedented reinforcement of its budgets, the creation of new common capabilities, and the boost to the European defence industry.
FEINDEF thus becomes a unique forum to address the priorities of the new investment cycle, international cooperation, technological innovation and the future of defence industry in Europe. This event will bring together representatives from 57 countries, international organisations, civil and military authorities, ambassadors, defence attachés and business leaders.
INNOVA Space ~ innovation and entrepreneurship: This year, FEINDEF 25’s INNOVA space consolidates its position as a strategic meeting point for promoting innovation in the fields of defence and security, fostering collaboration between public institutions, technology companies, universities, and start-ups. Organised by the Directorate General for Defence Industry Strategy and Innovation (DIGEID), through the Sub-directorate General for Planning, Technology, and Innovation (SDG PLATIN), and ISDEFE (Spanish Defence Systems Engineering), this three-day space hosts initiatives aimed at promoting talent, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, positioning itself as a catalyst for disruptive solutions that respond to the new challenges of the national and international security environment.
Bringing together technological exposure, strategic thinking and international projection, FEINDEF 25 is consolidating itself as much more than a trade fair: it is the meeting point where the future of European defence is defined, alliances are generated and an industry that is a driving force for innovation, security and economic progress is promoted. For three days, Madrid will be the focal point of debate and cooperation in a sector that is essential for the present and future of Europe.
[© Bob Morrison]
Since its first edition in 2019, FEINDEF has received institutional support from the Ministry of Defence and has successfully engaged numerous national and international institutions. These include the European Union; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation; the Ministry of the Interior, through the National Police, the Civil Guard and the Directorate General for Civil Protection and Emergencies; the Ministry of Industry and Tourism; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business; and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, as well as organisations associated with these ministries, such as the CNI, INTA, INCIBE, ENISA, ICEX, and CDTI. This extensive institutional involvement highlights the comprehensive nature of the exhibition and its crucial role as a key platform for the national and international defence and security ecosystem.
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