FEINDEF 27 prepares for its largest edition yet, with more exhibition space, greater innovation and a stronger international presence.
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Press Release, Madrid, 27 October 2026: Fundación Feindef today held the official presentation of FEINDEF 27, the fifth edition of Spain’s International Defence and Security Exhibition, at the Rafael del Pino Auditorium. The exhibition will take place from 18 to 20 May 2027 at IFEMA Madrid.
The event was chaired by Secretary of State for Defence María Amparo Valcarce García and hosted by Ángel Olivares Ramírez, President of Fundación Feindef. Representatives from the TEDAE and AESMIDE associations also attended, alongside leading companies from Spain’s defence and security industry. The gathering provided an opportunity to share the strategic vision for the next edition of the exhibition and discuss the main challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The event outlined the strategic priorities and main developments planned for FEINDEF 27, an edition that will represent another step forward in the exhibition’s growth and international expansion. Participants highlighted the increasingly prominent role of the defence and security industry in an international environment characterised by the need to strengthen technological and industrial capabilities, advance strategic autonomy and foster cooperation between public authorities, the Armed Forces, technology centres, universities and businesses.
Gerardo Sánchez Revenga, President of AESMIDE and Vice-President of Fundación Feindef, highlighted the exhibition’s growth and consolidation, stating that “FEINDEF has evolved from an initiative that was needed to raise the profile of our industry into an instrument for industrial cooperation, innovation and international outreach.” He also emphasised that “FEINDEF’s purpose is to turn encounters into cooperation, cooperation into capabilities, and industrial capabilities into a better response to our defence and security needs.”
Alberto Gutiérrez Moreno, President of TEDAE and Vice-President of Fundación Feindef, described Spain’s defence industry as “a driver of technological, economic and social progress” and stressed that “without defence there can be no security, and without security it is impossible to safeguard the well-being of our society.” He also stated that “FEINDEF’s growth is a direct reflection of the times we are living in”, characterised by greater international cooperation and growing interest in the sector among companies and institutions.
During the closing session, Ángel Olivares, President of Fundación Feindef, described the defence industry as “an engine of industrial development, a creator of skilled employment and a catalyst for innovation.” He also emphasised that security is “a basic public good” and explained that FEINDEF’s growth reflects “the trust the sector has placed in us and the strength and quality of Spain’s defence industry.” According to Olivares, the exhibition helps create the environment of trust needed to foster partnerships and collaborative projects.
FEINDEF 27 ~ growth, innovation and international expansion: FEINDEF 27 enters its fifth edition at a time when the defence and security industry is gaining increasing prominence both nationally and internationally. Commercialisation of exhibition space continues at a strong pace, with the event expected to exceed 89,000 square metres of total space, representing growth of approximately 46% compared with the previous edition. Corporate participation is also increasing, with more than 746 companies already confirmed, up 19% on the previous edition.
FEINDEF 27’s growth is also reflected in the arrival of new participants. Currently, 37% of confirmed exhibitors will be taking part for the first time and, with seven months to go until the event, 94% of the available exhibition space has already been booked. This figure reflects strong demand and interest among companies and institutions across the sector.
In addition, more than 250 participating companies are international, accounting for 33% of all exhibitors. This further strengthens the event’s global reach and its ability to attract talent, investment and international cooperation. Its international profile will be further enhanced by the participation of 14 international pavilions.
The exhibition will also strengthen its commitment to innovation and talent by facilitating the participation of startups, technology centres and entrepreneurs developing disruptive solutions for defence and security applications. As part of this commitment, FEINDEF 27 will feature Innova for Def&Sec, a dedicated space designed to showcase emerging technologies, innovative projects and new industrial capabilities, as well as Hub Talento, an initiative aimed at connecting students, young professionals and specialised talent with career development opportunities across the sector.
The upcoming edition also aims to reinforce its position as a meeting point for public authorities, the Armed Forces, companies, universities, research centres and startups, encouraging collaboration in areas such as technological innovation, cyber defence, autonomous systems, space, artificial intelligence, secure communications and other strategic capabilities that will shape the future of defence.
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