Why We Need to Talk About Defense Differently

Messe Düsseldorf regards itself as a space for innovation and exchange, as well as an economic pace setter. In a time when security and defense have once again become central topics in European politics and industry, it is only logical to incorporate this field into our portfolio. At the Supervisory Board meeting of Messe Düsseldorf on Thursday, May 22, 2025, a large majority agreed that XPONENTIAL Europe – our leading European trade fair for autonomous technologies and robotics – can be expanded to include the field of defense. I welcome this result and would like to explain why we consider it necessary.

The possible applications of drones and other unmanned systems are extremely diverse. For the first edition of XPONENTIAL Europe in February 2025, we deliberately excluded the field of defense technology – even though many autonomous technologies originated there and were later transferred to civilian use, such as for freight transport, technical inspections, agricultural mapping, video production, and search and rescue operations. Numerous exhibitors approached us during and after the premiere of XPONENTIAL Europe to suggest opening the trade fair – like the world-leading XPONENTIAL in the U.S., which we acquired in 2022 – to defense technology. We are now taking that step.

Technology designed to counter military attacks is, however, not just any other technology. Its use, development, and commercial distribution are subject to government and parliamentary oversight. In public, these issues are debated politically, ethically, and emotionally – especially in light of ongoing global conflicts. At the same time, security policy developments in Europe show that defense, deterrence of potential aggressors, and the protection of populations are again moving to the forefront of political and economic strategies. Accordingly, there is a growing need for information and exchange within the industry—and thus also interest in trade fairs focusing on innovations in this field.

The defense industry has a particular need for such a platform, as it is undergoing profound transformation. Artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, and cyber defense – today's technologies are often dual-use. They can be deployed for both civilian and military purposes. And they raise new questions: about regulation, oversight, and responsibility. XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf will be more than just a product showcase. It will be a hub for exchange between research, industry, politics, and regulatory authorities. Where technology opens new frontiers, we need dialogue and debate about its benefits and risks. This is especially true for defense technologies.

Democracies are vulnerable. Across Europe’s democratic nations, there is broad consensus that European security policy needs a new, joint orientation. Following the €100 billion special fund for the German Bundeswehr passed in 2022, the German Bundestag decided at the end of March to significantly increase defense spending without restrictions from the national debt brake. Lawmakers approved the necessary constitutional amendments with a two-thirds majority. At the informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, Türkiye, in mid-May, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul spoke out for the first time in favor of increasing German defense spending to a total of five percent of gross domestic product—3.5 percent for traditional defense spending and 1.5 percent for military infrastructure. All these measures act as an economic stimulus for industries close to technology and construction. Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, as well as innovative start-ups and institutions from science and research, will benefit.

XPONENTIAL Europe will become an important forum for building a new European defense architecture. Düsseldorf can position itself as a responsible and transparent hub of this historic shift – while also seizing economic opportunities. The international trade fair hub will continue to grow and attract numerous visitors, driving the regional economy.

The benefits of opening up to defense are multifaceted. And it follows a clear self-image: Messe Düsseldorf is taking responsibility. We advocate for technological innovation, economic growth, social cohesion, and the protection of people and the environment. Defending our values and our democracy is the foundation of all these efforts.