MS&D
Maritime Security & Defence Conference
3. – 4. September 2026
The stage is set for civil technology transfer
As the leading technology, security and procurement conference for the international maritime security and defence community in Europe, MS&D offers a two-day, highly informative conference programme that specifically addresses topics critical to the successful transfer of civil maritime innovation to the military sector.
Under the theme ‘Maritime Security & Defence in a Rapidly Changing World’, the Naval Stage in hall B8 welcomes leading representatives from defence ministries and organisations, as well as their procurement authorities, who will share insights into specific NATO/NSPA requirements with attendees from the civil maritime industry and familiarise them with the framework and funding conditions at EU/EDA level.
Preview of conference topics
MS&D’s conference programme is organised in cooperation with the German Maritime Institute (DMI), Germany’s leading think tank on naval and maritime security issues.
Topics on the agenda include:
Programme 2026
(Program draft as of 26 February 2026, subject to changes)
Thursday, 3rd September
| 10:30 | Welcoming Remarks Claus Ulrich Selbach |
| 10:40 | Introduction to the Conference – Setting the Scene Karsten Schneider |
| 11:15 | Panel 1 „Europe’s Maritime Capabilities“ Moderator: Heinz Schulte LtGen André Denk, Secretary General, European Defence Agency Irina Haesler; Brussels Representative and Member of the Board, German Shipowners Association Representative European Shipbuilding Industry (tbd) |
| 12:30 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00 | Keynote VAdm Axel Deertz, CINC German Fleet |
| 14:30 | Panel 2 „Maritime Warfare Requirements“ Moderator: Heiko Herold N.N. Navy Representatives from France, Denmark (Greenland!), or Canada |
| 15:30 | Networking Break |
| 16:15 | Panel 3 „The Underwater Domain“ Moderator: tba Submariner, UW Technology, Expert Industry, Start-up (tba) |
| 17:15 | Adjourn |
Friday, 4th September
| 10:30 | Keynote VAdm Stawitzki, National Armaments Director, Germany |
| 11:00 | Panel 4 „IT, Cyber, and Space Aspects of Maritime Security“ Moderator: tba Thomas Kazakos, International Chamber of Shipping Representatives of a Navy, Civilian Shipping, Industry, Start-ups (tba) |
| 12:00 | Networking Break |
| 12:30 | Panel 5 „Manned and Unmanned Systems“ Moderator: tba RAdm Christian Bock; Head Bundeswehr Innovation Center, Representatives Civilian Shipping, Industry, Start-ups (tba) |
| 13:30 | Closing Remarks Claus Ulrich Selbach Karsten Schneider |
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Contact
Nina Krüger
Conference Manager
MS&D | gmec | Maritime Career Market | Open Stages
- Ph. +49 40 3569-2143
Lisa Ludwiczak
Manager Protocol & Events
Protocol services for Marine Delegations
- Ph. +49 40 3569-2467
