Europe’s defence is at a turning point. Speed, efficiency and collaboration in procurement are becoming the new benchmarks for operational readiness. The Maritime Security & Defence Conference (MS&D) – Germany’s leading international conference on maritime security and defence – will provide the answers on 25 November 2025 at the International Maritime Museum Hamburg.
“With the stand-alone MS&D, we have created a format that places procurement, modernisation and partnership at the centre – topics that are decisive for Europe’s defence capability,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions – Maritime and Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “Once again, Hamburg proves to be a hub of maritime expertise and strategic dialogue.”
Industry Calls for Speed and Partnership
“From an industrial perspective, the Zeitenwende – this turning point – has long become reality. The demands on companies in the maritime defence industry are rising in terms of speed, flexibility and technological innovation,” emphasises Dr Klaus Borgschulte, long-time shipyard executive and Chairman of the SMM Advisory Board. “True modernisation can only succeed through genuine partnership between industry and procurement agencies. Procurement is not a bureaucratic process – it is a strategic tool to ensure the operational readiness of our armed forces.”
Rear Admiral (ret.) Karsten Schneider, President of the German Maritime Institute (DMI) and Programme Director of the conference, adds: “With MS&D 2025, we are putting a clear focus on acceleration and cooperation. Our programme brings together procurement officials, policymakers, industry leaders and academia – and demonstrates how Europe can strengthen its defence capability.”
Around 120 experts from the Bundeswehr, NATO, the EU, industry and research are expected in Hamburg, including Admiral (ret.) Joachim Rühle, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki (German Ministry of Defence), Jürgen Scraback (EDA), Christian Pingel (NSPA), Sven Weizenegger (Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr), Captain Markus Gansow (Bundeswehr Planning Office), Prof. Dr Thomas Klindt (Noerr LLP) and Lippold von Oldershausen (BASED).
Focus on Procurement and Acceleration
“Procurement, procurement, procurement” – this triad runs through the entire programme. The MS&D Conference serves as a bridge between requirements owners and suppliers: it conveys expertise, fosters transparency and opens new perspectives – particularly for start-ups and SMEs seeking to enter the defence market.
“For start-ups, MS&D is a great opportunity to gain direct access to decision-makers from the Bundeswehr, politics and industry. Trusted platforms are essential to navigate a complex ecosystem,” says Lippold von Oldershausen, CEO of BASED, Digital Hub for Security & Defense.
From Europe to Industry: Keynotes and Panels
The conference will open with a keynote by Admiral (ret.) Joachim Rühle on the current security situation in Europe.
The first panel, moderated by Heinz Schulte (DMI), will feature EU and NATO representatives – including Jürgen Scraback (EDA) and Christian Pingel (NSPA) – discussing European defence initiatives such as “Readiness 2030” and their impact on industry.
Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki will address Germany’s and Europe’s current procurement priorities in his keynote.
Further panels will explore new programmes for the modernisation of the Bundeswehr, featuring Sven Weizenegger, Markus Gansow and Rear Admiral Dirk Gärtner.
The final industry panel, “Business and the Bundeswehr”, will offer practical insights into market entry and collaboration. Moderated by Kerry Hoppe (Munich Security Breakfast), speakers including Prof. Dr Thomas Klindt (Noerr LLP) and Lippold von Oldershausen (BASED) along with other industry representatives, will discuss opportunities, challenges and support mechanisms.
Full programme and speaker line-up available here: MS_D_2025_Programme.pdf
A concluding evening reception will provide ample opportunity for networking with senior representatives from politics, the navy and industry.
Key Facts
- Date: 25 November 2025, 12:00–21:00
- Venue: International Maritime Museum Hamburg
- Ticket price: €350
- Language: English
- Information: www.smm-hamburg.com/msd-conference
Attendance is limited.
About MS&D
The Maritime Security & Defence Conference (MS&D) is Germany’s only international conference dedicated to maritime security and defence. It examines geopolitical challenges, European procurement strategies and technological developments – from unmanned systems to dual-use innovation. In 2025, MS&D will take place as an independent, focused event outside of SMM for the first time, with a special emphasis on procurement, acceleration and collaboration in Europe.
www.smm-hamburg.com/msd-conference
