MS&D 2026: Expo and conference closely integrated
With its evolution into the MS&D Expo & Conference, Hamburg Messe und Congress is significantly expanding the format in 2026. Hall B8 will serve as the naval hub of SMM, bringing together the expo, conference and central Naval Stage.
The MS&D Expo will run throughout the full exhibition period from 1 to 4 September, showcasing technologies for maritime security and defence. The MS&D Conference will take place on 3 and 4 September on the central Naval Stage, which, as an open stage integrated into the exhibition floor, will host a continuous four-day programme. The combination of exhibition, conference and stage creates a central meeting point for international delegations, industry and naval stakeholders – in close proximity to shipyards and system providers.
“The security challenges in the maritime domain continue to grow. With MS&D, we are creating a platform where navies, industry and technology providers can jointly develop solutions, drive innovations and strengthen cooperation,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime and Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “At the same time, we are bringing together global shipyards, naval players and dual-use innovators, creating a central platform for high-level international procurement and innovation dialogue.”
Focus on maritime security and European defence capabilities
Under the guiding theme “Maritime Security & Defence in a Rapidly Changing World”, the MS&D Conference brings together representatives from navies, industry, government and research. The focus is on the future security architecture of Europe, the capability development of European navies, as well as key issues in defence procurement and technological innovation.
Key topics of the 2026 conference programme include:
• Europe’s Maritime Capabilities
• Maritime Warfare Requirements
• The Underwater Domain
• IT, Cyber, and Space Aspects of Maritime Security
• Manned and Unmanned Systems
The keynote speeches by Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki and Vice Admiral Axel Deertz will provide insights into current developments in maritime security and key challenges in defence procurement.
The conference is organised in close cooperation with leading institutions from the maritime, industrial and specialist media sectors, including the German Maritime Institute (DMI), Mittler Report and the German Navy Command (Marinekommando).
“The MS&D Conference brings together the key stakeholders essential for Europe’s maritime security – from military end users and political decision-makers to innovative companies,” says Rear Admiral (ret.) Karsten Schneider, President of the German Maritime Institute (DMI). “This dialogue is more important than ever.”
Naval defence, dual-use and innovation under one roof
The MS&D Expo in Hall B8 showcases an open naval and dual-use ecosystem covering approximately 3,000 square metres, and serves as a meeting point for international delegations, industry and navies.
Exhibitors will present solutions from key areas of maritime security and defence, including cybersecurity, unmanned systems, dual-use technologies, maritime surveillance and the protection of critical infrastructure. The focus is on technology transfer and exchange between industry, navies and procurement organisations.
In 2024, 29 delegations from navies, coast guards and procurement organisations worldwide attended MS&D to explore the offerings of more than 200 providers of maritime dual-use technologies.
Industry voices
Speakers at MS&D 2025 also emphasise the importance of the conference for exchange and collaboration in the maritime security sector.
“Time is a decisive factor for our security. To build credible deterrence, navies, industry and policymakers must work more closely together and arrive at joint solutions more quickly. Formats like MS&D are essential, as they enable exchange on shared challenges and a common situational picture,” says Flotilla Admiral Dirk Gärtner, Head of Planning and Concepts at the German Navy Command.
“In light of current security challenges, we must significantly accelerate capability development within the German Armed Forces and the Navy. At the same time, we expect industry to deliver projects reliably in terms of time, budget and quality. Events like MS&D are essential to jointly address these challenges and advance solutions,” adds Norbert Blumenthal, Head of Division ‘Armaments III’ at the German Federal Ministry of Defence.
Press material for download: HMC-Mediaserver
