Bundeswehr Innovation Center: Strategic Partner of XPONENTIAL Europe 2027

The Bundeswehr Innovation Center (Innovationszentrum der Bundeswehr, InnoZBw) in Erding is a strategic partner of XPONENTIAL Europe, Europe's leading trade fair for autonomous systems and robotics. The center consolidates the innovation activities of the German Armed Forces, bringing together the military, research, industry and start-ups to move new technologies into operational use faster. XPONENTIAL Europe 2027 in Düsseldorf is the natural setting for this mission: it is where users, developers and decision-makers from the entire unmanned systems ecosystem meet.

German Drone-Defence & Innovation Forum

The German Drone-Defence & Innovation Forum (GDIF) is the central defence format of XPONENTIAL Europe. Curated by the Bundeswehr Innovation Center and powered by Diehl Defence, it connects operational experience from the armed forces with technological development and procurement practice. The forum takes place on 17 March 2027 and is open to all trade fair visitors at no additional charge.

Key topics:

Capability development: What capabilities do armed forces need for unmanned systems and drone defence?
Digitalization: How are data, sensors and command systems connected?
Autonomy: What can autonomous systems deliver today, and where are the limits?
Unmanned systems: From UAS to ground-based and maritime applications
Procurement: How do innovative solutions reach the field faster?

Why does this partnership matter?

Drones and counter-drone technology evolve in short cycles. That is why the Bundeswehr Innovation Center seeks direct exchange with manufacturers, start-ups and research institutions. XPONENTIAL Europe provides the platform: demand and supply meet face to face in Düsseldorf, from first contact to concrete procurement dialogue. Beyond the forum, the Innovation Center actively contributes to the strategic development of the trade fair as Europe's leading platform at the intersection of industry, innovation and security.

Copyright: Bundeswehr - Militärischer Sprecher in dunkelblauer Uniform mit goldenen Abzeichen, Mikrofon in der Hand, auf einer XPONENTIAL-Europe-Bühne.

"Unmanned systems are now a central factor in modern security and defence architectures. This was clearly demonstrated once again at the Munich Security Conference. What is crucial is that we closely interlink operational experience, technological development and political framework conditions. That is why the Bundeswehr is here at XPONENTIAL Europe: we engage in direct dialogue with research, start-ups and industry, and we look forward to many conversations and contacts."

Rear Admiral Christian Bock

Head of the Bundeswehr Innovation Center in Erding

Participation and program

The full program of the German Drone-Defence & Innovation Forum will be published in December 2026.
What is already certain: expect keynotes from the Bundeswehr Innovation Center, project presentations and moderated discussions with representatives from the armed forces, industry and research.
The conference language is English. Participation is included in the trade fair ticket.

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