From AI to Autonomous Systems: Tallinn Defence EXPO Spotlights Emerging Tech

The exhibitor line-up for Tallinn Defence EXPO shows how rapidly the European defence sector is evolving, with autonomous systems, secure communications, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and advanced electronics taking an increasingly central role alongside traditional defence manufacturing.

"The roster of exhibitors reflects where European defence is heading," said Kalev Koidumäe, CEO of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association (EDIA). "Future military capability will increasingly depend on autonomous systems, secure communications, cyber resilience and advanced electronics. At the same time industrial capacity as the sixth domain must be scaled up. This requires stronger cooperation between governments, armed forces and industry to ensure these technologies can be rapidly adopted and deployed."

Taking place on 24–25 September as part of Estonian Defence Week 2026, Tallinn Defence EXPO has already sold out all exhibition space. The event will bring together around 100 defence and dual-use companies from more than 15 countries, including Germany, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and the United States.

Confirmed exhibitors include event sponsors Lockheed Martin, Milrem Robotics, Threod Systems, Saab, TEKEVER, Quantum Systems, Hevi Optronics, as well as industry leading international defence exhibitors such as Airbus Defence and Space, Diehl Defence, Rohde & Schwarz, Bittium, Destinus and Chelton. They will be joined by some of Estonia's most innovative defence technology companies, including KrattWorks, Frankenburg Technologies, Nortal and Defsecintel Solutions.

A special focus will also be given to the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator, which will be present at Tallinn Defence EXPO together with its startup companies. 

Alongside established global defence companies, Tallinn Defence EXPO will also convene a strong community of rapidly growing technology companies developing dual-use solutions, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence applications and advanced digital capabilities. The exhibition shows the growing importance of collaboration between major defence manufacturers, innovative SMEs and startups in accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies and strengthening Europe's defence readiness. 

Tallinn Defence EXPO forms the centrepiece of Estonian Defence Week. The week's programme will also include the Defence Industry Symposium, featuring a meeting of the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) ministers responsible for industry cooperation and JEF National Armaments Directors’ meeting. Defence Innovation Day, organised by the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator and Tehnopol Science and Business Park, will bring together startups, investors, industry and end-users through startup pitches, keynote speeches and panel discussions. Official events include the Annual Baltic Conference on Defence (ABCD), the City Resilience Hack, the NATO Open Innovation Conference & Expo (NOICE), and several specialised side events held throughout the week.