The Hague, the Netherlands – 11–12 November 2026 – The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) will convene more than 1,000 representatives of governments, defence industries, investment communities and the wider defence innovation ecosystem from Ukraine, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Latvia, alongside participants from across European NATO and partner countries.

The Forum will provide a platform for strengthening cross-border cooperation, connecting industry and government, and turning shared expertise and battlefield experience into stronger defence capabilities across Europe.

Building on its inaugural edition in 2025, this year’s Forum will combine high-level strategic discussions with an expanded defence technology exhibition, industry-led side sessions, startup competition, B2B matchmaking, and opportunities for direct engagement between governments, manufacturers, investors and technology companies.

The international dimension of the Forum will also be reflected in dedicated national delegations, including a strong Latvian delegation bringing together defence companies and ecosystem organisations, alongside representatives from the United Kingdom and other NATO and allied nations.

“Today, there is no longer a clear line between the civilian and defence worlds. The technologies, capital, expertise, and talents we need already exist – the challenge is to bring them together and turn innovation into real capability. That is why EDIF is returning for a second year, bigger and more international: to build an ecosystem where European governments, industry, investors and Ukraine’s battlefield experience can work together,” said Nataliya Nakonechna, Co-founder of EDIF.

Expanded programme

The two-day programme will address some of the most pressing questions facing European defence today: how to deepen strategic defence cooperation; build a competitive and resilient European defence industrial base; move innovation from research to operational capability; mobilise capital for defence technology; and integrate battlefield-proven technologies and experience into European defence.

Discussions will cover key capability areas including cyber and AI, unmanned ground systems, space and ISR, UAV production and deployment, ammunition production and air defence, with a particular focus on how Ukraine’s operational experience can contribute to stronger European defence capabilities.#

“Europe needs to strengthen its defence capacity, and we need to do it faster. The Netherlands wants to play a leading role in this effort – bringing government and industry closer together, deepening our cooperation with Ukraine and learning from its battlefield experience how to turn innovation into stronger European readiness,” said Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Alongside the main programme, EDIF 2026 will feature an exhibition with over 50 Ukrainian and European defence companies showcasing technologies and solutions across different domains. One of the participating manufacturers will also present a new defence product to an international audience, with further details to be announced closer to the Forum.

Media accreditation is now open

Journalists, editors, photographers, camera crews, and other media representatives interested in covering EDIF 2026 are invited to apply for free media accreditation here: https://defenceinnovations.eu/media-accrediation/

Accredited media will have access to the Forum programme and exhibition, with opportunities to request interviews with speakers, government representatives, defence manufacturers and other participants.

11–12 November 2026

World Forum, The Hague, the Netherlands

Website: defenceinnovations.eu

Press Contact: EDIF Press Office media@defenceinnovations.eu

Partners: EDT, Deep Tech Defence Alliance, NIDV, HSD, EDTH, GOPIN.

Information Partner: Calibrated

Sponsors: Vyriy Industries, DeltaQuad, AI Armaments, TAF Industries, Krush Labs, Oko Camera, Tencore, Fire Point, Robin Radar Systems, Tulip, Arctus Technologies, Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat, Winsemius Group, Shield AI, KNDS, Hospitainer, GM Center.

Media Partners: Rapporteur, Defense Industry Europe, Militarnyi, Defender Media, The Arsenal, Ukrinform, Veteranen TV & Radio, Startup Kitchen, The Recursive.

About the European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF)

The European Defence Innovation Forum (EDIF) is Europe’s modern platform where dual-use innovation intersects with industry, entrepreneurship, capital and policy in both the EU and Ukraine. This inaugural forum, held in The Hague, recognised Ukraine as a Force Multiplier for European defence and security.

EDIF brings together key stakeholders, from governments and defence ministries to private industry and investors, to develop strategic partnerships, integrate cutting-edge technologies into European defence, and drive forward the continent’s strategic autonomy and industrial resilience.