Europe’s New Defence Hub Takes Shape in Brussels with BEDEX 2026.

One week after its debut in Brussels, BEDEX 2026 has emerged as a credible new platform linking Europe’s defense industry and policymakers. Early feedback from organizers and participants indicates the event filled a gap in coordinating European defense dialogue and industrial engagement.

In an interview with Army Recognition, BEDEX co-founder Yassine Rafik said the inaugural edition delivered strong participation across defense manufacturers, institutional actors, and military stakeholders. Held in proximity to EU and NATO decision centers, the event facilitated direct exchanges on procurement priorities, capability development, and industrial cooperation. Initial assessments suggest BEDEX succeeded in establishing itself as a structured forum for aligning Europe’s fragmented defense ecosystem, with expectations already forming around an expanded second edition.
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The exhibition brought together more than 200 companies from over 27 countries, alongside more than 70 official delegations. In total, 10,983 defence professionals attended, complemented by 6,328 public visitors. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

From the outset, Rafik described a broadly positive reception among participants, noting that exhibitors, visitors, and official delegations, including ministers, expressed strong satisfaction with the event’s organisation and ambition. The objective was clear: to bring together the Belgian, European, and international defence ecosystem in Brussels, a city that hosts both European Union institutions and NATO headquarters. This positioning gave the exhibition immediate strategic relevance, reinforcing its credibility among stakeholders.

The structure of BEDEX reflected this ambition. The exhibition occupied more than 20,000 square meters, excluding the demonstration zone, and was organised across multiple halls at Brussels Expo. Two main exhibition pavilions hosted a mix of Belgian, European, and international companies. Belgian industry played a prominent role. Companies such as John Cockerill Defense and FN Herstal highlighted the country’s longstanding expertise in land systems and small arms manufacturing.

At the same time, major international players were present, including RTX, General Atomics, and Lockheed Martin. Their participation, secured within a relatively short preparation period of two months, underlined the attractiveness of Brussels as a defence hub.

According to Rafik, Brussels itself acted as a “marker” of international relevance. The decision to host a defence exhibition in the Belgian capital initially raised questions among some industry actors, yet the strong turnout demonstrated that the concept resonated. The presence of high-level political support further contributed to this dynamic. The Belgian Minister of Defence was described as particularly proactive, reflecting a broader shift toward placing defence policy back at the centre of national and European priorities.

Attendance figures from the first two days already indicated strong engagement. The event recorded approximately 15,000 unique visitors and saw the signing of 17 contracts on-site. These agreements suggest that BEDEX functioned not only as a showcase but also as a platform for concrete industrial and institutional cooperation.

Official data released after the event confirmed this momentum. The exhibition brought together more than 200 companies from over 27 countries, alongside more than 70 official delegations. In total, 10,983 defence professionals attended, complemented by 6,328 public visitors. The conference programme included over 23 strategic sessions and featured more than 90 international speakers, covering topics ranging from capability development to innovation and strategic autonomy.

Beyond these figures, Rafik emphasised the qualitative dimension of the event. The interactions between industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators created an environment conducive to collaboration and long-term partnerships. This aspect is particularly relevant in the current European context, where defence cooperation is increasingly seen as essential to address evolving security challenges.

Looking ahead, the organisers intend to build on this first edition with an approach summarised by Rafik as “more of the same,” but on a larger scale. Future editions are expected to expand both in size and scope, with a stronger emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises within the Belgian defence sector. These companies often play a critical role in innovation, particularly in areas such as advanced materials, electronics, and niche defence technologies.

If this trajectory is maintained, BEDEX could become a recurring focal point for European defence stakeholders. The combination of political proximity, industrial diversity, and a clear focus on cooperation gives the exhibition a distinctive identity within the global defence event landscape. The next edition, scheduled for April 2027, will be a key indicator of whether this initial momentum can be sustained and further developed.