Defence & Dual-use

Strengthening security and accelerating technological innovation in the Baltic Sea Region and beyond. SSD Expo 2026 brings together military, civil, and industrial stakeholders to shape the future of defence and dual-use capability.

 

SSDExpo2026
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SSD2025 Supply, Security & Defence Expo, Baltic Region 12

Why defence and dual-use innovation matters

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, nations must prepare for both traditional and hybrid challenges – from kinetic conflict to cyber warfare and civil disruption. At the same time, innovation must be scalable and applicable beyond just the battlefield.

That’s where dual-use technology plays a pivotal role. Solutions that serve both military and civilian purposes – such as unmanned systems, satellite networks, communications, energy infrastructure, and AI-based decision systems – are redefining how governments and industries collaborate to strengthen national resilience.

SSD Expo 2026 serves as a catalyst for connecting innovators with decision-makers across the defence and security ecosystem, enabling the development of interoperable, sustainable, and deployable solutions for land, air, sea, cyber, and space.

Key defence & dual-use statistics

Across Europe, investment in dual-use technologies is rapidly accelerating. Over 60% of NATO innovation funding in 2024 is directed toward solutions that can serve both military and civilian applications. Key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR), and robotics now rank among the top five defence investment priorities. In the European Union, more than 70% of defence-focused R&D companies are also actively developing technologies with civilian applications — a trend that reflects the growing demand for scalable innovation. Meanwhile, countries in the Baltic Sea Region are responding to regional instability by increasing their defence budgets by up to 40% year-over-year, making this one of the fastest-growing strategic investment zones in Europe.

Key benefits of focusing on defence & dual-use innovation

Exhibitors and partners participating in this theme will benefit from:
  • Engagement with NATO innovation units, EU defence funds, and Baltic ministries of defence
  • Positioning as thought leaders in scalable, multi-domain technologies
  • Access to buyers seeking dual-purpose solutions for civil resilience and national security
  • Visibility across media campaigns, technical workshops, and keynote sessions
  • Opportunity to participate in live demonstrations and matchmaking sessions
Multi-Domain Defence Systems
Civil-Military Technology Transfer
National Security Through Innovation
SSD 2026 highlights innovation across land, sea, air, cyber, and space — with a focus on interoperable, scalable platforms. From modular vehicles and integrated command systems to AI-enabled sensors and battlefield robotics, this domain invites defence manufacturers, integrators, and software providers to showcase capabilities aligned with NATO requirements.
Dual-use innovation thrives on collaboration. This section explores how civilian R&D (in fields like energy, transport, telecom, and AI) can be adapted for military readiness. Topics include 5G/6G battlefield comms, drone-based infrastructure inspection, autonomous emergency response units, and deployable field hospitals.
As threats evolve, so must procurement models and national strategies. This area focuses on cyber resilience, information warfare, satellite-based defence, and critical infrastructure protection — all of which increasingly rely on commercial partnerships and tech startups. SSD 2026 provides a rare chance to meet investors, government delegations, and public–private security coalitions in one venue.

Who should exhibit under this theme?

SSD main theme
Defence contractors, dual-use tech developers, cybersecurity firms, research labs, drone manufacturers, AI/ML solution providers, civil infrastructure suppliers, and NATO-compatible system developers.
What counts as dual-use innovation?
Any product or technology that has both military and civilian applications — for example, GPS, drones, secure communications, AI threat detection, energy systems, logistics automation, etc.
What are the benefits of participating?
You gain high-level visibility, procurement access, and media coverage — while engaging directly with Baltic, European, and allied security leaders.
How do I showcase my innovations under this theme?
Apply as an exhibitor or contact us for a tailored sponsorship or visibility package. Opportunities range from demo space and speaking slots to custom matchmaking and brand activations.
Join the forefront of defence innovation
Showcase your dual-use solutions at SSD Expo 2026 and gain direct access to NATO buyers, Baltic decision-makers, and global strategic partners.