While Formnext 2025 and 2024 put the spotlight on defense applications enabled by AM technologies, the 2026 edition will dedicate an entire summit to this vertical industry. The inaugural Formnext Defence Summit will take place on 17 November 2026, on the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds concurrently with Formnext.
It is being planned and organized in collaboration with the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network (AMDefNet), which aims to develop and strengthen the foundations for a European Additive Manufacturing strategy in the context of security and defence.
The new format brings together representatives from military, politics, industry, and academia to address key topics, including supply chain management, procurement, logistics, training, standardization, digitalization, and data management. Content will focus on industrial applications, as well as system and supplier structures in the defence and security environment, Mesago says.
According to Dr. Sascha Hartig, founding member and Member of the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network Board of Directors, “A close exchange between industry, technology drivers, politics, and the military is essential for European security. Only through dialogue can we effectively develop the necessary requirements, quality standards, and frameworks for cybersecurity and resilient supply chains.”
These opportunities will be explored within the context of security for EU and NATO countries. Therefore, participants from EU and NATO member states are invited to attend.
Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext, adds, “As the international hub for Additive Manufacturing, Formnext unites key players from technology, industry, and diverse application areas. It provides the ideal platform to foster closer dialogue between the AM industry and security-related sectors.”
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