Why participate DEFEA?
DEFEA is an international B2B trade fair for defense, security and military technology, organized at Metropolitan Expo, Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”. The fair positions Athens as a meeting place for the international defense and security community, bringing together companies, governments, armed forces, security services and official delegations. On the exhibition floor, Greek and international companies will present solutions for land, sea and air defense, national security, cyber defense, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, communication, surveillance and integrated technology platforms.
In addition to the expo, DEFEA also includes conferences, thematic sessions, product presentations and structured B2B and B2G matchmaking. As a result, the fair is not only a showcase for equipment and technology, but also a platform for procurement policy, strategic cooperation, industrial partnerships and international security dialogue. The growth of the event underlines its increasing relevance: in 2025, 436 exhibitors from 37 countries participated and 30,137 visitors from 92 countries were received, compared to 346 exhibitors from 28 countries and 23,413 visitors from 91 countries in 2023. Launched as a specialised defence and security trade fair, DEFEA has grown to become a key regional hub for South-Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and international defence markets.
Themes
- Land, sea and air defense systems
- Cybersecurity, electronic warfare and national security
- Autonomous systems, drones and unmanned applications
- Defense Industry, Military Manufacturing, and Systems Integration
- Strategic collaboration, procurement policy and B2B/B2G matchmaking
- Innovation, dual-use technology, AI and space applications
Target audience
DEFEA is intended for professional visitors from the defence and security sector, including military personnel, government representatives, procurement services, policy makers, defence companies, system integrators, technology developers and international delegations. The fair also focuses on research institutions, innovation partners and industrial suppliers active in defence, cybersecurity, aviation, maritime technology and national security.
Getting there
DEFEA at Metropolitan Expo, Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, is accessible via Athens Airport, with a shuttle bus between the terminal and the exhibition complex. Visitors can travel to the airport by metro line 3, suburban train or airport express buses and transfer to the shuttle there. By car, Metropolitan Expo can be reached via the Attiki Odos towards the airport, with signage to the exhibition centre and ample parking facilities. Taxis and private transfers are available at the airport and at the exhibition complex.
Exhibitors and visitors
DEFEA hosted 436 exhibitors from 37 countries and 30,137 visitors from 92 countries in 2025, compared to 346 exhibitors from 28 countries and 23,413 visitors from 91 countries in 2023; visitors are mainly defence and security professionals, official delegations, procurement managers and industry partners who come for technology exploration, collaboration and B2B/B2G appointments.
