The inaugural Formnext Defence Summit will take place during Formnext in Frankfurt / Main on 17 November 2026. The event 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.
“Additive Manufacturing offers distinct advantages for the security and defence industry, enabling more resilient supply chains, shorter response times, and flexible, demand-driven production all the way to decentralized manufacturing solutions. As such, AM is increasingly becoming a strategic factor in security-related scenarios,” explains Martin Huber, founding member of the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network.
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.
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.” 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.”
The program features keynotes, expert presentations, a panel discussion, and dedicated experience areas, providing opportunities for direct, real-world exchange among industry peers.
The Formnext Defence Summit aims to advance the industrial implementation of Additive Manufacturing in a defence context:
“Additive Manufacturing is a key technology for modern industry. With the Defence Summit, we are providing a dedicated platform to highlight the importance of AM for industrial applications in the security-related sector and to promote professional dialogue,” explains Petra Haarburger, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
The Formnext Defence Summit will be held on 17 November on the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds concurrently with Formnext. Participants from EU and NATO member states are invited to attend.
For more information, a save-the-date, and to pre-register for updates on the Formnext Defence Summit, visit formnext.com/defencesummit.
Formnext
International exhibition and convention on the next generation of manufacturing technologies
Formnext will take place from 17–20 November 2026.
Press information and photographic material:
Links zu den Webseiten:
Formnext – Hub for Additive Manufacturing
Additive Maufacturing Defence Network
https://www.facebook.com/formnext
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/formnext
https://www.instagram.com/formnext/
Your contact:
Franziska Richter Levin
Phone: +49 711 61946-574
Franziska.Richter-Levin@mesago.com
Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH
Rotebuehlstraße 83 -85
70178 Stuttgart
Germany
Background information on Formnext
Formnext is the hub for Additive Manufacturing, industrial 3D Printing and the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions. In addition to the annual highlight, the expo in Frankfurt/Germany, we provide our clients worldwide with a variety of relevant updates, insights and events around Additive Manufacturing (AM) as well as the related technologies along the entire process chains. Formnext is organized by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH (formnext.com).
About the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network
The Additive Manufacturing Defence Network is dedicated to the strategic utilization of Additive Manufacturing to strengthen security, resilience, and technological capabilities in Europe. The network brings together key stakeholders from industry, research, government agencies, security, and defence organizations to facilitate a cross-sector exchange of knowledge and experience. Its overarching goal is to support the development of a European strategy for the use of Additive Manufacturing in the defence and security sector, to advance innovative and practical solutions, and to raise awareness of the potential of this future-oriented technology. Through its efforts, the network contributes to a secure, sustainable, and high-performing European ecosystem, where Additive Manufacturing plays the vital role envisioned by AMDefNet.
Background information on Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH
Since 1982, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH has specialized in creating B2B formats for specific technology topics. Having originally emerged from the trade fair and congress sector, the company now offers much more than internationally established technology events. Thanks to the consistent development of its portfolio, Mesago connects leading players worldwide through innovative platforms in the form of industry-specific technology hubs, available 24/7, 365 days a year. Alongside traditional expos and conferences, these hubs comprise digital events, in-depth knowledge formats, and comprehensive services that are tailored to the specific requirements of individual industries.
These hubs create a dynamic space for a timely exchange of information and technological innovation, providing a year-round flow of content. With a view to the ever-changing needs of trade communities, Mesago creates ideal conditions through its forward-looking formats, primarily to further develop an even more efficient global network and to ensure that it is always up to date with the latest developments. This is true to the company's motto: 'Connecting bright minds'.
As part of the Messe Frankfurt Group, Mesago employs around 170 people at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. (mesago.com)
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information
Background information on the Working Group Additive Manufacturing (Honorary Sponsor)
Within the Working Group Additive Manufacturing, about 200 companies and research institutes collaborate under the direction of the German industry federation VDMA. Here, plant engineers; component and material suppliers; industrial companies that work with metals and plastics; service providers in software, manufacturing, and processing; and numerous researchers all work toward the same goal: the industrialization of Additive Manufacturing techniques. (am.vdma.org)