ASDA – Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace

History and origin

ASDA was created in its original form in 2007, positioning itself as a defence exhibition for the Adriatic region at a time when Croatia's NATO accession (2009) and EU accession (2013) were making the country an increasingly relevant partner for Western defence industries. In its early editions the show established itself as a biennial gathering with gradual growth in both exhibitor numbers and military delegation attendance. Over its eighteen-year history it has never recorded a decline in registered exhibitors or visitors edition-on-edition, according to organiser statements. The 2025 edition, held in Zagreb for the first time (previous editions were held in Split), was the largest yet, reflecting the sharp increase in European defence spending following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The 2027 edition: building on a record 2025

ASDA 2027 is scheduled for 27-29 April 2027 at Arena Zagreb. Pre-registration for exhibitors was open as of mid-2026 via the official website. The ASDA 2026 Conference -- a standalone policy event -- is listed on the website as an interim engagement between the biennial exhibitions. The 2027 edition is expected to maintain the full-size live demonstrations and tri-service format that distinguished ASDA 2025, and to build on the record figures from that edition: 236 exhibitors from 28 countries and over 8,000 visitors including more than 100 foreign military delegates from 20 countries spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Africa.

Where ASDA sits in the defence calendar

ASDA occupies a distinctive niche as the principal defence exhibition for the Adriatic and Western Balkans corridor. It sits geographically and commercially between the larger pan-European fairs (Eurosatory, DSEI, Eurosatory) and the smaller national shows of the Western Balkans. Its biennial April slot avoids direct competition with the major autumn defence calendar (DSEI in September, Eurosatory in June, MSPO in September). Croatia's NATO membership and its Adriatic coastline make it a natural hub for naval and maritime-domain exhibitors alongside land and air systems. ASDA also functions as the principal defence market access platform for the Western Balkans countries that attend as visitors or with small national pavilions.

Who attends ASDA

Exhibitors include European and international defence primes (Kongsberg was confirmed for ASDA 2025), Tier-2 system integrators, and a significant bloc of Croatian domestic industry. The 28-country exhibitor spread at ASDA 2025 reflects participation from NATO member states, EU partner nations and Middle Eastern buyers. On the visitor side, the 100+ foreign military delegations at ASDA 2025 -- from 20 countries spanning five continents -- indicate genuine procurement intent rather than trade tourism. Croatian Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence officials attend with procurement authority. The final public day of ASDA attracts civilian visitors interested in aerospace and military technology.

What the ASDA format includes

ASDA combines an indoor exhibition floor at Arena Zagreb with outdoor and arena-floor areas suited to full-scale static displays. The format includes:

• Indoor exhibition halls for system and component exhibitors
• Full-size live demonstration zone for ground vehicles, aircraft and naval systems
• Conference and workshop programme (themed on current defence and security challenges)
• Official military delegation bilateral meeting programme
• Business matchmaking sessions for exhibitors and visitors
• ASDA 2026 Conference (standalone annual event between biennial exhibitions)
• Public open day on the final exhibition day

What ASDA covers

ASDA's exhibition themes span:

• Land systems: armoured vehicles, wheeled platforms, artillery, manoeuvre systems
• Air systems: fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing, UAVs and unmanned systems
• Naval and maritime systems: vessels, systems, coastal defence
• Cyber defence and information warfare
• Homeland security and border control
• Personal protective equipment and individual soldier systems
• C4ISR: communications, command, control, intelligence systems
• Logistics and combat support

The 2025 edition in numbers (organiser-declared)

The venue: Arena Zagreb

Arena Zagreb is Croatia's largest indoor multi-purpose arena, located at Avenija Dubrovnik 2, Zagreb. It has a total capacity of approximately 21,000 for concerts and a large flexible floor space adapted for exhibitions and trade fairs. The venue is accessible by tram and bus from Zagreb city centre (approximately 20 minutes) and is within 30 minutes of Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport. Ample parking is available on site. The arena's large column-free floor enables full-size vehicle displays and live demonstrations inside the building, complemented by outdoor areas on the surrounding grounds.

The organiser: TNT Expo

ASDA is operated by TNT Expo, a private exhibition operator with French origins that has developed the Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace brand since the event's inception in 2007. TNT Expo manages exhibitor registration, visitor accreditation, military delegation coordination, construction and logistics services, and the conference programme. The event carries institutional support from Croatia's Ministry of Defence (MORH), which co-signs the event and facilitates official delegation engagement. TNT Expo also organises BSDA (Black Sea Defense and Aerospace) in Bucharest, Romania, using a comparable format and brand identity.

First time at ASDA? How to prepare

• Register as an exhibitor or visitor early. The 2027 pre-registration form for exhibitors was live as of mid-2026. Early registration confirms stand placement priority and ensures inclusion in pre-event directories circulated to military delegations and visiting buyers.
• Download the ASDA 2027 brochure from the official website. The brochure outlines exhibition themes, floor plan zones, and key military delegation categories. Knowing which delegations are expected helps you prioritise your networking schedule.
• Request bilateral meetings with military delegations in advance. ASDA 2025 hosted over 100 foreign military delegates. The organiser facilitates structured bilateral meeting programmes. Submit your meeting request list well before the event to secure appointments with delegations from your target markets.
• Plan for live demonstration coverage. ASDA's outdoor and arena floor areas host full-size vehicle and system demonstrations. Block time in your schedule to observe these -- they are the visual centrepiece of the event and the conversations they generate are often more productive than those at static stands.
• Arrive ready for the Western Balkans and Southeast European market. The visitor base includes procurement officials and military delegations from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia and beyond. If these are target markets, prepare country-specific materials and if possible bring a Croatian or regional-language speaker to assist on your stand.
• Check the ASDA Conference schedule for policy sessions. The conference programme (held during the exhibition days) covers current NATO priorities, regional security challenges and procurement trends. Attending at least one session contextualises the commercial conversations on the floor.