--- eventsindex_id: "EI-00531" slug: asda-adriatic-sea-defense-aerospace-croatia title: "ASDA – Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace" title_alt: ["ASDA Croatia", "Adriatic Sea Defense & Aerospace", "BSDA Croatia"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/asda-adriatic-sea-defense-aerospace-croatia.html" next_edition_year: 2027 date_start: "2027-04-27" date_end: "2027-04-29" venue: "Arena Zagreb" city: "Zagreb" country: "Croatia" organiser: "TNT Expo" organiser_url: "https://adriaticseadefense.com/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security] format: [exhibition, conference] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, innovation] geography_scope: [regional] season: spring meta_description: "ASDA Zagreb: biennial defence and aerospace exhibition. 2027 edition: 27-29 April, Arena Zagreb. ASDA 2025: 236 exhibitors, 28 countries, 8,000+ visitors." editorial_take: "ASDA is the Adriatic's gateway to the Balkans and Southeast European defence market -- a biennial tri-service showcase that punches above its regional weight through live demonstrations and genuine military delegation attendance." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 42/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # ASDA – Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace > *ASDA (Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace) is the region's biennial international tri-service defence, aerospace and security exhibition, held in Zagreb, Croatia. Founded in 2007 and running every two years, ASDA 2027 takes place 27-29 April at Arena Zagreb. The 2025 edition was the largest to date, with 236 exhibitors from 28 countries and over 8,000 military and business visitors including more than 100 foreign military delegates.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **27-29 April 2027** | **Arena Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia** | **TNT Expo** | **8,000+ visitors (2025 edition)** | | Biennial (every 2 years) | Av. Dubrovnik 2, Zagreb | Private exhibition operator | 236 exhibitors / 28 countries (2025) | --- ## Definition ASDA – Adriatic Sea Defense and Aerospace is a biennial international specialised exhibition dedicated to defence, aerospace, homeland security and cyber defence. The event was created in 2007 and takes place every two years, rotating between Croatian cities; the 2025 and 2027 editions are staged in Zagreb at the Arena Zagreb multi-purpose venue. ASDA is a tri-service event -- covering land, sea and air domains -- and is distinguished by its emphasis on live demonstrations, full-scale equipment and active engagement with official military delegations. It is operated by the French-originated TNT Expo and has the institutional support of Croatia's Ministry of Defence (MORH). ## 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)* | | | |---|---| | Dates | 8-10 April 2025 | | Venue | Arena Zagreb, Zagreb | | Exhibitors | 236 | | Countries represented (exhibitors) | 28 | | Total visitors | 8,000+ | | Foreign military delegates | 100+ | | Countries represented (delegations) | 20 | | Croatian exhibitors | 48 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is ASDA held every year? No. ASDA is a biennial event, held every two years in April. The 2025 edition was in April 2025; the next full exhibition is ASDA 2027 (27-29 April 2027). In between, the organiser holds the ASDA Conference (a standalone policy and networking event) in the off year. ### Has ASDA always been in Zagreb? No. Earlier editions of ASDA were held in Split. The 2025 and 2027 editions are in Zagreb, at Arena Zagreb. The organiser's website notes this as a venue shift, not a permanent location change; future host cities are not confirmed beyond 2027. ### Is ASDA open to the public? Partially. The first two days of ASDA are professional/trade-only. The final day is open to the general public. This mixed access model contributed to the high visitor numbers at ASDA 2025. --- ## 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. --- ## Editorial take *ASDA is the Adriatic's gateway to the Balkans and Southeast European defence market -- a biennial tri-service showcase that punches above its regional weight through live demonstrations and genuine military delegation attendance.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Exhibitor registration is handled via the official website (adriaticseadefense.com/exhibit-register/). Visitor registration is via a separate portal (asda-registration.tntexpo.net/visitors). The ASDA 2027 brochure and exhibitor catalogue are available for download on the website. Exhibitor stand pricing is not publicly listed and is obtained by direct enquiry to the organiser. Professional visitor registration for the trade days is complimentary on application. Public day admission pricing is not disclosed. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### What transport links serve Zagreb for ASDA? Zagreb Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) has direct connections to most European capitals. Croatian Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France and others serve the route. The city centre and Arena Zagreb are connected by tram and bus. Rail connections from neighbouring countries (Slovenia, Hungary, Austria) serve Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (Main Station) with onward local transport to the venue. ### What language is used at ASDA? English is the working language of the international exhibition. Croatian is used for domestic sessions and signage. The conference programme is conducted primarily in English. ### Are there recommended hotels near Arena Zagreb? Several business hotels are located in central Zagreb within 20 minutes of the venue by tram. No official hotel list for ASDA 2027 was published as of June 2026; the official website (adriaticseadefense.com/location/) provides venue and city access information. --- ## 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. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://adriaticseadefense.com/ | | Exhibitor registration | https://adriaticseadefense.com/exhibit-register/ | | Visitor registration | https://asda-registration.tntexpo.net/visitors | | LinkedIn | not disclosed | | Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/asdacroatia/ | | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/asdacroatia/ | | Programme | https://adriaticseadefense.com/exhibition-themes/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2027-01-10 **Notes:** ASDA 2027 dates (27-29 April 2027) and venue (Arena Zagreb) confirmed via official website adriaticseadefense.com as of June 2026. ASDA 2025 figures (236 exhibitors / 28 countries / 8,000+ visitors / 100+ military delegates / 20 countries) are organiser-declared, corroborated by Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) press release and independent press (combatoperators.com, xinhua). Organiser identified as TNT Expo based on visitor registration subdomain (tntexpo.net). Older editions staged in Split; 2025 and 2027 in Zagreb. ASDA 2026 Conference listed on official site but details not disclosed as of this date. **Variables:** 42/58 **Concept definition:** applicable