--- eventsindex_id: "EI-02919" slug: ideb title: "IDEB" title_alt: ["IDEB Defence & Security", "International Defence Exhibition Bratislava", "IDEB Incheba"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/ideb.html" next_edition_year: 2028 date_start: "2026-05-12" date_end: "2026-05-14" venue: "Incheba Expo Bratislava" city: "Bratislava" country: "Slovakia" organiser: "Incheba a.s." organiser_url: "https://www.incheba.sk/en/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security, policy] format: [exhibition, conference, forum] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, innovation] geography_scope: [regional, pan-EMEA] season: spring meta_description: "IDEB Defence & Security 2026, Bratislava, 12-14 May. Largest edition in history: 150+ exhibitors, 17 countries, world premiere of the CFL-120 Karpat tank." editorial_take: "IDEB has quietly become Central Europe's most industrially consequential smaller defence fair: the 2026 edition delivered a world tank premiere and a major CSG-FNSS-Leonardo industrial alliance announcement in a format compact enough to allow genuine dialogue between ministers, procurement officers, and manufacturers within three days." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 38/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # IDEB > *IDEB Defence and Security is Slovakia's biennial international defence and security trade fair, held at Incheba Expo Bratislava. The 2026 edition (12-14 May) was the largest in the event's history: over 150 exhibitors from 17 countries, more than 250 systems on display, and a world premiere of the CFL-120 Karpat medium tank by the CSG Group, FNSS, and Leonardo. The professional guarantor is the Slovak Ministry of Defence. The next edition is planned for 2028.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **12-14 May 2026 (past)** | **Incheba Expo Bratislava** | **Incheba a.s.** | **150+ exhibitors / 17 countries** | | 3 days, biennial | Bratislava, Slovakia | Expo and events company | 250+ systems displayed | --- ## Definition IDEB Defence and Security is Slovakia's principal biennial international defence and security trade fair, organised by Incheba a.s. at its Incheba Expo Bratislava complex. The event is held under the professional guarantee of the Slovak Ministry of Defence, with the Ministry of the Interior also contributing a broad demonstration programme. The 2026 edition ran 12-14 May and was the largest in the event's history, featuring over 150 exhibitors from 17 countries and more than 250 systems on display across the largest exhibition area IDEB has used to date. The next edition is planned for 2028. ## History and origins IDEB was established by Incheba a.s., the Slovak trade fair and exhibition conglomerate headquartered at the Incheba Expo complex on the Danube riverfront in Bratislava. The event grew from a national Slovak industry showcase into a recognised Central European defence platform over successive biennial editions. Its positioning benefits from Slovakia's NATO membership, its border with Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Poland, and its growing domestic defence industry. The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic serves as the professional guarantor, presenting its own activities and equipment used by the Slovak Armed Forces at each edition. The Ministry of the Interior introduces its units through demonstrations covering the Police Force, Air Service, Fire and Rescue Service, and Mountain Rescue Service. ## The 2026 edition: record floor and a world premiere IDEB 2026 set a new record for the event on multiple metrics: the largest exhibition area in its history, over 150 exhibitors from 17 countries, and more than 250 exhibits ranging from armoured vehicles and artillery to unmanned systems and cybersecurity technologies. The highlight of the 2026 edition was the world premiere of the CFL-120 Karpat, a medium combat vehicle developed jointly by the CSG Group, Turkish company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri, and Leonardo (Italian Hitfact MkII turret). The vehicle combines the Turkish Kaplan armoured platform with a 120 mm automatic cannon turret and production capabilities at CSG facilities in Slovakia. At approximately 35 tonnes, the CFL-120 offers Level 5 ballistic protection and a crew of three to four, positioning it as an affordable alternative to main battle tanks. The CSG Group occupied the largest exhibition space at the fair and also announced a strategic partnership with FNSS focused on joint development and production of armoured platforms for European markets, with planned technology transfer and involvement of Slovak suppliers. Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zuna attended and held bilateral meetings with Slovak and foreign counterparts. The outdoor exhibition area featured a Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk, an IAI Barak MX air defence system, and a Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70. ## Where IDEB sits in the defence calendar IDEB runs in May of even years. In 2026 it preceded Eurosatory (Paris, June) and followed MSPO (Poland, September) in the Central European biennial cycle. Within the V4 (Visegrad Four) region, it is the Slovak counterpart to Future Forces (Czech Republic), MSPO (Poland), and HUNDEM (Hungary). Its compact three-day format and Bratislava location make it accessible for exhibitors and officials from Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and Warsaw within a single working-day travel. ## Who attends IDEB Major global defence manufacturers at IDEB 2026 included Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Thales, Saab, Rafael, ThyssenKrupp, Colt CZ Group, and IAI. The Slovak defence industry was strongly represented through companies including DMD Group (EVA M3 howitzer, SAM120 mortar, CPVII mobile command post), EVPÚ (Turra 30 V10 unmanned turret, fire control systems), and the CSG Group's Slovak entities. Czech companies including Tatra Defence Vehicle (Pandur 8x8 EVO) and Pramacom (FPV drones, night vision) were also present. Government and military visitors included defence ministers and military representatives from Slovakia, Czech Republic, and several other countries. The event draws procurement officials from Slovak and allied armed forces alongside security service and law enforcement representatives. ## What the IDEB format includes IDEB combines an indoor exhibition floor with extensive outdoor static display areas at the Incheba Expo complex. The programme includes a formal conference component with presentations by government and industry representatives, bilateral ministerial meetings, live demonstrations of land systems and equipment in the outdoor area, and product launch opportunities. The 2026 edition's outdoor area hosted heavy equipment including a Black Hawk helicopter, air defence system, and combat aircraft. Slovak military units also conduct equipment presentations as part of the Ministry of Defence contribution. ## What IDEB covers Core product domains: armoured and wheeled vehicles; ammunition and artillery; unmanned aerial and ground systems; cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection; air defence; individual equipment and protection; communication and command systems; logistical support; digitisation of the battlefield. The 2026 edition placed particular emphasis on European defence industrial cooperation, lessons from Ukraine (including drone proliferation, counter-UAS, and battlefield digitisation), and the localisation of defence production within Europe. ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Exhibitors | 150+ | | Countries represented | 17 | | Systems and exhibits displayed | 250+ | | Exhibition area | largest in IDEB history | | World premieres | 1 (CFL-120 Karpat) | | Duration | 3 days | | Outdoor display highlights | UH-60M Black Hawk; IAI Barak MX; F-16V Block 70 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Who guarantees the professional standards of IDEB? The Slovak Ministry of Defence is the professional guarantor of the exhibition and presents its own activities and Armed Forces equipment at each edition. The Ministry of the Interior also contributes demonstrations from its Police Force, Air Service, Fire Rescue, and Mountain Rescue units. ### How does IDEB compare to Future Forces in Prague? IDEB and Future Forces are the two biennial national defence shows in neighbouring V4 countries. IDEB (May, Bratislava) is a more compact event running three days with a floor scale suited to Central European suppliers and buyers; Future Forces (October, Prague) is larger (400+ exhibitors vs. 150+) and includes an extensive multi-conference format with formal NATO working group sessions. The two events complement rather than directly compete, as they target overlapping but distinct national and industrial audiences. ### Is IDEB open to the general public? The IDEB exhibition at Incheba is primarily a professional trade event; visitor access policy for the general public was not confirmed at time of verification. The Slovak Ministry of Defence and Ministry of the Interior presentations include elements designed for general public understanding of Slovak security forces. --- ## The venue: Incheba Expo Bratislava Incheba Expo Bratislava is located at Viedenska cesta 3-7, 851 01 Bratislava, on the southern bank of the Danube, approximately 4 km from Bratislava city centre. The complex includes multiple interconnected exhibition halls with approximately 20,000 sq m of covered space, plus outdoor areas suitable for heavy equipment display. It is accessible by tram (line 2), bus, and car from Bratislava city centre. Bratislava Airport (BTS) is approximately 12 km from the venue; Vienna International Airport (VIE, approximately 60 km) provides better international connections and is served by direct bus links to Bratislava. ## The organiser: Incheba a.s. Incheba a.s. is the Slovak trade fair and exhibition company that owns and operates the Incheba Expo Bratislava complex. The company has operated the venue and a portfolio of trade fairs since the 1970s. For IDEB, Incheba acts as organiser and venue host, with the Slovak Ministry of Defence providing professional oversight. The Incheba complex has historically hosted a broad range of international B2B exhibitions across multiple sectors. --- ## Editorial take *IDEB proved in 2026 that a three-day biennial event in a mid-sized Central European capital can generate outsized industry impact: a world tank premiere, a major tri-national industrial alliance announcement, and ministerial-level political dialogue, all packed into the Incheba halls at a scale that keeps conversations direct and productive.* --- ## How to register and what it costs IDEB visitor and exhibitor registration is managed through the Incheba website (incheba.sk). Exhibitor pricing is not disclosed on the public website. Professional visitors are expected to register in advance; pricing details are not published. Companies may contact Incheba directly via the website for exhibiting rates and participation packages. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### How do I get to Bratislava from Vienna? Vienna International Airport (VIE) offers the most international flight connections. From VIE, take the direct FlixBus or Eurolines coach to Bratislava (approximately 1 hour) or a taxi or rideshare (approximately 50-60 minutes). Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) also connects Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Bratislava Hlavna stanica in approximately 1 hour. The Incheba complex is then accessible by tram 2 from the main station. ### What language is used at IDEB? Slovak and English are the primary event languages. Given the V4 regional audience, Czech is widely understood. International exhibitor communications are conducted in English. ### When will the next IDEB take place? The next edition is planned for 2028. No confirmed dates had been published at time of verification. Monitor the Incheba website for announcements. --- ## First time at IDEB? How to prepare - **Register in advance via the Incheba website.** Pre-registration ensures faster access and confirmation of professional visitor status required for entry to the trade-only sections. - **Allow time for the outdoor static display.** Some of IDEB's most impressive exhibits are in the outdoor area: heavy vehicles, air defence systems, and in 2026 a combat aircraft were displayed outside the main halls. Plan at least a half-day for the outdoor section. - **Reach out to Slovak defence industry associations before the event.** The Slovak defence industry is compact and accessible; contacting BSDK (Slovak Defence Industry Association) or MSM Group before IDEB helps secure introductions to domestic manufacturers and procurement contacts that are harder to initiate cold on the floor. - **Use the proximity to Vienna and Prague.** Bratislava sits 60 km from Vienna and 330 km from Prague. Combining an IDEB visit with meetings in either capital is practical and common among regional defence industry professionals. - **Dress professionally; military visitors attend in uniform.** The event has a high proportion of active military and government officials; business attire is standard for industry participants, and a professional appearance facilitates access to ministerial-level networking moments. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.incheba.sk/en/fairs-and-exhibitions/ideb-defence-security-2/ | | LinkedIn | not disclosed | | X | not disclosed | | Register | https://www.incheba.sk/en/ | | Programme | not disclosed | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2027-05-01 **Notes:** IDEB 2026 ran 12-14 May 2026 (past). Figures from CZ DEFENCE post-event report (20 May 2026) and Militaeraktuell highlights. Final official visitor count not published at time of verification. Next edition 2028; no confirmed dates yet. **Variables:** 38/58 **Concept definition:** applicable