SMM 2026 launches dedicated Naval Hall

Hall B8 brings together an exhibition, conference programme and networking opportunities for maritime security and defence.

SMM is expanding its Maritime Security & Defence offering with the launch of the Naval Hall, a dedicated exhibition hall for the sector. Hall B8 combines a specialised exhibition, the Naval Stage as the venue for an international conference programme, and networking opportunities. The Naval Hall will serve as a meeting place for industry, navies, procurement organisations, research institutions, start-ups and international delegations.

From 1 to 4 September 2026, more than 50 companies and organisations will showcase technologies and systems for naval vessels, maritime surveillance, communications, underwater applications and other maritime security and defence solutions. Across the wider exhibition grounds, more than 150 additional exhibitors will present dual-use technologies and solutions for commercial and naval applications.

“SMM has always evolved alongside the maritime industry. Maritime security, defence and dual-use technologies have been an integral part of our exhibition and conference programme for many years. With the Naval Hall, we are taking the next step by creating a dedicated hall and stage for this important sector,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

Technological diversity

The Naval Hall will showcase a broad range of maritime security and defence technologies, ranging from shipbuilding and naval systems to communications, sensors, navigation, automation, underwater technologies and satellite-based solutions. Exhibitors include Rheinmetall Naval Systems, KONGSBERG FERROTECH, Bosch Rexroth, Rohde & Schwarz, Telespazio, Emerson – Damcos, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and ELAC SONAR. Across the wider exhibition grounds, companies including Fincantieri, Damen Shipyards, Navantia, Fassmer, Anschütz and Hensoldt will present additional solutions for maritime security and dual-use applications.

Exhibition highlights include Bosch Rexroth’s drive and control technologies for naval and defence applications, with live demonstrations of its Motion Platforms. KONGSBERG FERROTECH will present a robotic solution for underwater hull repairs, enabling shipyard-quality repairs without dry-docking or interrupting vessel operations. Telespazio will showcase satellite communications solutions, including a resilient multi-orbit communications architecture and the AI-enabled T-BOX EVO for secure and resilient connectivity at sea.

Technology transfer

Another focus is the transfer of new technologies into operational use. The Bundeswehr Innovation Centre (InnoZBw) will demonstrate how collaboration among start-ups, research institutions and industry can accelerate the transition of innovations from concept to operational capability. The programme is complemented by the Dual-Use Tech Newcomer Zone, start-up speaker sessions and additional innovation and networking formats, providing companies with a platform to present their solutions to an international professional audience.

“Innovation plays a key role in strengthening defence capabilities and is equally essential for maritime security. Especially in the field of dual-use technologies, expertise from industry, academia and the armed forces can be brought together to significantly accelerate the journey from concept to operational application. The Naval Hall provides exactly the right environment for this within SMM,” says Rear Admiral Bock, Head of the Bundeswehr Innovation Centre.

MS&D Conference and Naval Stage

One of the programme highlights in the Naval Hall is the MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security & Defence, taking place on 3 and 4 September on the Naval Stage and open to all SMM participants. Together with sessions taking place on 1 and 2 September, it forms a four-day conference programme covering technological developments and strategic aspects of maritime security.

Agenda topics include underwater systems, technological sovereignty, European cooperation in naval shipbuilding, maritime resilience, autonomous systems, industrial capability and defence procurement. The MS&D Conference is curated by the German Maritime Institute (DMI). The Naval Stage programme is organised in cooperation with partners including Sea Naval – the European platform connecting navies, shipyards and the maritime security and defence industry – the German Society for Maritime Technology (GMT) and maritime think tank Nexmaris.

“Maritime security has become a key element of both economic competitiveness and strategic resilience. The growing challenges at sea can only be addressed through close cooperation between governments, navies, industry and academia. Platforms such as SMM and its new Naval Hall provide exactly the right environment for this exchange,” says Dr Moritz Brake, Founder and Managing Director of Nexmaris.

From innovation to procurement

To help innovations reach procurement processes more quickly, the Naval Hall will offer dedicated matchmaking and networking formats connecting industry, procurement organisations and potential suppliers. A key element is the BME Buyers’ Day, taking place for the first time as part of SMM on 1 September. Organised in cooperation with the German Association for Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (BME), a German professional association for procurement, supply chain management and logistics, the event will focus on strengthening European supply chains, expanding shipbuilding capacity, autonomous systems and improving market access for new suppliers to the defence sector.

The programme also features SVI Connect, a platform funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and jointly developed by BME and the German Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSV). It digitally connects procurement organisations, defence companies and potential suppliers, making it easier for new entrants and dual-use companies in particular to access defence supply chains.