04 Sep Security Essen 2026 to spotlight counter-drone measures

Counter-drone technology and cross-organisational cooperation will be among the key themes at Security Essen 2026, as the security industry responds to evolving threats to critical infrastructure.

Taking place at Messe Essen in Germany from 22–25 September, the event will feature two programme highlights focused on emerging security challenges: the European Drone Conference and a new Emergency Services Forum.

The focus on unmanned aerial systems comes amid growing concern over the security implications of drone use around sensitive sites. While drones can support applications such as critical infrastructure inspection and emergency response, their availability also presents new challenges for operators and security teams.

The European Drone Conference, taking place on 23 and 24 September, will bring together representatives from the security industry, public authorities, academia and politics to examine drone technology, regulation and protection strategies.

Around 20 presentations will cover topics including the protection of critical infrastructure, drone detection and counter-drone systems, as well as research and development.

The programme will also look at the practical use of drones in security, with speakers including Cornelius Toussaint, Vice-President of the German Security Industry Association (BDSW) and Chair of its Drone Expert Committee, and Marcus Schermann of DB Sicherheit GmbH.

Drone management, detection and countermeasures will also be addressed by Ralf Holstein and André Danner of German Business Protection GmbH.

The conference is being organised by the BDSW’s Drone Expert Committee in cooperation with Security Essen and the Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS).

Security Essen will also introduce the Emergency Services Forum (Blaulichtforum) for the first time this year, bringing together public safety organisations, authorities and the security industry.

Held on 22 September in collaboration with Feuerwehr-Magazin and Rettungs-Magazin, the forum will examine how emerging technologies and changing threat scenarios are affecting security and emergency response.

Topics will include the future role of drones and autonomous systems in emergency operations, Germany’s preparedness for CBRNE incidents and hybrid threats, and the role of control centres, communications technology and networked systems in creating a shared operational picture.

The programme will also consider cooperation between civilian and military organisations, reflecting the growing need for coordination across different areas of the security and emergency response ecosystem.

Both the European Drone Conference and Emergency Services Forum will be held in Hall 5, with admission included in the Security Essen trade fair ticket.