ENDR Conference: BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 - the premier defence and security event in Cyprus has opened its doors

The International Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition, BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 officially kicked off on 26 February 2026.

The conference is taking place at Nicosia and is under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, with support from the Cyprus Police and other key organizations.

The conference portion of the event is organized in partnership with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS / ENDR), the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE).

Featuring 35 participating companies and entities from Cyprus, Greece, and other European nations, the event bridges the domestic and international defence industries. It also connects these businesses with relevant authorities, the armed forces, and law enforcement. As such, it marks a major milestone for both the national defence and security ecosystem and the domestic defence sector.

"BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026" is the largest defence and security event hosted in Cyprus to date. By bringing together relevant authorities, armed forces, security personnel, and companies from Cyprus and abroad, it empowers the domestic defence industry with the ultimate goal of bolstering the island's security and economic resilience.

During the opening ceremony, remarks were delivered by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Attending the BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED conference for the second consecutive year, his presence underscores both his personal and the government's commitment to initiatives that promote and strengthen the domestic defence and security ecosystem.

The President reaffirmed the Government's backing of the local defence industry and the implementation of announced measures, including the drafting of a National Defence Industry Strategy. He also highlighted the significance of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU under the motto, "An Autonomous Union, Open to the World." Emphasizing that Cyprus continues to suffer from the Turkish occupation, he touched upon modern global conflicts and the rise of hybrid and cyber threats. Noting the high priority the EU places on defence, he stressed that "the goal is for Cyprus to become a reliable co-producer within the European supply chain."

President Christodoulides was subsequently honored with the "Cyprus Defence Industry Award" in recognition of his steadfast contribution and support to the sector's growth.

Dr. Tasos Kounoudis, President of the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises (CARIE), thanked the President and the Government for their continuous support. He highlighted that "with over 500 delegates and more than 30 companies participating, this event proves the rapid growth of the Cypriot defence industry, which is not only developing new technologies but actively producing and exporting them."

Dr. Panagiotis Chatzipavlis, Defence Director at the General Procurement and Defence Capabilities Development Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, praised the event's organization, stating it is "an exceptional platform that showcases the domestic defence industry's potential to enhance the capabilities of the National Guard and boost the national economy." He emphasized the excellent synergy between the defence ecosystem and the Ministry, noting that the Ministry of Defence will continue to champion corporate efforts to highlight the full potential of the local defence and security sector.

As part of the event, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed between Hellas Sat, the French Space Agency (CNES), and French companies Thales Alenia Space and Safran Data Systems. The agreement centers on developing an optical communications system for the upcoming Hellas Sat 5 satellite, further cementing the enhanced cooperation between Cyprus and France in the space sector and other areas of strategic importance.

The event features presentations from participating organizations, specialized panel discussions on key defence topics, and an exhibition of advanced systems in custom-designed indoor and outdoor spaces. For the first time, the exhibition segment was opened to the general public, giving attendees a firsthand look at the defence and security products on display, as well as operational vehicles and systems currently utilized by the National Guard and Security Forces.