Who should apply: Export-ready Canadian defence and security companies with solutions relevant to the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, including Poland, Ukraine and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) markets.
International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026)
Event type: Trade show
Date: September 7 to 11, 2026
Location: Kielce, Poland
Industry: Defence and security
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
On this page
Event description
The International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) is Europe’s third-largest defence and security trade show, and the flagship defence event in Central and Eastern Europe. Participants are expected from across the region, NATO partner markets, and globally. Held annually, the 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet featuring:
- more than 40,000 visitors
- more than 900 exhibitors
- more than 60 official delegations
- 2 new exhibition halls
In 2026, Canada will be the lead nation, offering:
- enhanced visibility and space for exhibiting Canadian companies to showcase their solutions
- increased access to decision makers and buyers for participating Canadian companies and partners
Program (in development)
- Market briefing with local industry and experts
- Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings with Polish buyers and partners offered to eligible participating companies (not applicable to trade associations, and chambers of commerce)
- Networking opportunities with key industry players, government representatives, and global leaders
- Participation in the Canada Lead Nation Pavilion
Who eligible to participate?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
To be considered for Canada’s MSPO 2026 program, Canadian SMEs must clearly demonstrate that they:
- have between 1 and 500 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- operate in the defence and security sector
- are export-ready with potential for success in Poland and the broader CEE region, including:
- having a commercialized product or service
- targeting Poland or the region as part of their international business plan
- allocating significant human, financial, and time resources toward internationalization
- conducting market research
- meet the eligibility criteria to qualify as a client of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Industry leaders
Canadian industry leaders, including large businesses, may join Canada’s MSPO 2026 program if they:
- have over 500 FTE employees
- operate in the defence or security sector
- have a demonstrated interest in Poland or the CEE defence markets
- contribute to commercial, industrial or strategic objectives for Canada
- bring visibility, expertise or sector leadership that strengthens the Canadian presence at MSPO
- meet the eligibility criteria to qualify as a client of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Partners
We welcome participation from Canadian partners whose mandates support the promotion of Canada’s defence and security capabilities internationally, including:
- provinces
- territories
- industry associations
- defence-focused organizations
Opportunities for Canadian participants
Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings
All eligible participating Canadian companies, including SMEs and industry leaders, may be considered for B2B/B2G meetings.
Meetings will be curated based on:
- relevance to buyer needs
- alignment with Polish procurement priorities
- company readiness and follow-up capacity
- availability of meeting slots
Selection for the B2B/B2G program includes an initial meeting with the service provider to assess your market fit. This does not guarantee that buyer meetings will be arranged.
Exhibiting in the Canada Pavilion at MSPO 2026
SMEs
Selected Canadian SMEs may exhibit within the Canada Pavilion. There is no fee to participate. Participation in the Canada Pavilion includes:
- a dedicated kiosk-style booth space within the Canada Pavilion to showcase company technologies and solutions
- Canada Pavilion branding
- visibility under Canada’s Lead Nation profile
- access to the business programming
- B2B and B2G meetings
- inclusion in the exhibitor directory shared with pavilion visitors and key contacts
Industry leaders
Other Canadian organizations, including large companies, may exhibit by securing custom booth space in coordination with Targi Kielce. This includes:
- positioning alongside the Canada Pavilion as part of Canada’s overall Lead Nation presence
- umbrella branding provided by the Government of Canada
- flexibility to design and brand the exhibit, including space for demonstrations, equipment displays or meeting areas
- access to the business programming
Organizations are responsible for their own booth build, design, and related exhibition costs.
To arrange custom booth space, organizations will be directed to Targi Kielce’s Become an exhibitor page. A separate application to the Trade Commissioner Service is still required for inclusion in Canada’s MSPO business programming, presence and coordination.
Partners
Provinces and territories may exhibit within the Canada Pavilion through dedicated booth space offered on a cost-recovery basis. Their booths will be included under Canada’s Lead Nation branding and positioned alongside other Canadian exhibitors.
Provinces and territories are responsible for reimbursing the Government of Canada for exhibition costs, as well as covering their own travel, accommodation and shipping.
Get prepared
Poland is undergoing Europe’s most ambitious military modernization and expansion since the Cold War. It is one of the EU’s most active, high-value and competitive defence markets.
Visit our defence and security market snapshots to learn more about the defense and security in Poland and other high-potential markets.
Travel arrangements and expenses
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation, including airfare, lodging, and any meals not included in the program.
Programming and travel information will be shared with confirmed participants as it becomes available.
Submit your application
All applications will undergo a screening process to assess eligibility and suitability for Canada’s MSPO 2026 program. Ensure your responses are complete and detailed, as evaluations will be based solely on the information provided. Due to high demand and limited space, incomplete applications may not be considered. The TCS reserves the right to select only the Canadian companies and organizations that align with the sectoral focus and objectives of the program.
To accommodate as many participants as possible, each organization may register up to two representatives. Some program elements may have capacity limits that allow only one representative per organization.
Selected participants will receive a detailed program and resources to support travel planning.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
Additional resources
Contact us
For questions or more information about the program, please contact mspo2026.tsg@international.gc.ca.