New formats in the supporting program, more internationality and even more exhibitors from Austria: Exhibition Director Isabelle Teufert on the present and future of Enforce Tac and the importance of “Made in Austria” for the European security trade fair.
Ms. Teufert, Enforce Tac 2025 is an absolute record-breaking event – even bigger and with even more exhibitors than in 2024. Where should the journey take us in the future? How much further can the trade fair grow?
The exhibition grounds have 180,000 square meters of gross exhibition space. After that, we outsource (laughs). No, joking aside: yes, absolutely. We are still absolutely delighted that the Enforce Tac 2024 was so successful and exceeded all expectations. But even though it was a great success, we are always striving to improve and make the event even more attractive. The security and defense sector is constantly evolving, and so are the demands on our event. We are convinced that we can continue to grow. In doing so, we are not only focusing on expanding the trade fair, but above all on deepening and further developing our program.
“we are always striving to improve and make the event even more attractive.”
Enforce Tac-Leiterin Isabelle Teufert
In what way?
By focusing even more strongly on future-oriented topics such as the advancing digitalization in the security sector, the challenges posed by hybrid warfare and the growing importance of resilience in defence. We are also planning to develop new formats and synergies with partners in order to intensify the exchange between exhibitors, trade visitors and experts.
Austrialpin Geschäftsführerin Katrin Mark-Winkler im Interview
Can you give some examples of this?
Yes, for example the Ammo Symposium, which will celebrate its premiere in 2025 and addresses the topic of ammunition procurement. Or the German Nordic Defense Industry Dialogue. This is a newly initiated multilateral dialog format that aims to create an innovative ecosystem for the defence industry consisting of Germany and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. In this way, we can ensure that Enforce Tac continues to play a leading role as a central platform for dialog and presentation of innovations in the security and defense industry. The twelfth edition is sure to set new standards and offer even more professionals and companies the opportunity to network and shape the future of the industry.
The Austrian exhibitors are right in the middle of this development instead of just being part of it. Around 30 red-white-red companies are exhibiting this year(-> The Austrians at Enforce Tac 2024). What significance does “Made in Austria” have for you as a trade fair organizer?
“Made in Austria” stands for innovation, quality and reliability, especially in the field of armored vehicles, aircraft and artillery – characteristics that are of central importance in the security and defense industry. For us as trade fair organizers, it is therefore a great enrichment that around 30 Austrian companies are presenting their solutions and products at Enforce Tac. With the new Austrian Pavilion, we are also creating a central platform that further increases the visibility of these high-quality contributions from Austria and promotes the exchange between international trade visitors and the red-white-red exhibitors. This cooperation underlines the European dimension of our event and shows how important cross-border synergies are for the security and defense industry.
Are there any companies from Austria that are taking part for the first time this year?
Yes, we are very pleased that some Austrian companies will also be represented as “newcomers” at Enforce Tac this year. Among others, we are looking forward to IQ Brand, Design & Production GmbH (note: Gloryfy, -> Interview with Gloryfy Managing Director Christoph Egger), which is known for its innovative design and production solutions, and Sentinels Options GmbH, which specializes in high-quality security solutions. Another highlight is the Austrian start-up LX Robotics GmbH, which is providing particularly fresh impetus with its technological innovations. These new additions show how diverse and future-oriented the security and defense industry in Austria is.
Which technologies or products are Austrian companies focusing on? Are there any particular innovations that stand out?
At Enforce Tac, Austrian companies will be showing what they are made of – and that’s quite a lot! From weapons and personal protective equipment that not only protect but also impress, through optics and optronics to information and communication technology. Innovation is almost an Austrian trademark. It’s not just about meeting standards, but redefining them. And who knows, perhaps a few products “made in Austria” will be presented at Enforce Tac that will surprise us all.
Many visitors also come from Austria. Can you give specific figures here?
Austria not only plays an important role for exhibitors, but also for our visitors. Austria is the third most visited country at Enforce Tac. This figure shows how relevant the event is for the Austrian security and defense industry and how intensive the exchange is across borders. It is great to see how both exhibitors and visitors from Austria use our platform to generate new impetus and strengthen cooperation at European level.
“Innovation is an Austrian trademark.”
Enforce Tac-Leiterin Isabelle Teufert
Do you still see potential for growth in Austria – both in terms of exhibitors and visitors? And how do you intend to specifically address this potential?
Absolutely! Austria’s current equipment goals in the security and defense industry offer many points of contact for innovative companies and trade visitors. This is where we want to focus and address these needs more strongly.
How is this supposed to work in practice?
One concrete step is the intensification of our cooperation with Militär Aktuell, an important platform for the Austrian industry. This will not only allow us to communicate in a targeted manner, but also ensure that Enforce Tac keeps its finger on the pulse and focuses on the right topics. We are also thinking about new formats that are specifically tailored to the interests and challenges of the Austrian market. Whether forums, workshops or networking events – our aim is to promote exchange and create added value. Ultimately, we see Enforce Tac as a dynamic platform that is constantly evolving in order to network both national and international players in the best possible way. Especially for a country as innovative as Austria, there is still a lot of exciting potential to be tapped into.
How do you assess Austria’s role in the international security and defense industry? Is there a specific focus that distinguishes the country?
What makes Austria particularly special is the combination of tradition and modernity: decades of experience and the highest manufacturing standards meet impressive innovative strength. This mix makes the country an important player that not only supplies products, but in my opinion also sets decisive impulses for the entire security and defense industry. One name that is inextricably linked to Austria’s reputation is, of course, Glock. With its reliable and innovative products, the weapons manufacturer has long since established itself as a global market leader and plays a decisive role in shaping the image of Austrian expertise in the industry.
What trends or developments do you expect to see at Enforce Tac in the coming years, and how could Austrian companies benefit from them?
The security and defense industry is undergoing an exciting transformation and we expect this dynamic to be reflected at Enforce Tac in the coming years. A key trend is the focus on research and development: Innovations in the field of new technologies, materials and solutions are becoming increasingly important – this is where Austrian companies can score particularly well with their expertise and creative potential. We are also planning to further expand the supporting program. Forums, symposia and specialist lectures not only offer companies a platform to present their products, but also to actively engage in dialog and provide impetus for the future of the industry.
And Austrian companies could also benefit from this?
Of course. This also creates new opportunities for Austrian companies to position themselves in a targeted manner. Cooperation and delegations will also play an increasingly important role. International cooperation – whether through joint projects or bilateral talks – will continue to be promoted. Companies that are prepared to think outside the box and enter into partnerships will benefit here. Austria’s geographical and economic position offers ideal conditions for this. The internationalization of Enforce Tac is also progressing, which is an opportunity for Austrian companies to become more globally networked and tap into new markets. They can increase their visibility in a targeted manner through growing participation opportunities, for example in the form of topic-specific exhibitions or customized formats. In short: Enforce Tac is growing and developing – and Austrian companies have the opportunity to actively shape this path and become even stronger together with the trade fair. We look forward to seeing many Austrians at Enforce Tac 2025.
