The Slovenian International Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (SIDEC) has opened its doors, bringing together defence leaders, industry experts, and technology innovators to shape the future of European security. This year’s event underscores Slovenia’s growing role in the defence sector, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, technological advancement, and strategic sovereignty.
Minister of Defence Borut Šajngart set the tone during the official opening, addressing a distinguished audience of ministers, military chiefs, parliamentarians, and industry representatives. He stressed the importance of unity in safeguarding national and collective security. “There is only one security, and we ensure it together,” he declared, highlighting the fair’s potential to strengthen both Slovenia’s defence capabilities and its industrial base.
Šajngart pointed to the participation of over 250 Slovenian companies in key defence projects, noting that such collaboration fosters the development of high-tech, high-value products. “For three years, we have been building an economic foundation that can be assembled into competitive offerings for major foreign defence corporations,” he explained. The minister also highlighted the increasing investment in research and development, a cornerstone of Slovenia’s strategy to bolster its defence industry.
The fair’s global significance was further underscored by the presence of major international players, including Rheinmetall, Diehl Defence, Leonardo, Airbus, KNDS, FN Herstal, and Thales. Their participation cements SIDEC’s position on the international stage, reflecting Slovenia’s rising stature in defence innovation.
Boštjan Skalar, Director of the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster (GOIS), framed SIDEC as more than a showcase of military technology—it is a platform for shared vision and strategic dialogue. “The Slovenian defence industry has become a recognised part of the European and global defence ecosystem,” he said, emphasising that cooperation is the key to success. Skalar envisions SIDEC as a catalyst for integration, technological progress, and the reinforcement of national resilience.
Željko Kralj, Director General of the Logistics Directorate at the Ministry of Defence, highlighted the ministry’s success in connecting Slovenian industry and science to deliver technologically advanced, internationally competitive products. He cited the European dual-use energy project, where Slovenia leads, as a prime example of this synergy.
A cornerstone of SIDEC is its professional conference, featuring five panel discussions on critical topics such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, future technologies, and the newly adopted Strategy for the Development of the Defence Industry and Technology Base in the Republic of Slovenia. State Secretary Boštjan Pavlin emphasised that the strategy, adopted in July, aims to gradually increase the defence budget to 3% of GDP over five years, leveraging domestic expertise while enhancing general societal resilience. The Strategic Council for Defence Technology and Industrial Base and Resilience, established to oversee the strategy’s implementation, includes representatives from various ministries, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders.
The conference also addressed the role of consortia in driving innovation. Pavlin noted that consortia have been instrumental in consolidating Slovenia’s defence industry over the past three years. To further this effort, the Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the Slovenian Armed Forces, four universities, and the Slovenian Institute of Quality and Metrology to standardise equipment testing.
The defence industry’s economic impact was also a key topic. Data presented at the conference revealed that the sector already generates 40% higher added value per employee compared to other industries. DOVOS, a state-owned company established in September to oversee defence, security, and resilience, will play a pivotal role in this growth. Dr. Damir Črnčec, Chairman of DOVOS’s Supervisory Board, announced that the company will soon launch its first public call for companies to submit proposals for industrialising defence, security, and resilience products. Črnčec expressed confidence that Slovenia’s progress over the past two years will yield tangible results by the next SIDEC event.
Matej Miklavčič, Chairman of the GOIS Supervisory Board, highlighted the European defence market’s growth, which expanded from €343 billion (1.9% of GDP) in 2023 to €381 billion (2.1% of GDP) this year. He stressed the importance of consortia in accelerating the development of defence products, from concept to industrialisation.
Simon Šimenka from SID Bank noted that Slovenian banks are increasingly supportive of the defence and security sector. SID Bank is also establishing a fund with the Ministry of Defence to finance the development and production of domestic defence solutions. A similar fund is being set up in the Western Balkans region.
With 172 companies and organisations from 20 countries exhibiting on over 10,000 square metres, SIDEC 2025 showcases the latest advancements in defence