December 2025 is poised to be a pivotal month for the defence and military technology (MilTech) sectors, as year-end budget finalisations, geopolitical tensions, and the urgency for rapid innovation converge. This period will witness a flurry of high-stakes events, each addressing critical advancements in counter-drone systems, AI-driven simulations, and joint-domain operations. As holiday slowdowns grip other industries, the defence sector remains in overdrive, drawing elite operators, startups, and policymakers to key gatherings that will shape the trajectory of 2026.
In the United Kingdom, the Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems 2025 conference, set for 3-4 December in London, will unite global leaders in science and technology with military operators. This event will delve into the latest developments in uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), alongside transformative technologies like artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. “Driven by a shared commitment to uncrewed systems innovation, this dynamic conference will shape the future of defence operations,” says the event’s official statement.
Simultaneously, the Defence Transformation Conference 2025, also in London on 3-4 December, will convene for its ninth year. This highly interactive event brings together a broad spectrum of the defence tech ecosystem to frame emerging strategies and evaluate solutions that meet the needs of tomorrow’s operational environments. It promises to be a hub for unfiltered intel swaps and prototype reveals that will set the stage for next year’s advancements.
Across the Atlantic, the United States will host several critical events. The Counter UAS Technology USA 2025 conference, taking place in Washington, D.C., from 1-3 December, will focus on the latest policy developments, research, and operational priorities shaping counter-UAS (C-UAS) strategies. Following a sold-out 2024 edition, this year’s conference will address the growing threat posed by small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), bringing together key stakeholders from the U.S. military, government, and industry.
The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, from 1-4 December, is the world’s largest event dedicated to modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T). This conference will explore the technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of training and operational readiness, attracting thousands of professionals from defence, industry, academia, and international allies.
On 16 December, the Advancing Rapid Defense Innovation Symposium (ARDIS) in Washington, D.C., will convene senior-level leaders for candid discussions on the state of U.S. defence innovation. The event will focus on accelerating fielding through modular open systems, dual-sourcing, and portfolio management, aligning decision-makers on actions that cut cycle time and deliver combat-credible capabilities at speed.
Globally, the EDEX 2025 exhibition in Egypt, running from 1-4 December, will cover the defence and security landscape of Africa and the Middle East. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness the latest technology and systems across land, sea, and air.
The European Defense Tech Hackathon, taking place in Warsaw, Poland, from 5-7 December, will bring together over 200 hackers from across Europe and beyond. This event aims to bridge the gaps between technologists, the public sector, investors, and operators in dual-use and defence technology, showcasing the talent and drive of the European ecosystem.
In Lithuania, the Land Warfare Europe 2025 conference on 9-10 December will focus on integrated capability and regional deterrence. With increasing threats in the European theatre, this forum will examine urgent priorities for integrated force development, including cyber resilience, electronic warfare readiness, and multinational interoperability.
Lastly, the Military Airlift and Air-to-Air Refuelling conference in Portugal, from 9-11 December, will serve as a key platform for the international air mobility and airlift community. This event will bring together experts from heavy and tactical airlift, rotary wing operations, and aerial refueling sectors to exchange knowledge and strategic insights, building on the success of the 2024 edition.
As December 2025 unfolds, these events will not only drive immediate advancements in defence technology but also lay the groundwork for a more secure and innovative future. The convergence of elite minds and cutting-edge technologies will ensure that the defence sector remains at the forefront of global security and operational readiness.