In the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions - ENDR, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space - DG DEFIS, together with ENDR member Asturias Hub defensa (Asturias Hub of Defence) - Asturias Technology Business Association for the development of the Defence Industry - will host the European conference “Advanced manufacturing and systems integration for a strong defence industry”.

The event will take place Gijón, Asturias (Spain), on 3-4 June 2026, at the Laboral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial.

The conference will bring together key policymakers, industry leaders, SMEs, and stakeholders from the defence and dual-use entrepreneurial ecosystem, alongside civilian technology innovators, clusters, and defence business associations. It will also engage academia, research and technology organisations, higher education and VET providers, research funding bodies, specialised media, as well as EU, national, and regional authorities, and international organisations.

In particular, the event will:

• Highlight key trends, emerging technologies, and European capabilities in advanced manufacturing and Industry 5.0 shaping the future of the defence sector.
• Accelerate the adoption of disruptive technologies such as additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, digital modelling, and artificial intelligence in defence production systems.
• Reinforce supply chain resilience and sustainability in the manufacturing of defence equipment and armaments.
• Explore cooperation strategies between governments, industry, and research centres to speed up innovation cycles and integrate non-traditional actors, including SMEs, start-ups, and cross-sector innovators.
• Promote the development of specialised skills and education pathways in advanced defence manufacturing, including initiatives such as the AILEEN project under Erasmus+.
• Encourage vocations and foster a strong culture of technology, innovation, and defence to attract, and retain talent in a strategically vital sector.
• Showcase innovative technology demonstrators with clear applicability to defence use cases.

• 3 June – Opening and Welcome Speeches, Plenary sessions, thematic panels, institutional talks, B2B meeting, Exhibition, and networking dinner
• 4 June - Plenary sessions, thematic panels, institutional talks, B2B meeting, Exhibition, and industry showcases

• common security and defence policy
• Wednesday 3 June 2026, 09:00 - Thursday 4 June 2026, 15:00 (CEST)
• Gijon, Spain
• External event