What is Apex Defense?

Apex Defense is a dynamic defense technology event that unites warfighters, acquisition professionals, startups, small and medium businesses, investors and industry leaders to tackle operational challenges from the seabed to space.

The mission is to accelerate the delivery of high-impact, mission-critical solutions to U.S. warfighters and allied forces, addressing urgent needs with near-term solutions.

To do this, Apex Defense puts the requirements of the warfighter at the spine of the program, within an environment that’s built for collaboration and action-orientated dialogue. 

2027 Mission Sets

MARITIME DENIAL IN THE AGE OF AUTONOMOUS WARFARE

CRITICAL UNDERSEA INFRATRUCTURE PROECTION

DEEP PRECISION EFFECTS: DIGITALLY ENABLED TARGETING AND STRIKE

AERIAL DENIAL AT THE FRONT AND IN FORWARD AREAS

ADAPTABILITY AT THE TACTICAL EDGE

COMPETITIVE LOGISTICS: SUSTAINMENT IN CONTESTED AND DENIED ENVIRONMENTS

SUSTAINMENT OF AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

DEEP-DIVE BREAKOUT SESSIONS TO WORKSHOP AND PROBLEM SOLVE

MISSION-CRITICAL
The warfighter is at the spine of the program, with action-orientated discussion to tackle urgent operational challenges
NEAR-TERM
Engage directly with key decision-makers and operators who are actively seeking technologies for immediate deployment in the field

DEFENSE TECH
An environment designed for innovators and cutting-edge technology companies to connect with DOW and the broader defense ecosystem

2026 CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDED

APEX CONVERSATIONS

Keep updated across a broad range of challenges attached to defense innovation.

THE APEX EVENT SERIES

Apex Europe forms part of a dynamic technology event series that puts near-term operational needs at the heart of the programme and exhibition; held in parallel with Apex Defense.

Organised by Clarion Defence & Security, renowned for international military and industry events such as DSEI UKDSEI Germany and DSEI Japan.

We are delighted to bring the Apex event series to London in October 2026, delivering a high-energy, operator-driven environment, focusing sharply on European and NATO operational priorities and the integration of near-term, deployable solutions.

Apex Europe unites operational leaders, acquisition executives, startups, scale-ups, investors, and key industry to problem solve operational challenges which address the pacing threats facing European and Allied Commands.