Understand the context
explore the needs and experiences shaping technology development.
Strategy / defence technology / innovation
WARFARENOW FORUM
Understand modern warfare. Explore the technologies shaping it.
A forum for strategy, defence technology and innovation. Expert-led discussions, technology presentations and conversations with the people behind the solutions — part of Warsaw Security & Defence Expo at Ptak Warsaw Expo.
Archive footage · Warsaw Security & Defence Expo 2026
Exhibition block dates23–25.03.2027A two-day forum programme is in preparation.
VenuePtak Warsaw Expo52°08′N · 20°48′E · Nadarzyn near Warsaw
Until the exhibition opens—D—:—:—T-minus · Warsaw time
Part ofWarsaw Security & Defence Expo ↗Defence Week · 2027
01 / About the forum
Where strategic analysis meets technology.
WARFARE NOW explores the changing character of warfare and technologies that may address emerging defence needs. It is being developed as one of the events within Defence Week, with its own programme, exhibition area and space for startups and research teams.
We connect discussion of contemporary conflicts with presentations from industry. On stage, we aim to bring together analysts, practitioners and technology developers. In the exhibition area, participants will be able to explore solutions and speak directly with the teams developing them.
The forum is designed for people seeking informed perspectives, new partners and a clearer understanding of where defence technology is heading.
Explore the solution
discover a product, prototype or demonstrator and the problem it addresses.
Build connections
meet experts, manufacturers and teams looking for development partners.
Defence Week describes the wider Warsaw Security & Defence Expo block. Dual-use means technologies with civilian and defence applications.
02 / Strategic perspective
Jacek Bartosiak / Strategy&Future
Programme partner — Strategy&Future
Jacek Bartosiak and Strategy&Future are helping shape the editorial direction of WARFARE NOW. Their involvement connects analysis of the changing security environment with discussion of technologies, user needs and industrial development.
Jacek Bartosiak will lead agreed debates and conversations with invited guests. Strategy&Future contributes a strategic perspective and participates in programme development and expert invitations. Together, we aim to ask meaningful questions about the relevance, limitations and practical requirements of the solutions presented.
Jacek Bartosiak is the founder of Strategy&Future, an author and analyst focusing on geopolitics, geostrategy and security. His role at WARFARE NOW will include leading agreed discussions and helping shape their editorial focus.
Strategy&Future analyses geopolitics, military affairs, technology and the changing balance of power. Its involvement is intended to bring that perspective into direct dialogue with industry and technology developers.
Explore the programme ↗03 / Programme concept
Equipment, integration and technology development.
The planned two-day forum will explore defence technologies, their applications and product development. Experts and technology developers will discuss user needs, system interoperability, manufacturing and support.
Equipment and integration
How does a solution address user needs? How does it work with other devices and systems? Discussions of applications, compatibility, testing and limitations will provide context for technology presentations and meetings with developers.
Manufacturing and support
What is needed to move from a prototype to repeatable production? Discussions will cover component availability, industrial partnerships, quality assurance, training and product support.
Programme themes are in development. Confirmed sessions, dates and speakers will be announced separately.
04 / Technologies and applications
Six areas of defence technology.
01
Unmanned systems and robotics
aerial and ground platforms, payloads and technologies supporting observation, logistics and protection, alongside integration and support requirements.
02
Protection against unmanned threats
detection and monitoring technologies, system interoperability and the limitations that matter when assessing protective solutions.
03
Communications, sensors and the electromagnetic environment
information quality, continuity of communications and system resilience, considered against user needs as well as technical specifications.
04
AI, data and autonomy
tools supporting analysis, operators and systems, with attention to reliability, data quality, human oversight and evaluation.
05
Infrastructure and operational resilience
technologies supporting continuity, energy, logistics, inspection and protection, where civilian capabilities can meet defence and security requirements.
06
Manufacturing, components and product development
the transition from prototype to repeatable production, including supply chains, industrial partnerships and product support.
05 / Stage — exhibition — conversation
Understand the context on stage. Meet the technology and its developers in the exhibition area.
A valuable discussion should lead to questions that participants can put directly to a development team. We are therefore designing the programme alongside the exhibition: from the need being discussed, through the proposed solution, to a conversation about applications and further development.
On stage
expert-led discussions, case presentations and contributions from industry and practitioners.
In the exhibition area
products, components, prototypes and demonstrators introduced by the people who understand their capabilities and development stage.
In conversation
questions for speakers and meetings with potential partners for integration, testing, manufacturing and business development.
Presentations should distinguish what has been achieved from what remains under development. The scope of exhibitions and meetings will be announced with the programme.
Development stages
- 01concept
- 02prototype
- 03demonstrator
- 04product
- 05deployment
Each stage will reflect the developer’s information.
Each confirmed technology will link to its company, application, development stage, programme session and exhibition location. Details will follow programme confirmation.
06 / Startups and innovation
New technologies need a place to meet the right people.
The WARFARE NOW startup and innovation area is being developed for technology companies, research teams and innovators working on solutions with potential defence applications. We also welcome civilian technologies with a clearly identified security or defence use case.
Projects may range from an early concept being validated to a prototype or a product preparing for market entry. A clear problem statement, an understandable description of the technology and an open discussion of its capabilities and limitations matter most.
We plan short stage presentations, selected technology exhibits and conversations with experts and industrial partners. Our aim is to connect developers with companies seeking new capabilities and people interested in supporting further development.
Show the application
explain the problem and the technology that could address it.
Meet potential partners
discuss testing, integration, manufacturing and development.
Introduce your project
propose a short presentation or technology exhibit.
Show the problem you address. Explain your stage of development. Tell us what kind of partner you need.
Participation formats are agreed individually. Submission does not automatically secure an exhibition space or a speaking slot.
07 / Experts and meetings
Bring your questions. Leave with new perspectives and connections.
We invite analysts, practitioners, engineers, manufacturers and technology development specialists to contribute to the programme. We want different experiences to help participants understand the same challenge more fully.
WARFARE NOW is designed to encourage questions during sessions and further conversations around the exhibition. Meeting formats and participation rules will be published with the programme.
Confirmed experts and programme participants will be introduced in future announcements.
08 / Future development
From an emerging technology to a new exhibition focus.
WARFARE NOW aims to build a community around emerging defence technologies. The forum is intended to help identify areas where new solutions, user needs and opportunities for cooperation are developing.
In future editions, promising areas may gain dedicated exhibition zones and specialist programmes. Over time, they may provide the foundation for new events within Defence Week. This is a development ambition to be shaped together with companies, experts and participants.
09 / WARFARE NOW within Defence Week
A distinct programme. A broader industry setting.
WARFARE NOW is being developed as one of the events within Warsaw Security & Defence Expo at Ptak Warsaw Expo. It has its own identity, programme and exhibition area, within a wider gathering of businesses and audiences interested in security, defence and dual-use technologies.
The wider block includes events covering unmanned systems, rescue and civil protection, civilian firearms, dual-use technologies, critical infrastructure and military radioelectronics.
Drone World Expo ↗Safety & Rescue Expo ↗Gun & Shooting Expo ↗Dual-Use Poland ↗Forum Infrastruktury Krytycznej ↗Electronic Warfare ↗
- 362
- exhibitors
- 25 033
- visitors
- 60 000m²
- exhibition space
Figures refer to Warsaw Security & Defence Expo as a whole in 2026, according to the organiser's report. They are not WARFARE NOW attendance figures or forecasts.
10 / Take part
Choose how you want to take part.
Forum participant
interested in the programme, expert discussions and technologies? Register your interest to receive registration and participation information.
Exhibitor or partner
introduce your solution and your proposed involvement so that we can discuss a suitable format.
Startup or research team
tell us about your product, prototype or dual-use technology and the cooperation you are seeking.
Expert or speaker
propose a topic or case study and explain the practical perspective you can bring to the programme.
An enquiry does not reserve a place, exhibition space or speaking slot. The event team will contact you about possible participation.
11 / FAQ
Practical information.
What is WARFARE NOW?
A forum with its own programme, exhibition area and innovation zone, developed as one of the events within Defence Week at Ptak Warsaw Expo.
Does it replace the other exhibitions?
No. The other events retain their own brands, themes and exhibitions. WARFARE NOW develops its own expert discussions and technology presentations.
When will the forum take place?
The wider exhibition block runs on 23–25 March 2027. A two-day forum is planned within that period. Exact session dates will be announced with the programme.
Can I present a prototype?
Prototypes and demonstrators can be submitted for consideration. Please explain the development stage and proposed presentation format.
Are civilian technologies relevant?
Yes, where a potential defence or security application can be identified. These solutions may fit the dual-use focus.
Will I be able to speak with experts?
We plan questions during sessions and conversations linked to the exhibition. Individual formats and guest availability will be announced in the programme.
Does exhibiting include a speaking slot?
Exhibition participation and programme contributions are agreed separately. Presentations must fit the forum's editorial direction.
Does exhibition registration include forum access?
Forum and session participation rules will be published when registration opens. Registration for another event should not be treated as confirmation of access to every forum format.
Can an early-stage startup apply?
Yes. Research teams and projects from a concept under validation to a product are welcome. Participation formats are agreed individually.
What is the role of programme partners?
They help shape the programme and expert discussions. They do not certify equipment; company participation does not imply technology endorsement. Strategy&Future is the forum’s programme partner.
Venue and organiser
Ptak Warsaw Expo
Al. Katowicka 62, 05-830 Nadarzyn