Defence, autonomy, cybersecurity, and aerospace innovation continue to define global security conversations in 2025, and July is no exception. From advanced robotics to naval autonomy, from airshows to underground countermeasure strategies, this month’s events reveal where military tech is heading and who’s shaping the future battlefield.
Are you a policymaker, military strategist, investor, or industry observer? This guide offers a chronological rundown of July’s must-watch defence, miltech, and national security conferences across the globe that you want to keep an eye on. Here’s where innovation, procurement, and global strategy converge.
1 July – Putrajaya, Malaysia
Kicking off the month, CYDES, one of Southeast Asia’s key cybersecurity events, is dedicated to defending critical infrastructure and national sovereignty in the digital age. The 2025 edition will feature government cybersecurity frameworks, cyber resilience strategies, and innovations in digital threat detection. Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence and major cybersecurity firms are expected to present on hybrid warfare and AI-driven cybercrime.
9-11 July – Arlington, Virginia, USA
Hosted in one of the U.S. defence hubs, this conference dives into the future of unmanned and AI-integrated military platforms. With a focus on battlefield autonomy, lethal decision-making, and robotic logistics, attendees will hear from DARPA, U.S. Army Futures Command, and leading robotics firms. Network with top engineers, military planners, and defence contractors, and witness live demos of battlefield-ready robotic platforms. If autonomy and AI are your focus, this is a can’t-miss event.
15-16 July – London, United Kingdom
The Royal Navy and global defence industry converge in London to explore the future of uncrewed maritime operations. Topics include autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), undersea drones, and their integration into NATO fleet operations. Industry leaders and naval command representatives will explore procurement challenges and command-and-control frameworks for autonomous systems. The event is renowned for its live technology showcases and high-level roundtables, making it a prime destination for naval innovators.
16-17 July – National Harbor, Maryland, USA
As threats from improvised explosive devices and landmines persist worldwide, this symposium is the premier forum for EOD professionals, military engineers, and homeland security experts. Key focus areas include counter-IED robotics, threat detection systems, and training for irregular warfare environments. Expect briefings from the U.S. Army, DoD labs, and allied defence specialists.
18-20 July – Fairford, UK
The world’s largest military airshow returns with three days of high-performance displays, aerospace exhibitions, and strategic dialogue. Beyond the jaw-dropping aerial demonstrations, RIAT is a significant platform for air force-to-industry engagement. This year’s themes highlight air mobility, interoperability, and the future of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) within NATO frameworks.
22-27 July – Istanbul, Turkey
As one of the biggest defence trade fairs in Eurasia, IDEF showcases cutting-edge tech from over 100 countries. Expect Turkish defence industry heavyweights like ASELSAN and TAI to unveil new systems alongside major international exhibitors. Ground systems, naval defence, aerospace platforms, and electronic warfare gear are all on display, making this a hotspot for procurement deals and strategic defence diplomacy.
MICRADS’25 – Multidisciplinary International Conference of Research Applied to Defence and Security
24-26 July – Orlando, Florida, USA
A key academic and technical event, MICRADS brings together defence researchers, analysts, and strategists from around the globe. Tracks include cyberwarfare, crisis simulation, ISR systems, and defence logistics. It’s a rare space where theory, policy, and applied science collide — ideal for defence academics and R&D leaders looking for cross-border collaboration.
31 July – McLean, Virginia, USA
is a pivotal event addressing the critical role of air and space defense in national security amid intensifying Great Power Competition. This summit offers senior military leaders, government officials, industry executives, and technologists a comprehensive platform to explore the strategic challenges and technological advancements shaping air and space domains.