Why SMM 2026 opens up new business opportunities for physical security companies

Maritime security is undergoing fundamental change. Whilst the focus has traditionally been on ships, ports and naval units, attention is now increasingly turning to the underlying security and supply chains. Resilient infrastructure, the protection of critical facilities and a high-performing security industry are becoming decisive factors for Europe’s ability to operate in the maritime sector.

Against this backdrop, SMM 2026, which will take place in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September 2026, is gaining significant importance – including for companies in the physical security sector. With its new focus on Maritime Security & Defence, the leading international trade fair for the maritime industry is, for the first time, evolving into a platform where security companies, system integrators, technology providers, shipyards, procurement organisations and defence authorities can engage directly with one another.

New markets for security companies

Rising defence spending, the expansion of maritime capabilities and the increased protection of critical infrastructure are bringing about lasting change to the European security market. It is not only traditional defence contractors that stand to benefit from this. Providers of physical security solutions are also gaining access to new areas of application.

Solutions are in demand for, amongst other things:

• perimeter security for shipyards and port facilities,
• intelligent video surveillance,
• access control and identity management,
• drone and counter-UAS systems,
• security control centres and PSIM platforms,
• sensor technology and situational awareness systems,
• as well as integrated security concepts for maritime infrastructure.

In particular, operators of ports, naval facilities, logistics centres and offshore installations are increasingly investing in networked security architectures that combine physical security, cybersecurity and operational processes.

Procurement is opening doors

With the introduction of the MS&D Expo and the Naval Stage in Hall B8, SMM is significantly expanding its concept. For the first time, the focus there is not solely on maritime technologies, but also on issues of procurement, industrial cooperation and resilient supply chains.

This offers security companies a key advantage: they meet not only potential end customers, but also the stakeholders who decide on future projects and investments – including procurement authorities, shipyards, main contractors, systems integrators and international industry partners.

Particularly in the defence sector, it is often the ability to become part of complex value chains and supply chains – rather than the technical performance of an individual product – that is the deciding factor today.

Supply chains are becoming a competitive factor

The expansion of European defence capabilities brings new challenges. Shipyard capacities are limited, there is a shortage of skilled workers, and at the same time the demand for modern technologies is rising. As a result, supply chain resilience is increasingly taking centre stage.

For companies in the security sector, too, this is changing the logic of the market. The demand is no longer solely for individual security products, but for reliable partners who can deliver over the long term, meet international quality requirements and integrate into complex projects.

The ability to implement projects on a scalable basis is therefore becoming just as important as technological innovation.

Defence Supply Chain Panel brings the industry together

Against this backdrop, the German Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME) and the German Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSV) are organising the Defence Supply Chain Panel on 1 September 2026 at the Naval Stage.

The focus will be on three key questions:

• How can supply chains be made more robust and resilient?
• How can new technologies and innovative companies be integrated more quickly into existing procurement processes?
• How can supply and demand be better linked along the European defence supply chain?

Companies in the security sector, in particular, will have the opportunity here to align their expertise directly with the requirements of public contracting authorities and major industrial partners.

SVI-Connect facilitates market access

Another key component is the SVI-Connect platform, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and jointly operated by BME and BDSV.

The aim of the platform is to create transparency within the security and defence supply chains and to bring qualified companies together with those with specific needs. In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and providers of dual-use technologies are set to gain easier access to established value-added networks as a result.

For many companies in the physical security sector, this opens up structured access to projects in the defence and KRITIS sectors for the first time.

Maritime security requires integrated security solutions

The requirements for maritime security are undergoing fundamental change. Modern port facilities, naval bases and offshore infrastructure now require far more than traditional access control or video surveillance. What is needed are integrated security platforms that interconnect different systems and generate a shared situational awareness.

This creates new market opportunities for providers who can integrate physical security, sensor technology, control centre technology, AI-supported video analysis or drone defence into holistic security concepts.

New partnerships rather than traditional trade fair contacts

With more than 2,200 exhibitors and around 50,000 trade visitors, SMM ranks among the most important international events in the maritime industry. However, the new focus on Maritime Security & Defence significantly extends the scope of the trade fair beyond traditional shipbuilding.

For companies in the physical security sector, this presents an opportunity to become involved at an early stage in new European security and defence projects, to establish contacts with procurement organisations and to develop long-term industry partnerships.

As a result, SMM 2026 is increasingly becoming a strategic platform for companies wishing to position their security solutions in the fields of maritime infrastructure, critical facilities and defence. Particularly against the backdrop of rising investment in Europe’s security and defence capabilities, the event is set to gain in significance far beyond the maritime sector.