4-5 November 2026, Ulm-Messe, Germany

Advanced & Functional Materials

Advanced & Functional Materials

Advanced and functional materials underpin the performance, survivability and reliability of every modern defence platform. From lightweight composites for unmanned systems to high-temperature alloys for missiles and stealth coatings for aircraft and naval vessels, this sector provides the foundation for next-generation capability.

As European governments accelerate defence industrial production, primes and OEMs need new, resilient and scalable materials suppliers who can support both prototype development and full-scale manufacturing. Readiness Europe provides a dedicated platform for materials innovators to meet engineering, procurement and senior executive teams actively seeking new capability partners.

What Primes & OEMs Are Looking For

  • Lightweight composites and high-strength alloys
  • Thermal management and heat-resistant materials
  • Stealth and signature-reduction coatings
  • Electrically conductive, EMI-shielding and functionalised surfaces
  • Ballistic, blast and impact-resistant materials
  • REACH-compliant formulations
  • Reliable, scalable supply chains

Key Subcategories

Below are the main categories of advanced and functional materials that are critical to Europe’s defence manufacturing base.

  • Composite materials
  • Advanced polymers and elastomers
  • Ceramics and nano-ceramics
  • Surface coatings and functional finishes
  • Adhesives and bonding systems
  • Advanced foams, honeycombs and core materials
  • High-performance metals and superalloys
  • Additive manufacturing powders

Who Should Exhibit

Suppliers of advanced materials suitable for defence aerospace, land systems, naval platforms, missiles, sensors, energetics and electronic systems.