In the fast-paced world of private equity, staying ahead of industry trends and forging strategic partnerships are crucial for success. The aerospace and defense sector, with its complex supply chains and cutting-edge innovations, offers a wealth of opportunities for dealmaking. As we look towards 2025, attending key conferences in this field can provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities. This curated list of top aerospace and defense conferences for deal making in 2025 is designed to help private equity firms identify the most promising events to attend. These conferences not only showcase the latest advancements but also serve as a hub for industry leaders to collaborate and explore potential investments.
Top Aerospace and Defense Conferences for Dealmaking in 2025
- Paris Air Show
Location: Le Bourget, Paris, France
Date: June 16–22, 2025
Website: https://www.siae.fr/en/
Description: The Paris Air Show, held biennially at Le Bourget, is the world's largest and most prestigious aerospace exhibition. The 2025 edition will feature over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and attract approximately 130,000 professional visitors. The event showcases cutting-edge innovations in aviation, space, and defense technologies. For PE firms, this conference offers unparalleled access to emerging aerospace companies, technological advancements, and potential investment opportunities in a sector poised for significant growth. Engaging with industry leaders and innovators here can provide valuable insights into market trends and strategic partnerships.
- SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Date: March 10–13, 2025
Website: https://2025.satshow.com/
Description: The SATELLITE Conference & Exhibition is a premier global event for the satellite and space industry, bringing together over 14,000 professionals from more than 110 countries. The conference covers a wide range of topics, including satellite communications, space technology, and policy discussions. For PE firms, this event provides a comprehensive overview of the satellite industry's current landscape, emerging technologies, and investment opportunities. Attending offers the chance to identify high-growth companies and understand the competitive dynamics shaping the future of global connectivity.
- Space Symposium
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Date: April 7–10, 2025
Website: https://www.spacesymposium.org/home-page/
Description: The Space Symposium is the premier gathering of the global space community, attracting over 10,000 participants, including government officials, industry leaders, and innovators. The event features discussions on space exploration, defense, and commercial space activities. For PE firms, the symposium offers insights into the rapidly evolving space sector, highlighting potential investment areas such as satellite technology, launch services, and space-based applications. Engaging with key stakeholders here can facilitate strategic investments in a sector experiencing exponential growth.
- Dubai Airshow
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Date: November 17–21, 2025
Website: https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/en/home.html
Description: The Dubai Airshow is a significant event in the aerospace industry, featuring over 1,400 exhibitors and attracting approximately 135,000 attendees from around the world. The show presents the latest innovations in aviation, defense, and space sectors. For PE firms, the Dubai Airshow provides a platform to explore investment opportunities in emerging markets, engage with key industry players, and gain insights into regional aerospace developments. The event's focus on innovation and technology makes it an ideal venue for identifying high-potential investment targets.
- Aero India
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Date: February 10–14, 2025
Website: https://www.aeroindia.gov.in/
Description: Aero India is Asia's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, organized by the Indian Ministry of Defence. The 2025 edition will be held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru and will showcase advanced military and civil aviation technologies. For PE firms, Aero India offers a gateway to India's burgeoning defense sector, providing opportunities to invest in domestic manufacturing, technology development, and joint ventures. The event facilitates networking with government officials, industry leaders, and potential partners, making it a strategic venue for investment exploration in a rapidly growing market.
- Seoul ADEX
Location: Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Date: October 17–19, 2025
Website: https://www.seouladex.com/en/public/seoul-adex/overview.php
Description: Seoul ADEX 2025 is a key event for defense and aerospace professionals, showcasing innovations and fostering connections with global leaders. Held at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, the exhibition features a wide range of military and civilian aircraft, defense systems, and related technologies. For PE firms, Seoul ADEX provides a strategic platform to explore investment opportunities in South Korea's rapidly growing defense sector, offering insights into emerging technologies and potential partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
- HeliRussia
Location: Moscow, Russia
Date: May 15–17, 2025
Website: https://helirussia.ru/en/main-page/
Description: HeliRussia is the only international expo in Russia where companies from Russia and other countries present the latest developments in the helicopter industry. The 2025 exhibition, held at Crocus Expo in Moscow, will showcase a comprehensive range of products and services, from design and production to operation and maintenance. For PE firms, HeliRussia offers a unique opportunity to assess the Russian and Eastern European rotary-wing markets, identify innovative technologies, and explore investment prospects in a specialized segment of the aerospace industry.
- AeroDef Manufacturing
Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Date: April 8–10, 2025
Website: https://www.aerodefevent.com/
Description: AeroDef Manufacturing 2025, produced by SME, is the most comprehensive event focused on advancing the aerospace and defense industries. Held at Huntington Place in Detroit, the event brings together industry leaders to discuss innovations in manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, automation, and digitalization. For PE firms, AeroDef offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aerospace manufacturing, presenting opportunities to invest in companies at the forefront of technological advancements and supply chain optimization.
- Airshow China (Aero Asia 2025)
Location: Zhuhai, China
Date: November 6–9, 2025
Website: https://aero-asia.hk.messefrankfurt.com/zhuhai/en.html
Description: Aero Asia 2025, held in Zhuhai, is China's premier general aviation exhibition, co-organized by Messe Frankfurt and Zhuhai Airshow Group. The event focuses on showcasing advancements in general aviation, including eVTOLs, low-altitude technologies, and aviation innovations. For PE firms, Aero Asia offers a strategic platform to explore investment opportunities in China's rapidly growing aviation sector, providing insights into emerging technologies and potential partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Airtec 2025
Location: Augsburg, Germany
Date: October 22–24, 2025
Website: https://airtec.aero/
Description: Airtec 2025 is an international B2B trade fair and conference dedicated to aerospace, defense, and future air mobility. Held in Augsburg, the event focuses on innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of the aerospace supply chain. For PE firms, Airtec provides a unique opportunity to engage with key industry players, discover cutting-edge technologies, and identify investment prospects in Europe's dynamic aerospace sector.
- FAMEX (Feria Aeroespacial México) 2025
Location: Santa Lucía, Mexico
Date: April 23–26, 2025
Website: https://www.f-airmexico.com.mx/en/index.html
Description: FAMEX 2025, organized by the Mexican Armed Forces, is Latin America's most significant aerospace exhibition. Taking place at the Santa Lucía Air Base, the event features aerial and static aircraft exhibitions, keynote speeches, and B2B business encounters. For PE firms, FAMEX offers a gateway to Mexico's burgeoning aerospace industry, presenting opportunities to invest in domestic manufacturing, technology development, and strategic partnerships within the region.
- AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Date: May 19–22, 2025
Website: https://www.auvsi.org/events/xponential/xponential-2025
Description: AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025 is the world's leading event for uncrewed systems and robotics, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, the conference covers a wide range of topics, including autonomous vehicles, AI, and advanced manufacturing. For PE firms, XPONENTIAL provides a comprehensive overview of the uncrewed systems landscape, offering insights into emerging technologies and potential investment opportunities in a rapidly evolving sector.
Beneficial Impact of Aerospace and Defense on the Economy
The aerospace and defense sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation. As a cornerstone of national security, this industry is responsible for significant technological advancements that often have far-reaching applications beyond defense. The sector contributes to the economy through job creation, with thousands of skilled positions in engineering, manufacturing, and research and development. Additionally, it stimulates economic activity by fostering a robust supply chain that includes numerous small and medium-sized enterprises.
Investment in aerospace and defense also spurs technological innovation, leading to the development of new products and services that can be commercialized across various sectors. This cross-pollination of technology not only enhances national security but also boosts competitiveness in the global market. Furthermore, the industry's focus on sustainability and efficiency drives advancements in green technologies, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Challenges Faced by the Aerospace and Defense Sector
Despite its significant contributions, the aerospace and defense sector faces a myriad of challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, which can lead to fluctuations in defense budgets and priorities. This uncertainty can impact long-term planning and investment strategies for private equity firms.
Additionally, the sector grapples with stringent regulatory requirements and compliance issues, which can be both time-consuming and costly. Navigating these regulations requires a deep understanding of the legal landscape and can pose barriers to entry for new players.
The industry also faces technological challenges, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and data protection. As aerospace and defense systems become increasingly digitalized, the risk of cyber threats grows, necessitating robust security measures and continuous innovation to safeguard sensitive information.
Moreover, the sector must address the growing demand for sustainable practices and environmentally friendly technologies. Balancing the need for innovation with environmental responsibility presents a complex challenge that requires strategic investment and collaboration across the industry.
Conclusion
The aerospace and defense sector is a dynamic and influential component of the global economy, offering numerous opportunities for private equity firms to engage in lucrative deal-making. By attending the top conferences in 2025, industry leaders can gain critical insights, forge strategic partnerships, and stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations. While the sector faces challenges such as regulatory complexities and technological vulnerabilities, its potential for economic impact and technological advancement remains unparalleled. As private equity firms navigate this landscape, strategic investments and collaborations will be key to unlocking the full potential of the aerospace and defense industry.
