International Armoured Vehicles 2026: The World’s Premier Defence Conference

The International Armoured Vehicles Conference (IAVC) stands as the world’s premier gathering for the global armoured vehicles community. Taking place from January 20-22, 2026, at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre in the United Kingdom, this 26th annual edition promises to deliver unparalleled opportunities for military leaders, procurement officials, and defence industry innovators to shape the future of armoured warfare.

With attendance exceeding 1,500 qualified professionals from over 60 NATO and partner nations, IAVC 2026 represents a critical convergence point for strategic discussions, technological advancement, and industry collaboration in the defence sector.

What Makes IAVC 2026 the World’s Largest Armoured Vehicles Conference?

Unmatched Scale and Reach

The International Armoured Vehicles Conference has earned its reputation as the world’s largest annual armoured vehicles gathering through consistent delivery of premium content and unparalleled networking opportunities. The event attracts over 1,500 attendees annually, featuring more than 70 expert speakers, 60+ industry partners, and representatives from 60 nations across all continents.

This global representation ensures that attendees gain insights into regional procurement priorities, modernisation strategies, and technological innovations from military forces worldwide—from established NATO allies to emerging defence powers.

A Dedicated Focus on Land Vehicles and Protected Mobility

Unlike crowded international defence trade shows that spread focus across multiple platforms and domains, IAVC maintains an unbiased quality forum dedicated exclusively to land vehicles and protected mobility. This laser focus attracts decision-makers who are actively involved in capability acquisition, research and development, and requirement setting for armoured systems.

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Who Attends IAVC 2026?

Military and Government Leadership

The conference convenes senior military officials, including Chiefs of Army Operations, Heads of Platform Development, and Directors of Ground Combat Solutions. These high-ranking attendees represent the strategic decision-making echelon responsible for modernising national armoured vehicle capabilities.

Industry Innovators and Technology Leaders

Defence manufacturers, system integrators, and component suppliers attend to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Attendees range from major vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to specialized supply chain providers developing state-of-the-art technologies for next-generation armoured platforms.

Procurement and Acquisition Officials

Government procurement officials and capability development experts attend to identify solutions that address their nations’ operational requirements and budget constraints. These delegates actively influence purchasing decisions worth billions of dollars globally.

Key Themes and Topics at IAVC 2026

Firepower and Advanced Weapons Systems

Discussions centre on enhancing destructive capability while maintaining platform integration and crew safety. Innovations in turrets, gun systems and integrated fire control solutions are explored.

Connectivity and Digitisation

The modern battlefield demands seamless communication and data integration. IAVC 2026 addresses how armoured vehicles are evolving from standalone assets into digitally connected, combined-arms platforms capable of operating in multi-domain environments.

Mobility and Tactical Advantage

New platforms and drivetrain technologies are examined for their ability to enhance operational mobility while maintaining crew protection. Topics include autonomous systems and advanced suspension technologies.

Situational Awareness

Enhanced sensor systems, artificial intelligence, and battlefield information systems enable commanders to maintain superiority in complex operational environments.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotic systems represent the frontier of armoured vehicle evolution. The conference explores how these autonomous platforms integrate seamlessly with crewed vehicles, enhancing operational effectiveness through human-machine teaming, remote operation capabilities and coordinated tactical employment across the battlefield.

Protection and Survivability

New armour materials, active protection systems, and mine-resistant design innovations protect crews against evolving threats, from improvised explosive devices to sophisticated anti-tank weapons.

Learning from Real-World Conflict

A significant portion of IAVC 2026 focuses on battlefield insights from recent conflicts, particularly lessons learned from Ukraine. These real-world operational experiences directly inform procurement decisions, modernisation priorities, and technological development roadmaps across allied nations.

Military commanders and procurement officials share candid assessments of how armoured vehicles perform under contemporary operational conditions, driving industry innovation and capability acquisition planning.

The Farnborough International Exhibition Centre Advantage

Location and Accessibility

IAVC 2026 takes place at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre in the United Kingdom, offering excellent connectivity to London’s major airports. The venue provides:

• 30-minute drive from London Heathrow Airport
• 50-minute train journey from London Gatwick Airport
• Free car parking for exhibitors and attendees
• Access via five nearby train stations: Farnborough Main, Farnborough North, North Camp, Frimley, and Aldershot
• Convenient pedestrian access via Gate B on Trenchard Way

Enhanced Conference Experience

The move to Farnborough in 2026 marked a new era for IAVC, offering a significantly larger venue with fully integrated exhibition and networking spaces. This enhancement enables more immersive interactions between military leaders and industry innovators.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities at IAVC 2026

Why Companies Sponsor IAVC

Sponsoring IAVC 2026 provides defence companies with direct access to military decision-makers and procurement officials who actively influence billion-dollar acquisition programmes. The conference offers:

Face-to-face contact with high-calibre attendees – Unlike overcrowded international trade shows, IAVC’s tailored networking environment facilitates meaningful one-on-one discussions.

Brand visibility among target customers – Sponsorship packages include exhibition space, thought-leadership opportunities, and branded networking areas.

Demonstrated commitment to the armoured vehicle community – Sponsorship positions companies as leaders within the specialised armoured vehicles sector.

Access to the 2026 attendee list – Sponsors receive detailed information on registered attendees, enabling targeted follow-up engagement.

Key Themes for Exhibitors

Major exhibitors at IAVC 2026 include General Dynamics Land Systems, ASELSAN, FNSS, Cook Defence Systems, David Brown Defence, Exail, FFG, and OpenWorks Engineering—all showcasing solutions centred on firepower, connectivity, mobility, situational awareness, robotics, and protection.

Why Attend IAVC 2026?

For Military & Government Leaders

Attending IAVC 2026 provides strategic insights into global armoured vehicle modernisation trends, peer capabilities, and emerging technologies. Leaders gain intelligence on peer and near-peer military capabilities, alliance interoperability challenges, and budget-efficient solutions for national defence priorities.

For Defence Industry Professionals

IAVC represents the premier opportunity to connect with military decision-makers, understand procurement priorities, and position solutions for upcoming modernisation programmes. The conference attracts the senior defence procurement leadership responsible for awarding major contracts.

For Investors and Analysts

Understanding global armoured vehicle market dynamics, procurement trends, and technology adoption patterns is essential for strategic investment decisions. IAVC provides unparalleled access to decision-makers and market intelligence.

Practical Information for Attendees

Conference Dates & Duration

Dates: January 20-22, 2026
Duration: 3 days of strategic discussions, panel sessions, workshops, and technology demonstrations

Location

Venue: Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
Address: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, UK
Postcode: Access via Gate B – Trenchard Way (what3words: safety.homes.taxi)

Travel and Accommodation

• London Heathrow: 30 minutes driving distance
• London Gatwick: 50-minute train journey to North Camp Station
• Hotel accommodation available throughout Farnborough and nearby Hampshire towns
• Free parking available at the venue

Contact Information

Email: enquire@iqpc.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 1135 210 042
Partnerships Director: Dhiren Sondagar (partner@defenceiq.com)

The International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2026 represents a critical convergence of military strategy, technological innovation, and global defence priorities. Whether attending as a military strategist, procurement official, industry innovator, or investor, IAVC 2026 delivers unmatched opportunities for professional advancement and strategic insight.

As the global armoured vehicle community grapples with questions of “how will we fight in the future?”, the answers being developed at IAVC will shape defence procurement, technology development, and military capabilities for decades to come.

Mark your calendar for January 20-22, 2026, at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre—the world’s premier gathering of the armoured vehicles community.

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