Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s acceptance of the honorary sponsorship role sends a strong signal, underscoring the vital importance of Enforce Tac as a laboratory for the future of Europe’s security and as a crucial innovation driver in the European security and defence sector.
“We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we will not have to defend ourselves. Defence is whole-of-society challenge. It is also an indispensable prerequisite for the resilience and future viability of our country. Enforce Tac embodies this comprehensive approach to security. And therefore, I am honoured to sponsor this event.”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please allow me to extend a warm welcome to Enforce Tac 2026! The timing and theme of this event – “Networked Security” – could hardly be more to the point. The event’s dates, from 23 to 25 February 2026, bear symbolic weight: 24 February is the fourth anniversary of the day when Russia unleashed its war of aggression against Ukraine, in violation of international law. That was nothing less than a turning point in security policy for Ukraine, for the European framework for peace, and for Germany as well. For the first time in decades, our security has come back under direct threat. Russia is waging a brutal war of attrition that has targeted the Ukrainian civilian population in particular. At the same time, Germany too finds itself in the crosshairs of hybrid operations and cyberattacks. Attacks targeting our infrastructure and corporations are on the rise. They pose a threat to our sovereignty, our freedom, and our well-being.
The German federal government is guided by a clear principle: being able to defend ourselves so we will not have to defend ourselves. This is the core of an up-to-date deterrence through strength. Defence is a task for the state and society as a whole, and is the foundation of our country’s resilience and viable future. Ukraine is offering an impressive demonstration of that resilience, and has earned our deepest respect. We will stand steadfastly by its side as long as we are needed.
Amid that context, “Networked Security” refers to the centrepiece of a robust security architecture, involving an integrated, intimate cooperation among the Bundeswehr, police and security authorities, civil defence, and emergency preparedness – especially in cyberspace and the information sphere – as well as a strong security and defence industry. To make that architecture a reality, the German government is currently at work on fundamental prerequisites. Through reliable investments, accelerated procurement, support through industrial policy, and the promotion of research, we are not only backing our men and women in uniform, but also helping to safeguard Europe’s technology leadership and strategic autonomy. Enforce Tac stands for this holistic, integrated approach to security. It brings together decision-makers from government, the armed forces, politics, science, and industry, within a protected space. With its focus on networked capabilities, operationally relevant innovations, and international partnerships, it impressively demonstrates how all-round defence might look in practice – from personal equipment to complex interconnections among systems. The present German government, too, is pursuing such a holistic, integrated approach to security by establishing the National Security Council. That is why I am very pleased to be this year’s patron of this highly relevant event.
For every exhibitor and visitor, I wish you productive conversations and a successful trade fair. Let’s make the most of Enforce Tac 2026 as an invitation to shape the future of our security together – with courage, within a shared network, and in full awareness of our responsibility.
With very kind regards,
Friedrich Merz
