Bernd Kögel to spearhead launch of DSEI Germany

Image courtesy Clarion

With over three decades of military and defence experience, Kögel will steer the launch of DSEI Germany in Hannover in March 2027, marking DSEI’s expanding footprint as countries across the world seek to strengthen their national security in response to growing geopolitical threats. 

With over 30 years of service as an officer in the German Armed Forces, Kögel brings a deep understanding of the global threat environment and the magnitude of challenges facing NATO and its allies. His knowledge of working across the Bundeswehr, the Federal Ministry of Defence and industry, will ensure that DSEI Germany aligns with the operational and strategic requirements of the domestic, European, and international defence and security community.

Kögel joins Clarion Events following a distinguished career in the German Air Force, culminating in his retirement as a colonel in the general staff in 2016. His varied career included conceptional and key leadership positions as well as deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina (Deny Flight) and Afghanistan (ISAF). 

After retiring from the military, Kögel joined the German Association for Defence Technology DWT as Managing Director of its Centre for Studies and Conferences, where he oversaw the planning and execution of high-profile conferences and events for the defence technology sector. 

His academic background includes international security policy, business administration and communications engineering. 

The launch of DSEI Germany comes at a defining moment for European defence and security. As heightened geopolitical tensions trigger a renewed emphasis on strengthening national and allied capabilities, DSEI Germany builds on its sister events in the UK and Japan to meet the increasing demand driven by both Germany and its allies’ shifts in defence policy. As NATO agrees to an ‘ironclad’ commitment of spending 5% of GDP on defence, DSEI Germany could not come at a more crucial time for the global defence and security community. 

Situated in Hannover, DSEI Germany will facilitate engagement between innovators, manufacturers, militaries, and decision-makers among NATO and allied nations, advancing conversations on rearmament, procurement, and interoperability, and promoting cooperation on security policy. The event will showcase defence and security capabilities from across Germany and its European allies, including the latest developments in digital technology as well as traditional military equipment and services.

Kögel’s combined military and civilian experience makes him uniquely qualified to meet this challenge and lead the successful launch of the new addition to the defence trade show calendar. 

Sally deSwart Managing Director of Clarion Events Defence and Security portfolio said: “Bernd joins DSEI Germany at a pivotal moment for Europe, as the continent works to reinforce its security amid the most dangerous and complex conditions of the century. His experience working in the Bundeswehr and across NATO operations, coupled with his insights of the defence industry, makes him ideally suited to lead DSEI Germany into its inaugural edition, showcasing German industrial prowess and strengthening relationships with key allies.”

Col. (ret) Bernd Kögel added: “It is with great enthusiasm and commitment that I join the Clarion Defence team to ensure that DSEI Germany reflects the country’s ambitious defence commitments and supports the defence industry in demonstrating its capabilities, leadership, and innovation on the international stage. DSEI Germany will offer a unique opportunity to focus on the priorities of Germany, the European Union and NATO, in building and enhancing military capabilities. The launch comes at a turning point in Germany’s defence policy, as part of an increased commitment to bolstering European defence and taking a greater leadership role within NATO. DSEI Germany joins its sister shows in the UK and Japan as standout events in the global defence exhibition calendar.” 

DSEI Germany will be held in partnership with the Deutsche Messe AG and will take place 9th-12th March 2027 at the Messegelände Hannover