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NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials Series
NATO EOD Demonstration and Trials is a biennial event for experts from NATO and partner armed forces and the defense industry, showcasing the latest EOD technology through live demonstrations, static exhibitions, seminars, and conferences. The Centre of Excellence for Explosive Ordnance Disposal organizes this series with full support from the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic. It is funded by the NATO Defense Against Terrorism Programme of Work (DAT POW) established under the auspices of the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division.
Event Objectives: The primary goal of the NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials is to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders in the EOD community. Specifically, the event aims to:
Provide a common platform for companies, research institutes, NATO bodies, and member nations to present needs and showcase the latest technological solutions, enhancing interoperability and capabilities of Alliance forces and EOD operators in protecting military personnel and civilians.
Create an open forum for discussions through conferences, seminars, and panels that address urgent military requirements and align them with existing and future roadmaps.
Accelerate the deployment of countermeasure technologies, enabling better equipment and support for armed forces and civilian response agencies as they face new and evolving threats.
2010: The first NATO EOD Demonstration and Trials were held in Trenčín, Slovakia, with the motto "To assist in Saving Lives." This inaugural event featured EOD robot testing, allowing manufacturers to compare their technologies and receive valuable feedback on their solutions. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) by the Slovakian EOD team, offering a rare glimpse into practical EOD operations. The public exhibition was well-received, especially by nearby technical universities, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange between military experts and academia. Since its inception, the event has been held biennially, each time with a distinct theme addressing current and emerging EOD challenges.
2012: The theme "New Detection Technologies and Equipment Enhancing Operators' Capability and Safety Measures" highlighted innovative detection technologies. A notable aspect was the participation of the NATO-Russia Council, which explored potential areas of cooperation between NATO and the Russian Federation in EOD, although this collaboration ceased following the 2014 Crimea crisis.
2014: The focus shifted to "EOD Challenges in Post-ISAF in the Light of NATO EOD," exploring the future of military robotics, technological limitations, and the standardization of equipment testing processes. This edition featured contributions from experts representing NATO, the EU, international and national institutions, and academia.
2016: The event, themed "Protection as Complex and Composite Responses to Terrorist Threat," moved to Bratislava's INCHEBA exhibition area for greater accessibility. It emphasized a broad spectrum of protective measures against terrorism, with over 150 experts from 22 countries participating in discussions on current and future technologies for force and population protection.
2018: Under the theme "Multidisciplinary Approach to EOD," the event brought together stakeholders from various EOD-related domains, including C-IED and MILENG. For the first time, the Senior Military Leader Seminar (SMLS) was introduced, focusing on the role of EOD in joint military operations, NATO doctrines, and future challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Extended Reality (XR) for training
Robotics and remote control
New materials and protective equipment
Standardization and system interoperability
2021: Originally planned for September 2020 with the theme "Technological Innovations Influencing Future EOD and Related Capabilities," the event was postponed to October 2021 due to COVID-19. Despite the challenges, it was a success, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the NATO EOD COE's endorsement by the North Atlantic Council.
2023: The 7th iteration, held from October 11 to 12, 2023, was themed "Future EOD Development in Light of Modern Conflicts and Technological Progress," reflecting ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. It set attendance records with over 460 visitors and 50 exhibitors from 17 countries. Organizers specifically sought innovative exhibitors, particularly those developing AI and XR technologies, which are poised to transform EOD training and combat support.
Impact and Future of the NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials: The NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials series has proven to be a vital platform for SMEs, academia, and industry leaders. It provides a unique forum for building connections, exchanging technical solutions, and collaboratively addressing shared challenges in the EOD domain. The event continuously expands understanding of current and future EOD-related technological capabilities, helps identify gaps, and shapes the strategic direction of future DAT POW initiatives.
Looking Ahead: The 8th NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials will be held at the Bratislava INCHEBA EXPO area from October 8 to 9, 2025. We warmly welcome experts from NATO and partner armed forces, the defense industry, research and development institutions, and academia to join us. The event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to engage in forward-looking discussions, explore the latest innovations, and collaboratively shape the future of EOD capabilities in response to evolving global security challenges.
The NATO EOD Demonstrations and Trials series has proven to be a vital and irreplaceable event for SMEs, academia, and industry leaders
