The arms and military equipment fair "First Balkan Shield - Industrial Expo & Summit 2026" is scheduled to be held at the Zetra Olympic Hall from September 1 to 4, 2026.

The organization of the "First Balkan Shield - Industrial Expo & Summit 2026" fair is being undertaken by the UNIS Group, a military industry concern with the greatest international business experience, as well as participation in international arms fairs.

The fair will be held at the Zetra Olympic Hall from September 1 to 4, 2026, and the plan is to hold the fair every leap year.

According to the organizers, the concept of the fair is aimed at connecting international, regional and domestic companies from the state and private sectors.

Director of the UNIS Group, Denis Silajdžić, points out that UNIS's international experience entitles this concern to take over and successfully plan the organization of such a significant event for the BiH defense industry, as well as the economy.

In addition to the exhibition segment, the fair will have the character of a scientific symposium during which panel discussions and presentations by leading experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region and the world will be organized.

According to the fair manager Mirzeta Bojičić, the organization of such an event will have numerous positive effects for the city of Sarajevo, but also for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The international nature of the event will better position our country. We expect several thousand visitors, which creates opportunities for networking. In addition to the exhibition segment, we will also have a conference program with the participation of leading experts, industry leaders and innovation professionals. The First Balkan Shield is open to all relevant partners. It is particularly important to emphasize that this will have direct effects on the domestic economy. The direct effects will also be significant, because we will need logistics, hotel accommodations and more. All of this will further promote BiH," said Bojičić.

Speaking about the importance of organizing this fair, the Minister of Mining, Industry and Energy, Vedran Lakić, emphasizes that this is a historic event, the organization of which was started by the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry last year.

"I think that the FBiH's dedicated industry, for which we are responsible, has something to show and that this fair is a very important activity of the Government and our companies. What is important is that the fair be held in Sarajevo, in the capital," said Lakić.

Given the international character of the fair, according to Minister Lakić, special attention will be paid to the geopolitical context and the countries whose companies will be able to present their products.