Europe's largest annual naval defence event, connecting 2,700+ naval leaders, government buyers and industry across five conference streams in Farnborough.
Dates
25–27 May 2027
City / country
Farnborough, United Kingdom
Venue
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Event overview
The Combined Naval Event (CNE) 2027 is Europe's largest annual gathering for the naval and maritime defence community, taking place 25–27 May 2027 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Organised by Navy Leaders, it brings together senior naval officers, government and procurement officials, industry primes, integrators and technology suppliers from more than 85 nations for three days of conference streams and exhibition.
Five content streams cover surface and sub-surface operations, littoral strike, space, cyber and electromagnetic operations, and the people and partnerships behind naval capability. Attendees use CNE to track fleet requirements, evaluate emerging technology and build international partnerships.
TL;DR
Visit to hear operational requirements directly from senior naval officers and procurement teams, compare surface, sub-surface and multi-domain technology in one exhibition, and meet international delegations in a programme built around current fleet priorities rather than generic defence marketing.
Exhibit to put capabilities in front of Royal Navy leadership, UK MOD, NATO and allied procurement officials, generate qualified international leads and position the brand alongside primes, integrators and specialist SMEs in Europe's largest annual naval forum.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, ShowCentre, ETPS Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6FD, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
ShowCentre main entrance
Primary visitor and delegate entrance off ETPS Road; follow event signage.
Food options
Farnborough International café and exhibition catering
On-site diningParking: The venue is south-west of London near junction 4 of the M3. Use the ShowCentre entrance off ETPS Road and follow event signage; pre-book parking if the organiser offers it.
Gate: Allow extra time at the main gate for security screening; photo ID is required for defence events.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Industry delegate pass
Published price plus VAT; includes conference briefings, exhibition access and scheduled networking functions.
Validated military, government and end-user pass
Free for full-time serving naval and military personnel, non-commercial government representatives and other validated end users, subject to approval.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring photo ID and your registration confirmation to the main Farnborough International reception; badge collection is on site.
Ticket notes
Free attendance is limited to full-time serving naval and military personnel, non-commercial government representatives and other validated end users. Industry delegates require a paid pass; media attend through an official media partnership. Registration for 2027 opens later.
Who runs the show
Navy Leaders (Defence Leaders)
Organiser
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 2,700
Edition #: 5
Visitor countries: 85
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,700
Exhibitors: 220
Next edition
2028
No 2028 edition has been announced. The organiser is expected to confirm the next cycle after the 2027 event.
Impact
CNE concentrates a high-value naval buyer audience in one Farnborough venue at a time when European fleets are placing long-lead orders. For exhibitors, the commercial value comes less from footfall than from the density of programme officers, procurement staff and prime-contractor supply-chain leads in three days.
Audience quality
The audience is deliberately narrow: serving naval personnel, government officials, validated end users and paid industry delegates. That filter produces fewer casual visitors and more people with requirement, budget or subcontracting influence. Expect strong attendance from the Royal Navy, UK MOD, NATO staff and allied delegations.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on matching a demonstrable capability to a live programme. Primes and systems integrators use CNE for supply-chain scouting, while SMEs use it to reach programme offices that are hard to access elsewhere. Budget for a focused stand, pre-booked meetings and follow-up within two weeks rather than relying on walk-up traffic.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The naval market is being reshaped by fleet renewal, rising submarine and anti-submarine investment, and the shift to uncrewed and multi-domain operations. CNE places those requirements in front of the UK Royal Navy, MOD and allied delegations, making it a practical route into European naval procurement and industrial partnerships.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Fleet renewal and shipbuilding capacity
Navies are placing multi-year orders for frigates, submarines and support ships while trying to rebuild domestic shipyard capacity and skilled workforces.
What it changes: This creates long-tail demand for propulsion, sensors, steel, systems integration and through-life support well beyond the platform prime.
SourceUncrewed and autonomous maritime systems
Uncrewed surface and sub-surface vehicles are moving from trials into operational roles, including surveillance, mine countermeasures and distributed sensing.
What it changes: Buyers are looking for proven autonomy, payload integration and certification pathways rather than isolated prototypes.
SourceMulti-domain integration and cyber resilience
Naval forces are linking ships, submarines, aircraft, space assets and cyber teams into resilient command networks that can operate under contested conditions.
What it changes: Suppliers must demonstrate secure interoperability and data assurance alongside platform performance.
SourceCNE anchors a year of specialised naval and maritime defence gatherings across Europe. Buyers often pair it with the Navy Leaders sister events and with larger international defence exhibitions.
Navy Tech & Seabed Defence 2027
Gothenburg, Sweden
Navy Leaders sister event focused on naval technology and seabed defence; dates indicative.
websiteDSEI 2027
London, United Kingdom
Large biennial defence exhibition at ExCeL; dates indicative and subject to organiser confirmation.
websiteNaval Damage Control 2027
Southampton, United Kingdom
Ninth edition focused on naval firefighting, survivability and emergency response.
websiteQ1 2027
Early-year technical specialist audience.
May 2027
Anchor naval gathering.
September 2027
Autumn defence circuit.
CNE dates and sister-event positioning from Navy Leaders; adjacent dates are circuit estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Largest international gateway; take the RailAir coach to Woking or a taxi to Farnborough.
~28 miles / 45 km
to venue
35–60 minutes
by car
Useful for European low-cost and charter flights; rail via Clapham Junction to Farnborough.
~45 miles / 72 km
to venue
50–75 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 95–140 / night
Clean, functional rooms 10–20 minutes from the venue; rates rise during defence events.
USD 150–220 / night
Best balance of comfort and access; book a flexible rate and check parking.
USD 260–420 / night
Country-house and riverside options 25–40 minutes away; suitable for senior delegations.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rail
Fast South Western Railway service, about 35–45 minutes; the venue is a short taxi or bus ride from the station.
Taxi / ride-hail
Use the official taxi rank at Heathrow; pre-book for early departures.
Bus
Local bus services serve the exhibition centre; check show-day timetables.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or the UK's permitted business visitor route | $160.00 | Typically 3 weeks |
Many EU, US, Canadian, Australian and other visa-nationality visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits; check GOV.UK before booking.
ATA Carnet is accepted for temporary exhibition goods; list all items and carry the carnet to customs.
Official visa pageWeather
Late May in Hampshire is mild and changeable: daytime highs around 17–20°C, lows near 8–10°C, with a real chance of showers. Bring a light waterproof and layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile coverage is strong; buy a local eSIM or SIM for data. Venue Wi-Fi is usually available but can be congested at peak sessions, so carry a mobile hotspot for demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queuing and personal space
Britons queue politely and expect others to do the same; keep a little personal space in queues and during introductions.
Pub and tipping etiquette
Table service is common in pubs but ordering at the bar is normal. A 10–12.5% tip is usual for table service; taxis often accept card.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: London Heathrow (LHR)
Book into Heathrow for the simplest rail/taxi connection. Arrive the day before the show and allow 60–90 minutes for immigration and baggage.
Book flightsVisa-free entry applies to many short business visitors, but other nationalities need a UK Standard Visitor visa. Check GOV.UK before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 160 equivalent
Processing: Around 3 weeks
Carry an invitation letter, hotel confirmation and return ticket. The free military/government pass does not remove immigration requirements.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Heathrow to Farnborough by taxi (35–60 min) or RailAir coach to Woking then rail to Farnborough Main.
Hotel → venue: Use a local taxi or the venue's event signage; Farnborough town centre is 10–15 minutes by road.
Ride-hail: Uber and local licensed taxis operate; pre-book for the evening peak.
Public transit: South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Farnborough Main, then taxi or bus to the ShowCentre.
Parking: On-site parking is available; pre-book if the organiser offers it and allow time for security checks.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 8–20°C
Seasonality: Changeable spring weather with frequent showers; daylight lasts well into the evening.
Packing: Pack layers, a compact umbrella or waterproof, comfortable shoes for the exhibition halls and a charged power bank.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 26 May 2027
The middle day typically carries the fullest conference programme and the best chance of catching senior speakers and exhibitor staff who are not travelling on arrival or breakdown days.
Register and request the appropriate pass — Military and government attendees should start validation early; industry delegates should budget for the £2,950 + VAT pass.
Book travel and hotel — Fly into Heathrow and stay in Farnborough or Fleet; check cancellation terms.
Build a meeting and session shortlist — Review the five streams and request meetings with target exhibitors.
Confirm badge, ID and travel documents — Carry photo ID, invitation letter and hotel confirmation.
Arrive, check in and plan the floor route — Collect your badge, test connectivity and map priority stands for day one.
Badge collection and security screening
ShowCentre main entranceKeynote session on fleet readiness and surface operations
Main conference theatreSupplier meetings on the exhibition floor
Exhibition hallsSub-surface and uncrewed systems briefings
Stream theatresWindsor Castle
Heritage
~45 minutes by car
Historic royal residence and easy half-day trip before or after the show.
London
City
~40 minutes by train from Farnborough Main
Museums, meetings and onward travel; ideal for a weekend add-on.
Exhibition floor networking lounge
On-site
Central seating and coffee service; useful between sessions.
Farnborough town centre pubs
Off-site
Informal evening meetings within 15 minutes of the venue.
CNE conversations are concentrated in three days, so speed matters. A disciplined two-week follow-up cycle converts more meetings than a generic post-show mailer.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 450–650 / m²
Raw space
GBP 300–450 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Estimated UK naval-exhibition rates; the organiser issues final tariffs with the exhibitor manual.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell_scheme
GBP 4050–5850 / 9 sqm stand
booth
exhibitor · raw_space
GBP 10800–16200 / 36 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
GBP 450–660 / 3 nights
travel
visitor · economy
GBP 180–900 / return flight
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell_scheme | GBP 4050–5850 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth | exhibitor | raw_space | GBP 10800–16200 / 36 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | GBP 450–660 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| travel | visitor | economy | GBP 180–900 / return flight | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether CNE 2027 is best for a visit, an exhibition presence or a skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary objective at CNE 2027?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live requirement and need to compare suppliers or attend conference sessions.
Best for
End users and buyers evaluating capabilities
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2–4 weeks
Risks
Pass validation may take time
Hotels sell out during defence events
exhibit
You can pre-book meetings and have a capability aligned to active programmes.
Best for
Suppliers with a relevant naval capability and budget
Min. budget
$15,000.00
Timeline
3–6 months
Risks
High stand and delegate costs
Long defence sales cycles
skip
Your products are not naval or defence-related and you have no active UK or allied pipeline.
Best for
Organisations with no naval relevance or near-term plan
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing relationship-building opportunities
Book with
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
The purpose-built exhibition and conference venue hosting CNE in Hampshire, with road access from the M3 and rail links to London Waterloo.
Venue named on the official CNE page; venue website is the public venue resource.
British Airways
Primary full-service carrier into London Heathrow, the closest major international gateway to Farnborough.
Airline resource for visitor planning; not an announced event partner.
Department for Business and Trade
UK government department promoting defence and security exports and inward investment.
Public body relevant to UK defence trade; not confirmed as an event partner.
Society of Maritime Industries
UK trade association representing the maritime and naval defence supply chain.
Industry association resource; not confirmed as an event partner.
Recommended providers
GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa
Check eligibility and apply at least three weeks before travel; carry an invitation letter if requested.
Compare Farnborough, Fleet and Camberley hotels; book early because the show coincides with other defence events.
Book into London Heathrow (LHR), then rail or taxi to Farnborough; allow 45–60 minutes by road.
Use a freight forwarder experienced in UK defence exhibitions and ATA Carnet procedures.
Arrange travel and exhibition liability cover; check whether the organiser requires public liability insurance.
Add Windsor Castle or a London day trip around the show; book timed entry in advance.
Use a compliant lead-capture app and export contacts daily; obtain consent for follow-up under UK GDPR.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
6
References
2
Publishers
6
Date checked
Navy Leaders
TURDEF
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
