The 16th Annual Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) will take place April 8-10 at the Macomb Sports and Expo Center in Warren.
Sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter, MDEX highlights Michigan’s role as a cornerstone of America’s defense industrial base, showcasing cutting-edge innovation and national security advancements.
The event connect Department of Defense leaders, prime contractors, and small businesses in one of the most strategically significant manufacturing corridors in the United States.
“MDEX is not just an event, it is a mission-critical platform for advancing national security and technology,” says Valde Garcia, president of the NDIA Michigan Chapter. “Each year, we bring together government leaders, industry innovators, and small businesses to ensure that Michigan remains at the epicenter of defense innovation and manufacturing excellence.”
Michigan’s Defense Corridor, a region responsible for producing 75 percent of America’s ground combat systems and home to more than 6,000 defense contractors, generated more than $26 billion in defense contracts over the last 10 years.
The corridor hosts critical military assets such as the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), both in Warren.
“Michigan’s Defense Corridor is unlike any other place in the country,” says Garcia. “The NDIA Michigan Chapter’s leadership in organizing MDEX ensures that this ecosystem continues to deliver innovative solutions that protect our warfighters and enhance our national security.”
This year, MDEX will feature:
— Exclusive DoD Briefings: Insights into emerging trends and procurement strategies from top military leaders.
— Prime Contractor Engagements: Opportunities to connect with industry giants like General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, Oshkosh Defense, and AM General.
— Small Business Matchmaking: Focused sessions designed to integrate small businesses into the defense supply chain.
— Innovative Exhibits: Showcasing technologies across ground vehicles, robotics, aerospace, and more.
Currently, Michigan leads in developing next-generation ground combat systems, autonomous vehicles, robotics technologies, and advanced manufacturing technologies that define tomorrow’s battlefield.
Recent federal investments defense innovation in the region include:
— A $37 million manned/unmanned tactical vehicle lab in Macomb County is advancing autonomous combat systems critical to future military operations.
— Northern Strike, the largest National Guard Bureau-sponsored military exercise in the United States, brings together over 7,000 participants from 25 states, one territory, and four international partners. Centered at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, this exercise leverages Michigan’s unique terrain and airspace to enhance military readiness while contributing approximately $30 million annually to local economies.
— The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative is advancing the design, development, and production of cutting-edge maritime technologies, including autonomous and unmanned naval systems. By leveraging Michigan’s manufacturing expertise and its strategic location near the Great Lakes, this initiative positions the state as a critical player in supporting the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard modernization efforts, while fostering collaboration among defense contractors, research institutions, and small businesses.
“MDEX is the essential forum where Michigan’s groundbreaking innovations in defense are showcased and advanced,” says Misty Martin, MDEX 2025 Event Chair. “This event brings together the unmatched industrial capacity, military expertise, and innovative spirit that make Michigan indispensable to America’s national security.”
The NDIA Michigan Chapter invites all stakeholders — government officials, industry leaders, small business owners, and members of the media — to MDEX 2025
Registration is free but required by March 24. Visit mdex-ndia.com for more details.
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