April 22 & 23 | eRIC 2026
This was eric 2026
Bigger, sharper and more relevant than ever. At a time when it has become painfully clear that investments in defense and security have been delayed too long and we need to rapidly strengthen our resilience, the fifth edition of eRIC came at just the right time.
So on April 22 and 23, 2026, the sector was in the starting blocks. At Vliegveld Twenthe, this resulted in the gathering of 6,238 visitors and professionals, with one goal: a stronger and future-proof security sector.
The grounds and hangars were filled with innovations, live demos and a multidisciplinary demonstration. In addition, more than 40 speakers filled a content-rich program. So for two days we went in depth. Visions were shared, developments and threats highlighted, contacts made and collaborations started. We looked beyond the boundaries of disciplines, so that together we are ready when it matters.
A decade of eRIC
On Wednesday at the stroke of 10 a.m., the exhibition was opened by none other than Police Chief Michel de Roos. With one push of a button he gave the go-ahead for the 5th edition of eRIC and with it the 10th anniversary of Expo Disaster Response Incident Management and Crisis Management.
For ten years eRIC has brought together emergency services, government and industry around the most pressing security issues. This anniversary year's focus was on resilience, defense and unmanned systems such as drones. And as if it was meant to be, the weather cooperated as well, making for a strong combination of content, energy and an excellent atmosphere.
Seen in the hangar and on the grounds
From the moment visitors entered the grounds, it was action! An overwhelming spectacle where hundreds of different applications could be seen and experienced. For example, Dronelift demonstrated a heavy drone with a load capacity of up to 200 kg. At Stryker, reanimation solutions were shown live and at the Vandeputte Medical booth, the newest stretcher was on display.
In the outdoor area you could see Visser's extensive fleet of vehicles, you could see a training session with a tracking dog at Twinkerveld, Hobrand turned out with a two-tier stand and a roof terrace for business relations, and at Hebo you could pilot an underwater drone that is used in incidents on the water.
But there was much more. The police helicopter flew into the field with great allure, Customs taught you how to recognize counterfeit products, you could see practical solutions such as Zuko's inflatable emergency mattresses, a high-altitude rescue took place, you could test your skills on a rodeo bull, and the Department of Waterways and Public Works was, of course, once again present in a big way. eRIC was, for two days, a place where you stood in the middle of the field.
Per edition, you notice it's getting busier, and more and more people are talking about eRIC. It's really starting to come alive."
Kristian Venema
Head of Sales | Visser
Exhibitor 2026
What's really important for us is to get to know the suppliers behind the products."
Marloes Leijser
Purchasing Team | Safety Region Midden & West Brabant
Visitor 2026
In-depth lecture program
In addition to all the toys and tools, eRIC was also big on content this year. Wider, more informative, more in-depth. With a discipline-transcending flow of information that aroused curiosity within all branches. From lectures on security within the smallest village in the Netherlands (Efteling) to NATO summit security.
With big names like Pieter Cobelens, Marco Zannoni and Paul Gelton and equally big topics like resilience, geopolitics and information-driven working.
Re-read these 3 highlighted lectures here.
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Pieter Cobelens
Strategic advisor and major general (bd).
Influence of geo-political developments regarding our national security
War is the result of failing deterrence. So get it right"
Maikel Cross
Manager of Integral Security | Efteling
The Efteling: the safest village in the Netherlands
The carefree day of guests must not be disturbed. The magic must remain."
Menno Kersbergen
Deputy Commander | Ministry of Defense
Crisis-proof food supply for the armed forces
An infantryman doing rock-hard physical work in the outdoors is heading toward 5,000 calories a day."
Multidisciplinary demo
eRIC is not complete without a live action demo that brings to life the multidisciplinary nature of the fair. This year's focus was on a realistic and substantive demonstration. Visitors witnessed a complex scenario involving a collision with a Department of Public Works vehicle and an incident involving heavy military equipment.
Read the detailed report of the demonstration here.
shots at eric
Check out all the photos from this epic edition of eRIC here!
"As an OvD-Bz, eRIC is the place to really get a feel for the field and go home with fresh insights."
Danique Lemans
Public Order and Safety Officer | Municipality of Landgraaf
Officer of Service Bevolkingszorg | Veiligheidsregio Zuid-Limburg
Visitor 2026
Thanks to these 294 exhibitors
Save the date
Good things take time. Because eRIC takes place every other year, you have some time now to turn the insights from this edition into action.
In 2028, eRIC will be back for its sixth edition, on May 17 and 18, 2028 at Vliegveld Twenthe.
See you in two years.
The connecting platform for the security industry.
Highlights
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Meldkamerplein puts focus on information-driven crisis management
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