• ADU raises curtain over the naval bonanza ready to open tomorrow
  • Global Maritime and Defence Leaders Head to Paris

By Sangeeta Saxena

03 November 2024. Parc de Expositions, Paris. The final countdown has begun and the wait is all set to get over! The much-anticipated Euronaval is ready to return to Paris, attracting the global defence and maritime community from 04 November to 7th November. Recognized as one of the largest international naval and maritime Defence exhibitions, Euronaval 2024 will host industry leaders, government officials, and military representatives from over 100 countries. This year’s event promises a comprehensive showcase of advanced technologies, including cutting-edge warships, submarines, unmanned systems, advanced weaponry, and sophisticated naval electronics.

Countries participating in addition to France are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Columbia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Newzealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America.

With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Euronaval 2024 will highlight emerging trends in naval Defence, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and green technology. These trends are increasingly crucial as countries seek to bolster their maritime security while addressing environmental concerns. Exhibitors will present their latest solutions, covering the spectrum from shipbuilding to cybersecurity, and offer insights into the future of maritime operations in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The SEAnnovation zone has been created to support and showcase both French and international start-ups in a dedicated space managed by the exhibition organizers. With the defence sector continually evolving, each edition of the exhibition highlights the latest technological innovations. SEAnnovation invites young companies working in defence or dual-use civil-defence sectors to apply for this unique opportunity.For these start-ups, SEAnnovation offers a valuable platform to gain visibility and present their projects to the leading contractors in the global naval industry.

The Euronaval Innovation Awards celebrate groundbreaking advancements across all sectors of naval defence, security, and maritime safety. Showcase your products and services by entering this prestigious competition. Submit your cutting-edge equipment, services, or software to be evaluated by a jury of industry experts and journalists, especially if they are debuting at Euronaval 2024. The competition is open to innovators in every field within the naval defence, maritime safety, and security industries.

Five Exploration Spaces at Euronaval 2024 will be on showcase for the first time . Lets get to know them. First is the Navy Motion in collaboration with the French Navy. Navy Motion immerses visitors in the dynamic world of naval operations through a stunning visual journey aboard French Navy ships, submarines, aircraft, and commando units. Designed for industry professionals, defence enthusiasts, and curious newcomers alike, Navy Motion offers an unforgettable experience that brings you right into the heart of naval action.

Second is the Showroom which is an interactive exhibit where visitors can explore life-sized models, including semi-rigid boats and an Airbus helicopter. Step into this impressive space to see these full-scale naval assets up close.

Third is the “Neptune” exhibition, curated by official Navy painter and photographer Ewan Lebourdais, offers a rare glimpse into the world of Marine Fusiliers and Marine Commandos. In partnership with Brick & Dague, this exhibit showcases 30 unpublished artistic photographs, taken on missions, during training, and at the military bases in Lorient and Toulon. Photographers “LARGO” and Kellian Bier also contribute to this powerful collection, with special focus on the Hubert Commando’s work with nuclear attack submarines—a crucial component of underwater and amphibious operations. Enjoy Lebourdais’ captivating naval photography throughout the exhibition.

Fourth is the Naval Bookshop at Euronaval Paris 2024 celebrates maritime art and culture, offering a range of specialized books in French and, for the first time, in English, along with SHOM nautical charts and exclusive merchandise. Browse an array of technical manuals, inspiring stories, and historical explorations, and don’t miss the chance to meet authors during scheduled book signings for works dedicated to the naval and maritime world.

Fifth is the TalentWave is the area devoted to training and attracting the next generation! This area is devoted to businesses who provide cutting-edge educational technologies, specialist training service providers, educational virtual reality creators, and certification and continuing education organizations in collaboration with CINav. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be involved in the revolution of naval training and talent attraction!

France, as a leading nation in naval capabilities, will showcase its flagship naval programs, while international exhibitors will unveil their latest innovations. Additionally, Euronaval 2024 will feature dedicated sessions on digital transformation and AI in naval Defence, forums on environmental considerations in maritime operations, and live demonstrations of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), drones, and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

Attendees can also look forward to an enriched experience with seminars, technical workshops, and a dedicated innovation space where start-ups will present new technologies. With the growing importance of resilient and agile maritime forces, Euronaval 2024 will be a focal point for Defence cooperation and technological advancement in the naval domain.

Established in 1968 to serve the French naval industry, Euronaval has progressively expanded its reach, first embracing European and then global manufacturers, solidifying its status as the premier event in naval defence. Constantly tuned into the latest geostrategic and economic developments worldwide, Euronaval evolves with each edition, showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations. This adaptability allows the biennial event to address the major naval and maritime challenges of the 21st century.

For over five decades, Euronaval’s strength has been its ability to attract high-profile delegations, including government decision-makers and chiefs of staff from foreign navies. In 2022, the show welcomed 150 French and international delegations, making it the must-attend event for nations focused on maritime security and protection. This year, Euronaval will once again be the global gathering place for those dedicated to safeguarding the seas.

Euronaval provides exhibitors with unparalleled access to official delegations from around the world, supporting valuable connections with government buyers and key influencers. This carefully designed program includes over 1,400 B2B meetings, helping exhibitors rapidly expand their networks. Through high-caliber keynote sessions, tailored networking events, and the international delegations program, Euronaval offers direct access to regional government representatives and top decision-makers. With an impressive 22,000 visitors—including high-level buyers and specifiers—Euronaval is a must-attend event for global navies and companies in the naval sector. Join a dynamic network of over 450 exhibitors, with 55% representing 30 different countries in 2022, and showcase your innovations to an engaged, influential audience.

The count down has begun and the maritime defence world will reach the Parc de Expositions , Paris , to form the largest conglomerate of naval professionals, industry experts and enthusiasts to brainstorm future technologies, global maritime agenda and state-of-the-art navies of the world. All is set to showcase the best of the naval bonanza for the world to see.

Editor ADU at the show a day prior as it gets ready for take off