- Russia & Israel missing
- China miniscule
By Sangeeta Saxena
Parc de Expositions, Paris. 17 June 2024. “The war economy is not just a slogan!” declared Sébastien Lecornu, the French Ministry for Armed Forces, at the opening of the Eurosatory 2024 today. This year’s Eurosatory 2024, according to the Minister, is a “important show at an important time.” He discussed air defence with the SAMP/T NG programme and reviewed recent developments in international cooperation as he spoke about the advancements made over the previous two years.
Countdown came to an end and Eurosatory 2024 opened on a calm note and steady crowds. Day 1 was inauguration of the show by the French Minister of Armed Forces , conferences, BtoB meetings and display of state-of-the-art Land Forces equipment.
Gaza and Ukraine have been instrumental in the absence of Israel and Russia from the Eurosatory 2024. A French district court ruled that organizers of the Eurosatory 2024 defense and security trade show must ban all Israeli firms from participating in the event. The Israeli participation was banned at the Eurosatory 2024 as per this decision made by government authorities. Israeli businesses are not allowed to take part in this year’s Eurosatory, The organisers stated that at a time when the President is urging Israel to stop operations in Rafah, the requirements to host Israeli enterprises at the show are no longer met. 74 Israeli companies were registered and approximately ten of these companies were expected to display firearms. Belarus and Russia are also absent from the show.
China, which backs Russia in its conflict in Ukraine, is not absent but has a very diminished miniscule presence. It represented by 61 companies in the official exhibitors list. The majority of the exhibitors are smaller businesses that offer support equipment including radio technology, fiber-optic materials and armour.
Modern air and missile defence systems are on display and information warfare, artificial intelligence, space defence, military ethics, and the effects of climate change on military operations all rule the roost at the show this year.
The French Army, the French National Police, the elite French crisis intervention group (GIGN), and the RAID anti-terrorist teams are all participating in special demonstrations. Approximately 172 seminars are expected to be held by over 400 speakers, including generals, defence advisors, and CEOs of the biggest arms corporations in the world. 2,015 defense-related companies registered for a stand. France is represented by 678 companies – including MBDA, Nexter, Thales, Safran and Airbus. The US has sent 168 participants including GM Defence, Intelsat, Northrop Grumman and a delegation of the US Army. This year’s exhibition houses 2,000 booths from 62 countries, and is expected to welcome 62,000 visitors from 150 nations and 250 delegations from 96 ones. There are 41 national pavilions.
With a vibrant press day, Eurosatory 2024 welcomed guests and showcased the capabilities of French and foreign defence and security manufacturers through an interactive experience. A number of live demonstrations exhibiting the most recent developments in military and security technologies were presented throughout the event. UNAC unveiled the RIDER series, a range of adaptable cars and trailers made to satisfy the rigorous requirements of contemporary combat operations. The RIDER vehicles proved to be resilient and adaptive, two characteristics that are necessary for any equipment that is vital to the mission. The FENNEC, a light vehicle designed for quick deployment and excellent manoeuvrability in a variety of terrains, was unveiled by TECHNAMM. Beside it, the rugged transport vehicle MASSTECH T6 demonstrated its ability to withstand challenging conditions while offering dependable transportation solutions.
The FORTESS MK2 armoured transport vehicle was presented by ARQUUS with the goal of providing soldiers with improved mobility and protection. It is a powerful asset in any fighting area because to its cutting-edge armour and technology. One of the highlights was the BRONCO 3 tracked vehicle from ST Engineering, which demonstrated its exceptional off-road capability and versatility. Because it is designed to navigate even the most difficult terrain, the BRONCO 3 is a vital asset for missions involving both the military and aid.
KNDS gave a demonstration of the ESSENTIAL DECON, a decontamination truck made to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats quickly and efficiently. In contaminated situations, this vehicle is essential for preserving both operational integrity and safety.
The D14 P4x4 FIRE AND RESCUE, a dedicated fire truck, and the CENTURION D14, a powerful police enforcement vehicle, were on display at ARMORIC HOLDING. The company’s dedication to improving emergency response and public safety was demonstrated by both cars.
The event which is showcasing innovation and artificial intelligence is feature the Directorate General for Armaments (DGA). Materials and air-and land-based equipment are being showcased at the Ministry of the Armed Forces display (Hall 5A – F06 – F126 and outside). There are also displays of a number of creative projects that have been funded by the Defence Innovation Agency (AID). Throughout around 3000m2, both inside and outside the helicopter lounge, armoured vehicles from the SCORPION programme and the Caesar cannon will be positioned alongside drones and military equipment.
The Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu signed the “air defense drone pact” today. For a more adapted, more reactive, and as sovereign response as possible to the needs of the armed forces in contact drones, this pact constitutes one of the levers for implementing the industrial policy established by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), for this sector, under the leadership of its new Defense Industry Directorate (DID).
