Eurosatory 2026 Defense Exhibition Opens in Paris with Over 2,100 Exhibitors

Eurosatory 2026 opened Monday at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center outside Paris and runs through Friday. Organizers report more than 2,100 exhibitors from 65 countries and more than 330 official delegations from 93 countries. Industry reporting places the expected total above 2,600 exhibitors, one of the largest editions of the biennial event.

Charles Beaudouin, chief executive of COGES Events, the organizer, said the show is shaped by “rising perils” and described it as a possible “last chance” for European countries to buy existing systems that can be delivered before a possible confrontation with Russia.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is in its fifth year. Ukrainian companies are presenting drones, electronic warfare systems, ground robots, long-range strike technology and battlefield software at the show under the national brand ZBROYA.

Gen. Pierre Schill, French Army Chief of Staff, has warned against reducing the war to a showcase for drones and AI, noting that trenches, artillery duels, urban fighting, mass casualties, logistics and attrition remain central features of the conflict.

Renault and Thales announced a partnership to develop a hybrid 4x4 military vehicle called the 4 TROOP, which is being presented at the exhibition.

Roughly 180 American companies are expected at the show. France has restricted Israel’s official participation, barring Israeli companies from displaying offensive weapons and denying Israel a national pavilion. Israeli officials have condemned the restriction as politically motivated.

French defense officials are working on a Ukraine-inspired “kill web” designed to connect sensors, commanders and weapons more quickly. Eurosatory 2026 is also hosting a section dedicated to banks and investors.