Eurosatory defense show attracts 30% more exhibitors

The Eurosatory defense exhibition near Paris opened this week with more than 2,600 exhibitors, a 30% increase from the previous edition, according to the organizer Coges Events. Charles Beaudouin, CEO of Coges Events, said the show represents the last opportunity for European countries to purchase off-the-shelf weapons that can be delivered before a possible conflict with Russia.

Rising urgency cited by organizer Beaudouin stated that equipment still in development would arrive too late if conflict occurs within the next two years. He said European governments must therefore acquire existing systems from U.S., Korean, Indian, or other suppliers where domestic options are unavailable.

Several European intelligence services have assessed that Russia could challenge NATO by 2030, with some officials estimating a possible test of the alliance within two to four years.

Themes and equipment on display The exhibition features drones with longer ranges and greater payloads, ground-launched long-range missiles, and counter-drone systems including a Thales offering similar to Israel's Iron Dome. Israeli firms are restricted to defensive systems such as air-defense equipment following a French government decision.

Eighty Ukrainian companies are participating, up from ten in 2024, displaying cruise missiles, long-range drones, and swarm systems.

Production and technology trends Beaudouin said the show highlights a shift toward AI-enabled autonomous weapons and rugged, lower-cost platforms modeled on Ukrainian designs. Volkswagen is attending for the first time, reflecting interest in applying automotive manufacturing methods to defense production.