The Eurosatory defense and arms exhibition opened in Paris on Monday, showcasing the latest military technology including drones, armored vehicles, and various artillery systems. However, ongoing worldwide conflicts have impacted the event. Israel has been barred from participating for the first time due to its offensive in Gaza. A French district court ruled that individuals working for or representing Israeli firms are not allowed to participate, despite an ongoing legal battle. Despite this setback, seventy-four Israeli firms were initially set to exhibit weapons at the event near the international airport in Paris.
In addition to Israel’s absence, Russia and Belarus are also missing from the event due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU Commission, relatively new to the event, has stepped up its defense industry strategy since the war in Ukraine. This includes initiatives such as the EDIRPA and the European Defense Fund aimed at strengthening companies in the face of American competitors. An arms expert at the French Institute of International Relations noted that the war in Ukraine has led to increased EU involvement in defense issues. This has given the EU Commission a more legitimate presence at the exhibition, signaling their willingness to invest more in order to carry more weight in future events. The event runs until Friday, with organizers planning to appeal any court decisions regarding Israeli participation as soon as possible.
