Eurosatory 2026: The global defence and security landmark unveiled in Paris

On Thursday, 9 April, COGES Events, organiser of the world-leading defence and security exhibition Eurosatory, invited the press to a briefing at the Elyséum Hall in Paris to present the highlights of the upcoming 2026 edition. Taking place from 15 to 19 June at Paris Nord Villepinte, the event reaffirms its strategic position at the crossroads of global geopolitics, industry, and technological, environmental and societal evolution.

“Now more than ever, Eurosatory positions defence and security at the heart of contemporary challenges,” stated Charles Beaudouin, CEO of COGES Events. Held every two years in Paris, the exhibition gathers the entire international ecosystem – armed and security forces, industry leaders, institutions, experts and innovators. “At Eurosatory, operational requirements meet the industrial and technological solutions capable of addressing them,” he added, underlining the show’s unique ability to bridge government needs with industrial know-how.

Beaudouin also pointed out that in a world where threats continuously expand and evolve, geopolitical tensions are compounded by increasingly severe humanitarian and environmental crises. “Stability and the protection of populations remain central concerns for nations and their partners,” he emphasised.

Speaking next, Emmanuel Levacher, CEO of GICAT and Arquus, highlighted the increasing complexity of security challenges. “Armed forces must be prepared for more demanding engagements where technological innovation plays a decisive role,” he said. Citing that global military expenditure in 2024 reached 2,718 billion US dollars, up 9.4% in a single year – the sharpest rise since the Cold War – Levacher underscored the critical importance of cooperation and innovation across the defence sector.

“Eurosatory is far more than an exhibition; it is a strategic crossroads where technologies, operational experiences and strategic visions converge,” Levacher continued. The 2026 edition will also provide a major platform for reflection and strategic dialogue, featuring over 100 conferences and nearly 600 international speakers.

Figures reflect the event’s scale and influence: over 330 official delegations from 100 countries, spanning 180,000 square metres overall, including 90,000 square metres of exhibits and more than 2,200 exhibiting companies from 65 countries to date. Notably, five new nations will make their first appearance this year, underscoring Eurosatory’s role as a central fixture in the international defence calendar.

With such a diverse range of participants and themes, Eurosatory 2026 stands once again as the global meeting point for defence and security dialogue, and a showcase of transformation within the military and industrial worlds.

Photos by J. Roukoz