Euronaval 2026, the Paris naval defense show, opened today, November 3. For the second time, it is held at Villepinte (Parc des Expositions) rather than at Le Bourget airport, the historic venue of earlier editions, where it may return in 2028.

The numbers are fairly good. There are more than 715 exhibitors this year, up from 490 in the 2024 edition (the organizer reports a +45% increase). The comparison, however, is with a decidedly subdued 2024 edition.

The first impression is of a very European show, in keeping with the “Euro” in its name. The US is back with a significant presence, though far smaller than in the show’s heyday. South Korean, Australian and Canadian companies are absent, or at least their major players are nowhere to be seen. The national pavilions point the same way: there are 13, exactly as in 2024.

European companies are out in force, with several newcomers and the return of some major names. Chief among them is Germany’s Rheinmetall, fresh from its recent acquisitions in naval shipbuilding. Shipbuilding itself, however, is somewhat underrepresented at this edition. The show is dominated by drones in all their maritime forms: UAVs, USVs, UUVs and AUVs. Ukrainian companies, the current leaders in the field, seem to be missing among the exhibitors.

France is naturally front and center, as are the multinational and cooperative organizations such as MBDA and Eurosam. 

Italy takes part, as always, as a leading player, with large spaces occupied by Fincantieri, Leonardo, ELT Group and Intermarine.

Finally, the Israeli presence in France remains complicated. Relatively few companies are attending, and they are limited to defensive systems (surface-to-air missiles, sensors and surveillance drones), with very few products on display.

FW Mag is at Euronaval: visit us at our stand (Hall 6 – Stand D 105).

In the coming days, all the latest naval news, straight from the show floor.