What to expect from Eurosatory 2024

The global defence and security industry is ready to once again descend on Paris for five days of discussions, deal making, platform announcements and live demonstrations as Eurosatory returns.

The biennial event, founded in 1967, takes place from 17–21 June 2024 and fill the vast Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. This year’s edition is set to welcome more than 60,000 visitors to the French capital, including a heavy presence of NATO and EU members, as the event returns at a time when regional security has been a major talking point throughout Europe.

The show will feature more than 40 national pavilions, a host of new equipment and solutions, and a 20,000 sqm live demonstrations area featuring displays by French internal security forces, the French Army and numerous defence manufacturers. A zone dedicated to helicopters will see Eurocopter Tiger, NH90 Caïman, H160M Guepard, H135, Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters on display.

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A dedicated talks programme plans to showcase speakers from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, Ministry of the Interior, National Gendarmerie Air Force, NATO, the EU and leading names from across the global defence industry. Among a varied list of content themes repeated throughout the exhibition floor will be UAS systems, the integration of air and missile defence systems, and electronic warfare and countermeasures.

Exhibitors from across the world will join approximately 2,000 companies on the show floor at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre this year. (Photo: Eurosatory/Coges Events)

A broad conference agenda has been compiled comprising tracks on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, UAV and counter-drone systems, space capabilities, logistics and support, and defence cooperation. Meanwhile, sustainable defence will be placed under the spotlight with panel sessions on the impact of climate change on the operation of armed forces, along with the role energy plays at the tactical edge, due to take place. Speakers from Airbus Defence & Space, the UK Royal Air Force, the French Ministry of Armed Forces, Edge Group and GM Defense have been booked to contribute towards the discussions.

Showcasing European AI development

Unsurprisingly, AI will be among the hot topics at the 2024 exhibition, as the defence and security industries incorporate the latest AI technologies and solutions to improve efficiencies and enhance processes within their systems and platforms.

Following the EU’s adoption on of its AI Act by the European Parliament and Council in December 2023, AI has been playing a leading role in enhancing decision-making, leading General Pierre Schill, chief of staff of the French Army (CEMAT), to remark: "The integration of [AI] into weapons systems and our staff processes is imperative if we are to retain the initiative: making decision-making loops more reliable and faster, making the most of data, optimising the individual potential of soldiers and helping to design manoeuvres.”

AI has a large number of applications in defence systems, enhancing decision-making, strengthening supply chains and maintenance operations, and proving intelligent solutions for force personnel suffering from conflict trauma. At Eurosatory 2024, solutions will no doubt feature autonomous navigation, data analysis and predictive intelligence, electronic warfare, and simulation and training.

Innovations in UAVs and counter UAS systems will be among the major talking points at Eurosatory 2024. (Photo: Eurosatory/Coges Events)

Louis Ménigoz, director of technological strategy at Eurosatory, remarked: “With developments in international standardisation work on the robustness of AI, the defence and security industries will be stepping up their production capacity in the coming years.

“At Eurosatory 2024, while the use of AI for image processing in optronics and imaging systems is nothing new, electromagnetic spectrum analysis is increasingly being used in intelligence and anti-drone systems, and we will be seeing the growing use of AI in the development of predictive maintenance, training and simulation.

“Command centres will be integrating AIs of all kinds, which will foreshadow the future of decision-support centres for forces and crisis management alike,” he noted.

Development opportunities for start-ups and professionals

Debuting this year is a space dedicated to professions within the industry. The 250 sqm area will be open to students, jobseekers and military personnel preparing to take the next steps in their careers. The space will combine professional meetings and practical workshops, bring candidates and recruiters together, and include a “Job Wall” of vacancies within the French defence and security industry.

Eurosatory Lab will provide an area for start-ups to interact with industry experts, investors and decision-makers, with the event providing a platform for dozens of start-ups from around Europe to present their solutions to an international audience.

Shephard's Eurosatory 2024 coverage is sponsored by: