France Restricts Israeli Defense Firms at Naval Arms Expo

Three major Israeli defense companies, Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael, are participating in the Euronaval 2026 naval arms exhibition in Paris, despite strict limitations imposed by the French government. The exhibition, one of the most significant in maritime security, features over 700 companies from approximately 40 countries. Unlike their international competitors, Israeli firms were required to exclude offensive weapon systems from their displays, focusing solely on defensive and interception technologies.

Among the Israeli innovations showcased is an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) unveiled by Elbit Systems for the first time. This yellow submersible is designed for intelligence gathering, mine detection, and protecting underwater infrastructure like cables and pipelines. Elbit's participation also includes an electronic warfare system for naval vessels and the Seagull, an unmanned surface vessel capable of anti-submarine warfare, which the company notes has seen increased global interest.

The Israeli presence occurs amidst a global surge in demand for naval combat systems, driven by conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the war in Ukraine. French maritime industry data indicates a 47% increase in naval warfare deals between 2024 and 2025, reaching approximately $124 billion.

However, the Paris arms show has again become a point of friction between Israel and France. Ahead of the event, Israeli companies were instructed to exhibit only defensive systems, with restrictions extending to videos shown at their booths. Organizers reportedly reviewed display materials and demanded the removal of any footage depicting offensive capabilities. Furthermore, official representatives from Israel's Ministry of Defense were prohibited from attending.

This is not the first time Israeli defense companies have faced such restrictions in France. Similar limitations on displaying offensive systems were imposed at the Eurosatory land arms exhibition in June, where Israeli booths were even blocked by wooden partitions. Israeli defense industries view these restrictions as commercially damaging and targeted, while the French government cites opposition to displaying weaponry that could be used in the Gaza war. The participation of Israeli defense firms in the Paris Air Show in 2027 is also uncertain, with organizers claiming no space is available for their booths after decades of participation, a move Israeli defense officials suspect is another attempt to exclude them from French arms fairs.