French Arms Fair Blocks Israeli Stands After Earlier Approval

Israel’s defense companies were shocked overnight when organizers of the Euronaval-style arms exhibition, “Eurosatory,” in France sealed their booths with wooden boards, even though the stands had been approved only hours earlier. The move mirrored what happened at the same fair last year. According to the report, the companies had met French requirements to show only defensive weapons-related material.

The blocked exhibitors included Aeronautics, Orbit, Gilat, Shoresh, Marom Dolphin, Smart Shooter, and OSG. Company representatives said they had already completed all requested adjustments and had received authorization from the organizers shortly before the closures. Orbit said inspectors had visited the stand yesterday, told them it met all requirements, and even approved screening a presentation video. Aeronautics said it also made the demanded changes before receiving the closure notice.

A notice sent to the Israeli companies said that, under a June 3, 2026 letter, the French government decided to restrict Israeli participation in Eurosatory 2026 to materials and products that contribute only to Israel’s defense capabilities against aircraft, missiles, and ballistic missiles. The notice added that the restriction covers all exhibition materials, including visual works, videos, models, reproductions, mockups, and promotional items. It said French authorities had inspected the stand and found it did not comply, so it would be hidden and closed that night.

The Defense Ministry called the move “a cynical, unequal and unsurprising step” meant to exclude Israeli technology from an international exhibition. It said the companies were showing only defensive systems and added that the ministry would continue promoting Israeli defense exports worldwide despite what it described as French efforts to conceal Israel’s technological superiority.