Photo by
Ministry of Defense/TPS-IL on 15 June, 2026
Israel Slams Eurosatory Move to Close Israeli Defense Pavilions Overnight
Jerusalem, 15 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Organizers of the Eurosatory 2026 arms exhibition in France, overnight closed the booths of several Israeli defense companies that had been scheduled to display systems at the event, in a move resembling restrictions imposed at last year’s fair.
Among the affected firms were Smart Shooter, Controp, Orbit, Aeronautics, Marom and Source, whose exhibition spaces were reportedly sealed or covered by organizers.
In response, Controp representatives wrote a message on the wall placed in front of their booth, stating that the company’s long-range cameras “‘defeated’ Iranian ballistic missiles, but lost to French short-sightedness.”
Not all Israeli booths were affected; the restrictions applied to companies displaying offensive weapons systems, while firms presenting defensive technologies, including Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael and Elbit Systems, remained open.
In response, Israel’s Defense Ministry said in a statement, “Overnight, the management of the Eurosatory exhibition boarded up Israeli defense industry pavilions – despite these companies having met the French government’s outrageous demands and displayed solely defensive systems.”
Earlier, the French government barred the opening of Israel’s national pavilion on June 4, in a letter from Nicolas Roche, secretary-general of France’s National Security Council equivalent, to the Israeli Embassy in Paris. The letter said the decision was “consistent with the French diplomatic position, which seeks peace and stability in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.”
Opening the booths was made conditional on inspection by ballistic experts on behalf of French national security authorities.
The biennial Eurosatory show features exhibitions from 61 countries. Major manufacturers regularly attend, using the show to unveil new products, announce deals, and network with clients and governments.
Last year, France also banned Israel’s official participation in Eurosatory in Paris, barring government and Defense Ministry representatives and preventing a national pavilion. Private Israeli firms presenting defensive systems were still allowed to participate. In a break with standard defense exhibition practices, Israeli defense companies were also barred from displaying offensive weapons at the Paris Air Show.
Israel set an all-time record for defense exports in 2025, with sales reaching $19.2 billion. International demand for Israel’s military technology has surged as European countries increased their defense budgets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to figures released by the Defense Ministry, 36% of Israel’s arms sales in 2024 were to Europe.
