IRIA News

Eurosatory 2024, the world’s leading international defense and security exhibition, started in Paris on June 17, 2024. This bi-annual event has gathered over 2,000 exhibitors from 62 countries, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in military technology.

The exhibition, attended by approximately 62,000 visitors from 150 nations, features various indoor and outdoor sections. A dynamic live demonstration zone showcased real-life uses of various devices such as drones, and robotics.

Vehicle products on display include tanks, armored vehicles, and trucks. The range of small arms covers guns, missiles, and knives. Exhibitors feature communications systems, uniforms, logistics services, simulation technologies, operational medicine, and disaster response solutions. Security is a major theme, with a focus on monitoring, alert, and emergency response solutions, as well as civil security, highlighted by the presence of firemen and other institutions.

As the largest event of its kind globally, the exhibition is closed to the public and reserved for professionals, exhibitors, institutions, government officials, industry professionals, all ranks of armed and security forces, and police and emergency units.

Highlights of Eurosatory 2024

Drones and autonomous vehicles

High-tech autonomous vehicles as well as aerial and underwater drones remained the major highlight of this year’s exhibition. These cutting-edge technologies captivated the audience with their advanced capabilities and innovative applications across various sectors.

The advantage now enjoyed by small aerial drones on battlefields including in Ukraine is nothing less than a significant “moment in history,” French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill said at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris.

🗓️Day 3 at #Eurosatory!
From the tactical light Aliaca, Zephyr and Sirtap to the newest CAPA-X concept, Eurodrone and @AirbusHeli #VSR700 and #Flexrotor, Airbus is showcasing its latest #UAS for the defence industry✈️🚁📡 ✈️🚁📡#DefenceMatters #Eurosatory2024 pic.twitter.com/x9t7sv2JaD

— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) June 19, 2024

While anti-drone systems are lagging and “leave the sky open to things that are cobbled together but which are extremely fragile,” countermeasures are being developed, Schill told reporters during a tour of the French Army stand. Already today, 75% of drones on the battlefield in Ukraine are lost to electronic warfare, the general said.

Novadem NX70

A major highlight in the drones and aviation segment was the NX70 drones by Novadem. The French Ministry of Armed Forces has placed an order for over 260 additional NX70 drones, which will expand the fleet to more than 440 units by 2025.

The NX70 drones are designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, particularly in the Sahel region. “This order is a testament to the operational success and reliability of the NX70 drones,” said a Novadem representative. “The enhancements in the Block 2.2 standard, including improved night capabilities, make these drones even more effective for continuous surveillance missions”​

Skyeton’s Raybird

Ukrainian company Skyeton has also showcased its Raybird drone, capable of long-range operations and resistant to GPS jamming. Raybird demonstrations at the exhibition included real-time control of the drone from Paris while it operates in Ukraine, showcasing its impressive operational range and versatility.

Red Cast’s AI-enabled drones

Drone technology firm Red Cat Holdings also showcased its new family of small, low-cost drones aimed at meeting the needs of the Pentagon’s Replicator initiative.

The U.S.-based Red Cat said the drone family has “complementary capabilities and a common ground control system.” The three uncrewed systems are intended to fulfill intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements, as well as strike missions, according to the company.

“Technology integrations and partnerships that connect and optimize this new family of systems will play a significant role in its success,” Red Cat Chief Technology Officer George Matus said in a company press release. “Open architecture and established relationships with some of the leading hardware and software companies in autonomy, AI, machine learning, and computer vision will enable us to expand our capabilities over time.

THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Estonian firm, Milrem Robotics showcased its advanced THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV). The UGV has been integrated with weapon systems from Europe’s top technology companies, such as Kongsberg, Thales, Leonardo, and FN Herstal. The THeMIS UGVs are designed for high-threat environments, allowing commanders to engage threats without endangering human soldiers.

“The THeMIS Combat UGVs enhance the effectiveness of manned assets by creating a hole in the enemy’s defensive or offensive posture,” explained Patrick Shepherd, Chief Sales Officer at Milrem Robotics. The latest addition includes the FZ602 2-tube rocket launcher by Thales Belgium, and the Kongsberg Protector RS6, featuring the M230 LF 30mm cannon​.

Armored vehicles

Since Russia’s ground invasion of Ukraine, the demand for armored vehicles has increased drastically across Europe. In response, several defense giants have introduced new and improved variants of armored vehicles and tanks, aiming to enhance mobility, protection, and firepower on the battlefield. These advancements include innovations in armor technology, propulsion systems, and integrated weaponry.

Most companies showcased their latest and upcoming technologies in this segment. Highlights included advanced composite materials for lighter yet stronger armor, hybrid engines for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and sophisticated electronic warfare systems designed to counteract modern threats. Additionally, many exhibitors emphasized automation and remote operation capabilities, reflecting the growing trend toward unmanned and AI-assisted combat vehicles.

Nexter’s Armored Vehicles

Nexter, a leading French defense company, has unveiled its latest line of armored vehicles, designed for enhanced protection and mobility. These vehicles incorporate advanced armor technology and are equipped with modular weapon systems that can be tailored to specific mission requirements.

“Our new armored vehicles are built to withstand the harshest combat conditions while providing superior firepower and protection for the crew,” said a Nexter representative​.

Rheinmetall’s HX tactical military trucks

German defense giant, Rheinmetall, showcased the HX vehicle of the purpose-designed family of tactical military trucks. The vehicles are known for their exceptional mobility, versatility, and high level of protection, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Eurosatory featured the HX 8×8 equipped with an Automated Load Handling System (ALHS) and an HX 8×8 recovery vehicle.

#Natter – the versatile family of modular #RemoteControlledWeapon Stations from #Rheinmetall
https://t.co/64uAjtBiU8 #Eurosatory2024 @cogeseurosatory pic.twitter.com/3oDXqlZ7WT

— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) June 18, 2024

Rheinmetall’s other innovations showcased at Eurosatory 2024 include:

• A new addition to the Lynx KF41 combat vehicle family featuring a 120mm turret.
• The Fuchs Evo with a machine cannon turret.
• The Terrastorm, an upgraded MAN TGE van by RMMV and Torsus for military purposes.
• The Mission Master CXT, the latest member of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master family of Uncrewed Ground Systems (UGS).
• The Chiller HVAC system, a new thermal module designed for combat vehicles

Cyber Security and AI Technologies

Artificial Intelligence also remained a recurring theme among the latest military equipment. with numerous companies at the exhibition showcasing AI-driven solutions for defense. One notable example is the AI integration in the Raybird drone system by Skyeton, developed in collaboration with the German company Helsing.

“Integrating AI allows for real-time decision-making and enhanced operational capabilities, making our drones smarter and more effective in complex scenarios,” a Skyeton engineer​ stated.

MDBA Ground Warden

MBDA France introduced its Ground Warden decision aid system, showcasing its AI capabilities designed to enhance the Akeron family of anti-vehicle weapon systems. Developed in less than a year, Ground Warden accelerates processes for observation, detection, acquisition, and engagement.

Unlike traditional AI applications, Ground Warden integrates directly into the weapon system rather than operating separately. This innovation aligns with MBDA’s initiative and parallels the European Union’s beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) program.

MBDA demonstrated Ground Warden to the French Army, the primary user of the Akeron MP anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The system is optimized for use with Akeron MP ATGMs and is adaptable for upcoming Akeron loitering munitions and third-party unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). This integration marks a significant advancement in defense technology, addressing the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in modern warfare scenarios.

Europe’s supercomputer for defense

French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced during the exhibition that his country is currently working to build Europe’s most powerful classified supercomputer dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence in defense. The initiative will enable the Armed Forces Ministry to allocate computing resources to the Higher Education Ministry and other governmental entities, Lecornu highlighted.

“The challenge for the French team is obviously to be among those that stand out in this field,” Lecornu said. “When it comes to military AI, we’ll be the European power that’s best prepared, that’s going to devote the most resources to it.”

Air Defense and Radar Systems

Companies such as Saab, Kongsberg, KNDS, and Leonardo showcased their latest air defense and radar systems at the exhibition. These systems are designed to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, providing early warning and targeting information for air defense units.

MBDA France SAMP/T NG: MBDA France’s SAMP/T NG (New Generation) missile system remained a highlight in the air defense segment. This system is designed to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft.

“The SAMP/T NG represents a significant advancement in our air defense capabilities, offering superior detection and interception rates,” said a representative from the French Ministry of Armed Forces​.

KNDS short-range missile and drone defense systems: KNDS Group debuted its advanced short-range air-defense systems based on the 4×4 VBMR-L Serval patrol vehicle. Raphael Walker, KNDS’ Serval program product line manager, unveiled new variants equipped with a remotely operated weapons system featuring two Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles and a rifle-caliber machine gun for close-in defense.

Additionally, KNDS showcased a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) variant of the VBMR-L Serval armed with a 30 mm ARX 30 ROWS, capable of engaging targets up to 1,500 meters at a rate of 225 rounds per minute.

Kongsberg NOMADS: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace launched the National Maneuver Air Defense System (NOMADS). Mounted on a tracked FFG Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV), NOMADS features four IRIS-T missiles (future AIM-9X Sidewinders), Weibel AESA 3D radar, a remote weapons station with a .50 cal heavy machine gun, and day/night and thermal cameras.

It includes a Blackrock jammer option. Utilizing Norway’s surplus IRIS-T missiles, with 15 kiloeters of range, the NOMADS can also integrate with the NASAMS command system allowing NATO interoperability and networked air and missile defense capabilities. The AESA radar provides over 50 50-kilometer coverage radius, according to Kongsberg.

Israel banned from participating in Eurosatory

One of the most notable developments at Eurosatory is the absence of Israeli companies. A French district court ruled that all Israeli firms must be banned from participating in the event, a decision driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the recent conflict in Gaza. “Given the current situation, the requirements to host Israeli enterprises at the show are no longer met,” stated the event organizers. This decision has affected 74 Israeli companies that were registered to participate, including those specializing in advanced firearms and defense technology​.