Limits cover equipment and promotional displays
About six Israeli exhibitors have registered, organizers said. Expected participants include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael, Elbit Systems, Israel Shipyards and Orbit, according to CTech (Calcalist) and Ynetnews. They will be prohibited from displaying offensive military systems.
The rules also govern what companies can show in models, videos and promotional materials, The Yeshiva World reported. Local authorities are expected to check Israeli booths before the doors open. Organizers have warned that a breach could lead to the immediate closure of a booth.
Elbit Systems has separately outlined plans for its first presentation of unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) capabilities at Euronaval. The Jerusalem Post reported that the company announced the plans on October 29, 2026, following its acquisition of International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (ISE). The autonomous underwater systems provider has supplied more than 250 underwater vehicles to customers across more than 20 countries. Elbit plans to exhibit the UUVs alongside its Seagull family of unmanned surface vessels.
The biennial exhibition is holding its 30th edition in Hall 6 at Paris Nord Villepinte. According to Euronaval's official site, the previous edition in 2024 drew 150 delegations from France and abroad.
Court challenges and blocked booths
Israeli access to French defense exhibitions has been contested before. France initially excluded Israeli companies from exhibiting equipment at Euronaval in 2024, only for a court to overturn the decision.
CTech (Calcalist) reported that Israel Shipyards, the Manufacturers Association of Israel and the Israel-France Chamber of Commerce brought the challenge, arguing that the exclusion breached European Union free-market principles. The Paris commercial court ruled in their favor so close to the opening that most Israeli companies no longer had enough time to assemble their pavilions.
At the 2025 Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, French objections to offensive weapons led to some Israeli military displays being covered. France then restricted participation at Eurosatory in June 2026 to Israeli companies showing anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic defense systems.
At Eurosatory, organizers imposed barriers beyond those official limits, according to The Jerusalem Post. Wooden panels prevented access to booths belonging to several Israeli firms, among them Smart Shooter, Controp, Aeronautics and Marom. Some remained inaccessible for the full exhibition.
Defense trade caught in the diplomatic dispute
Relations between France and Israel have deteriorated over military operations in the Middle East. Paris has repeatedly opposed Israeli military actions and voiced concern about their regional effects. The dispute has also reached commercial ties and defense cooperation.
Israeli defense representatives describe the French exhibition restrictions as politically motivated and say they could damage fair competition in the international defense market. The limits also constrain how the companies present their technologies and build relationships with prospective international buyers.
In March 2026, Israeli Ministry of Defense Director-General Amir Baram ordered limits on procurement from French defense companies and a scaling back of business with them in response to French measures against Israel, CTech (Calcalist) reported.
The same outlet reported that France, the United Kingdom and Canada have led an initiative for economic measures against Israel. As part of a broader effort involving 12 countries, the three announced plans to restrict trade with Israeli settlements.
Earlier in October 2026, cargo handlers declined to load an Elbit Systems defense shipment onto an El Al flight due to leave Paris for Tel Aviv, according to CTech (Calcalist).
Space constraints at the 2027 Paris Air Show
Israeli defense companies have also been told not to expect significant exhibition space at the 2027 Paris Air Show, with organizers pointing to limited availability. The show's website says space is fully booked. About 2,400 companies from roughly 50 countries are expected to participate.
