The 2026 European International Defence and Security Exhibition kicked off in Paris on Monday, showcasing the latest advancements in smart armored vehicles and systematic drone solutions amid rising global security threats.
As a biennial international arms trade fair held at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, this year's event runs through June 19 and has attracted more than 2,600 exhibitors from 68 countries and regions, bringing together leading defense industry players worldwide.
At the armored vehicle zone, the new-generation main battle tank developed by European defense firm KNDS took center stage. The platform integrates drones and artificial intelligence systems to enable rapid target identification and locking.
Christophe Hesse, director of the Main Battle Tanks Turrets Division at KNDS, noted that for defense manufacturers, this continuous technological upgrade is not just an option, but a necessity driven by the ever-changing nature of modern combat.
"Currently every day there are changes and more threats on the battlefield and therefore also the tank development will not end here and will go on in the future," he said.
Beyond traditional armor, the exhibition also highlighted a major shift in unmanned aerial technology. As drones become increasingly ubiquitous on modern battlefields, defense contractors are no longer just competing on manufacturing individual units. Instead, the focus has shifted to providing comprehensive system solutions, ranging from combat-capable strike and defense drones to training platforms designed to boost operational readiness.
2026 Eurosatory opens in Paris
