Day 3 of the EURONAVAL 2024 show at Paris Nord Villepinte was marked by significant political and institutional visits, underscoring the growing importance of the naval defence industry. Key figures from the French government and political circles attended, including Jean-Louis Thieriot, Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans; Jordan Bardella, President of the Rassemblement National; Patrick Martin, President of MEDEF (Movement of French Entrepreneurs); Didier Lallement, Secretary General for the Sea; and a delegation of deputies from the French National Assembly’s Defence Committee, led by its President Jean-Michel Jacques.
The day also saw a renewed focus on innovation and collaboration within the naval defence sector. Notably, the Defence Innovation Agency (AID) and GICAN (Group of French Naval Industries) reinforced their partnership with the signing of a renewed agreement, originally signed in 2020. This collaboration strengthens the synergy between public and private sectors in promoting naval industry innovations at international forums and trade shows. It aims to enhance maritime safety, improve the surveillance of naval infrastructures, and foster dual-use innovations.
In the SEAnnovation area, around twenty startups showcased their cutting-edge technologies across a broad range of themes, including the naval vehicles of the future, predictive maintenance, cybersecurity, and applications of generative artificial intelligence. For these young companies, EURONAVAL serves as a crucial platform to engage with decision-makers and industry leaders through pitch sessions and networking opportunities.
Another highlight of Day 3 was the Naval Bookshop, a cultural hub at the show dedicated to maritime literature. Visitors had access to a wide selection of books in both French and English, covering topics such as defence, geopolitics, and maritime history. The bookshop also featured author meet-and-greet sessions and book signings, providing an engaging experience for those interested in the cultural aspects of the maritime world.
As EURONAVAL continues, it remains a pivotal event for showcasing innovations, fostering international collaborations, and engaging both the political and business leadership driving the future of the naval defense industry.
