Defense Highlights, Headlines, and Happenings from the Paris Air Show 2025.
MONDAY
The Paris Air Show, a marquee event where aerospace giants gather to celebrate innovation and announce major deals, is placing unprecedented emphasis on defense, with 45% of its exhibits dedicated to security themes—a sharp rise driven by escalating global conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Amid ongoing war in Ukraine, rising NATO defense spending, and renewed instability following Israeli strikes on Iran, the show reflects a shifting aerospace industry increasingly shaped by military priorities.
The show opened under a cloud following the crash of a Boeing 787 in India—the deadliest aviation accident in a decade. Just as Boeing, under new leadership, was poised to project renewed optimism, the tragedy forced the company and key partner GE to cancel show appearances and events.
France covered the displays of several Israeli defense manufacturers on the first day of the event, prompting a complaint from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which said that the French government had issued an order to prevent the display of Israeli kinetic weapon systems.
Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that they have teamed up to work on an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) system, to be based on the General Atomics-made MQ-9B. In a statement, Saab said that the new aircraft will provide militaries with new options, including deploying AEW capabilities from naval vessels. The drone will also be capable of serving in manned-unmanned teams.
European multinational aerospace and defense company, MBDA, has launched a low-cost, long-range, one-way attack drone at the Paris Air Show, with an industrial plan of producing 1,000 units a month. The “kamikaze” drone is integrated with a 40kg warhead and a jet engine, and is capable of flying at a range of 500 km.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems unveiled a new small uncrewed launched effect. The Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE) is a small, attrition-tolerant, propeller-driven unmanned aircraft designed to extend the sensing and other capabilities of a mothership aircraft and its user service. PELE also could be launched from the ground.
MBDA signed a development contract to equip the Italian Army with a VSHORAD system. MBDA also unveiled the name of the missile – Fulgur – at the core of the system that is a solution to an operational requirement expressed by the Italian Army.
MBDA is presenting ONE WAY EFFECTOR. Fired from the ground in salvoes, the ONE WAY EFFECTOR is aimed at exhausting enemy resources by exerting constant pressure on hostile air defence systems, with a warhead large enough to compel the enemy’s defences to destroy it.
Embraer scored an additional order from Portugal. The Portuguese have signed up for an additional KC-390, which will bolster their current order from five to six units. The deal also includes an option for 10 more KC-390 airlifters.
BAE Systems is trialing Avioniq’s “AI-driven” software Rattlesnaq for threat assessment optimization onboard the Eurofighter Typhoon. Engineers from Avioniq and BAE Systems are working to integrate the capability into the Typhoon, including several technical demonstrations on the Typhoon simulator.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems debuts the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft at the Paris Air Show. This next-generation unmanned jet is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters, enhancing mission capabilities through autonomous operations.
Join Forecast International at the Paris Air Show to gain valuable insight into the evolving dynamics of the global defense market. Traditionally regarded as insulated from broader economic fluctuations, the defense sector is now increasingly impacted by global economic forces. Tariffs, trade disputes, and rising economic nationalism are introducing new complexities that affect the stability, cost-efficiency, and resilience of critical defense programs. Visit us at Hall 3, Booth C164 to learn how our expert analysis can strengthen your planning and elevate your strategy.
Schedule a time to meet with us in Paris.
For 50 years, Forecast International intelligence reports have been the aerospace and defense industry standard for accurate research, analysis, and projections. Our experienced analysts compile, evaluate, and present accurate data for decision makers. FI's market research reports offer concise analysis of individual programs and identify market opportunities. Each report includes a program overview, detailed statistics, recent developments and a competitive analysis, culminating in production forecasts spanning 10 or 15 years. Let our market intelligence reports be a key part of reducing uncertainties and mastering your specific market and its growth potential. Find out more at www.forecastinternational.com
