The Israeli Defense Ministry and local defense companies will hold a joint summit next week, despite the strained relations caused by the Gaza war At the Paris Air Show (Paris Air Show) plans to showcase its new weapons. This participation demonstrates the determination of the Israeli defense industry to maintain its presence on the global stage at a time when diplomatic standoff between France and Israel continues.
Featured Systems to be Exhibited
Defense officials say Israeli defense systems are prominent at the fair Rafael's high-energy laser weapon system family, Iron Beam 450mm, Iron Beam-M 250mm and Lite Beam The Iron Beam suite is known as a defensive weapon against short-range rockets, missiles and drones. The weapon, expected to be showcased in Paris, comes after Israel’s recent announcement that it has successfully used lasers to intercept drones during the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will also exhibit its air defense systems. In this context, Arrow anti-ballistic missile ve Barak MX integrated air and missile defense systems The Arrow was developed with US funding and in collaboration with Boeing and operates two types of interceptors, the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3. The Barak MX system is a modular, multi-mission active defense system designed to defend against aircraft, helicopters, aerial drones, anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. Its original purpose was to protect ships and strategic naval facilities.
IAI also has the ability to gather intelligence on targets from long range Heron MK II UAV It is designed to counter air threats using electromagnetic rays. Scorpius-g and the company's long-range air-to-surface cruise missile Wind Demon are among the other systems to be demonstrated at the fair.
Elbit Systems de France announced a week before the opening of the defense fair that the company would introduce its latest developments in the aviation sector, but did not specify which systems.
Tense Relations with France and Uncertainty About Accession
Due to the tense situation between France and Israel during the ongoing war in Gaza, there is still uncertainty among Israeli defense companies about their participation in the Paris Air Show. Last May, France announced that Israeli defense companies He had cancelled his participation in the Eurosatory 2024 eventThis has raised concerns that participation at the Paris Air Show could also be at risk.
However, Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman addressed the issue at a press briefing held by the company two weeks before the opening of the Paris Air Show, saying, “For now, everything is continuing as normal. We have not received any notifications about the issue.” This statement shows that Israeli companies are hopeful about participating in the show.
While the Paris Air Show provides an important opportunity for the Israeli defense industry to showcase its cutting-edge products on an international platform, it also seems likely to have a significant impact on the course of diplomatic relations.
