Paris Air Forum 2026: New Trajectories for the Defense Economy
Paris, August 16, 2026 – The Paris Air Forum 2026, organized in partnership with La Tribune and Institut Choiseul, brought together leading figures from the aerospace, defense, and space sectors to discuss the evolving landscape of the defense economy. The forum, a key event for industry professionals, focused on the “new trajectories of the defense economy” and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Throughout the summer, Air & Cosmos is featuring conferences and highlights from the 2026 edition of the Paris Air Forum. Each day, new video content addresses critical questions animating the air transport, aeronautics, defense, and space sectors, featuring prominent speakers.
Institut Choiseul’s Contribution to Defense Economy Analysis
For over a decade, Institut Choiseul has been a significant think tank, dedicated to analyzing major economic issues and identifying talent through various rankings. This year, the institute launched a new ranking, the Choiseul Top 40 Defense. This initiative aims to highlight 40 business leaders under the age of 45 who are transforming the defense economy.
Discussions at the forum included insights from Pierre Verlyck, Senior Advisor to the President of Institut Choiseul, François Mattens, Associate Expert at Institut Choiseul, and Jérémy Caussade, co-founder, president, and technical director of Aura Aero, who is also a laureate of this inaugural Top 40 ranking.
Key Themes and Discussions
The forum addressed several critical questions pertinent to the defense industry’s future. One of the central themes was “What defense programs after 2027?” This discussion delved into the strategic planning and investment required to maintain and advance defense capabilities in the coming years. Experts examined the implications of geopolitical shifts and technological advancements on future defense initiatives.
Another significant topic was “How to export weapon systems in a fragmented and tense world?” This session explored the complexities of international arms trade, including regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and the challenges of navigating a global environment marked by increasing tensions and regional conflicts. The need for adaptable export strategies and robust international partnerships was a recurring point.
Recent Developments in the Defense Sector
Parallel to the forum’s discussions, several notable developments in the defense sector were highlighted:
- Australia’s Acquisition of JATM Missile: Australia has confirmed its purchase of the AIM-260 JATM, a very long-range air-to-air missile, becoming the first export customer for this advanced American weapon system. This acquisition underscores the growing demand for sophisticated air defense capabilities among allied nations.
- Portugal’s Drone Order: The Portuguese Air Force has placed an order for AR5 drones from Tekever, signaling a continued trend towards integrating unmanned aerial systems into national defense strategies. Drones are increasingly recognized for their versatility in surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.
The Paris Air Forum 2026 served as a crucial platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to exchange ideas and strategize on the future of the defense economy. The insights shared are expected to influence policy decisions and drive innovation in the coming years, ensuring the sector remains resilient and adaptive to global challenges.
The full statistical data concerning the 2026 Paris Air Forum will be published on the La Tribune and Air & Cosmos websites in the coming weeks.
Source: https://air-cosmos.latribune.fr/article/strategies/18823190858545/paris-air-forum-2026-les-nouvelles-trajectoires-de-leconomie-de-defense-en-partenariat-avec-linstitut-choiseul
