Airshow in Paris 2023 and the fight for air superiority
Day 2 of 4 at the Paris Airshow coinciding with Airdefender. According to former German NATO General Domroese jr. the Americans are represented „big“. The Chinese too, especially since they just had their Zhuhai Airshow and hyped their new large-capacity air transporter and stealth fighter jet and had them flown from China to Belgrade for show and demonstration purposes. Focus on airpower and communication. It would be interesting to what extent drones and space systems are represented and to find out whether Elon Musk’s Space X and Jeff Bezzoes are also represented. Curious Russian, Chinese and Iranian representatives circle the Israeli stands to learn more about Israel’s latest export hit „anti-hyperonic missiles“. Unlike in Germany, the Times of Israel today also published a bold, patriotically proud article about record sales in the Israeli tech weapons industry, especially since the defense minister is there in person. No ring exchanges and such things. It remains unclear to what extent the Germans or Europeans still have something to offer after the Indo-Pacific flight of their refueling Eurofighters to Australia, as they will soon be replaced.
“With record-breaking arms sales, Israeli defense firms put tech on display in Paris
Inaugurating pavilion at Paris Air Show, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel constantly developing new military technologies to counter Iran
By Emanuel Fabian 19 June 2023, 9:17 pm
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (center) inaugurates Israel’s national pavilion at the 2023 Paris Air Show, June 19, 2023. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
The Defense Ministry on Monday presented a wide array of technologies from a range of defense companies at Israel’s national pavilion at the 2023 Paris Air Show, as officials touted that Israeli arms sales had reached new records last year.
The exhibition at France’s Paris–Le Bourget Airport, held every other year, is considered one of the largest and most important in the world, with this year’s event including over 2,500 companies and 150,000 officials exhibiting their latest products.
Seventeen Israeli companies were displaying their technologies at the show, in the fields of air defense systems, drones, radar and laser technologies, missile warning systems, and command and control solutions, according to a statement by SIBAT, the International Defense Cooperation Directorate at the Defense Ministry.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony for the Israeli national pavilion, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel was constantly developing new military technologies to counter Iran.
“Israel’s ability to face threats is determined by the dedicated individuals who tirelessly work to develop state-of-the-art technology,” he said. “This ongoing and highly challenging battle of intellect mostly takes place behind the scenes. In recent years, this intellectual contest has been gaining momentum, and I can confidently affirm that Israel surpasses its adversaries in both defensive and offensive capabilities,” Gallant said.
“Iran is closer than ever to gaining military-nuclear capabilities, and it is conducting a war of attrition against us by engaging in proxy terrorism. This clear strategy aims to destabilize not only the region but also the world. In response to Iran’s efforts, the Israeli defense establishment is working to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, utilizing all the resources at our disposal,” he added.
Noting the sharp increase in Israeli arms sales in recent years, Yair Kulas, the head of SIBAT, said ahead of the inauguration that Israel is “honored to participate in this esteemed exhibition and looks forward to further fruitful collaborations with our counterparts.”
Annual Israeli arms sales reached a new record of $12.5 billion in 2022, according to Defense Ministry figures released Wednesday. Officials noted the demand for Israeli-made weapons due to Russia’s war on Ukraine, and an uptick in interest by Arab nations that recently normalized ties with Israel.
Israeli companies exhibiting at the pavilion include Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Tomer, among several other smaller companies.
At the pavilion, Rafael presented its first-of-its-kind anti-hypersonic missile defense system, which it first revealed to reporters on Wednesday. The company said the Sky Sonic interceptor missile, which has been in development for around three years, would be conducting first test flights in the near future.