1.ª Jornada Luso-Francesa de Indústrias de Defesa fortalece cooperação bilateral entre Portugal e França

On October 2nd and 3rd, Paris hosted the 1st Luso-French Defence Industries Forum, a significant event in strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and France in the defence sector, bringing together more than 50 companies from both countries.

idD Portugal Defence, in collaboration with aicep Portugal Global, AED Cluster Portugal, the Embassy of Portugal in Paris, the Directorate-General for National Defence Resources, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Direction Générale de l’Armament (DGA), as well as important French industrial associations such as GIFAS, GICAN, and GICAT, stood out for its aim to promote business integration and the development of strategic partnerships.

The event facilitated over 250 B2B meetings, demonstrating a strong interest from companies in collaborating on future projects. The defence acquisition programs of Portugal and France were discussed, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to develop innovative technologies and solutions in strategic areas for strengthening European autonomy, amid a growing need for collective defence on the continent.

With a strategic location on the western flank of Europe, Portugal has been enhancing its cooperation with France, sharing common goals of security and technological development.

This forum is part of a broader context of European cooperation, aimed at building an autonomous defence that allows Europe to ensure its security without relying excessively on external powers.

The establishment of strong partnerships and the active participation of industries from both countries in joint defence projects are considered strategic priorities that can enhance international competitiveness. The technologies and solutions developed may be utilized in international security and defence missions, such as those conducted by NATO or the European Union.

Another highlight was the encouragement of joint participation by Portuguese and French companies in the development of innovative military products. During the event, representatives from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to stimulating cross-investments and promoting initiatives that involve both public and private companies, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of the defence industries and create new jobs.

Aresia, Airbus, Ambassade de France au Portugal, Arkeocean, Cea, Cetrac.io, Comex, DGA, Diodon Drone Technology, Dreamteamaero heliodive, Elika team, Exail, Exavision, Factem sas, Gaches chimie, Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), Groupement des Industries de Construction et Activités Navales (GICAN), Groupement des Industries Françaises de Défense et de Sécurité Terrestres e Aéroterrestres (GICAT), KNDS France, MBDA, MEDEF – Mouvement des entreprises de France International, Naval Group, Ocea, Oledcomm, Posithot, Potez Aeronautique, Safran Electronics & Defense, Satys aerospace, Secamic, Serpikom, Snowpack, Thales, Unseenlabs and Direction Générale de l’Armament (DGA).

aicep Portugal Global, AED Cluster Portugal, Beyond Composite, CEiiA, Chetocorporation, Ciclo Frapril, Critical Software, Direção-Geral de Recursos da Defesa Nacional, Distrim2, EID, Embaixada de Portugal em Paris, Estado-Maior-General das Forças Armadas, FHP, Gaches Chimie Portugal – Lusocopla, GMV, Graphenest, Grupo Optimal, Hypermetal, idD Portugal Defence, INESC TEC, Infinite Foundry, Lusospace, Maintenace & Engineering Ltd, Orion Technik, Promecel, QSR, Ricardo & Barbosa, Satys Portugal, Sinuta, Tecniforja, Tekever and Thales Portugal.

The intensification of cooperation between Portugal and France in the defence industries emerges as a natural step in the European context, reinforcing the security and defence capabilities of the continent. The focus on advanced technological areas and the sharing of knowledge promise to bring benefits not only to Portugal and France but also to all of Europe, consolidating its global position in terms of innovation and defence.