Exclusive. Defense Arabia
France is not limiting its presence at the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow to the “Rafale” aircraft in the flying displays. Through its industrial participation, it is also presenting a range of capabilities spanning engines and electro-optical equipment to munitions and systems supporting military aviation.
The French participation gains additional significance with the establishment of the first French national pavilion at the show, which is being held in El Alamein, Egypt, from September 8 to 10, 2026, in a move that reflects the French companies’ efforts to strengthen their presence in the Egyptian and regional markets.
A French Pavilion for the First Time
The French pavilion is organized with the support of “GIFAS”, the French Aerospace Industries Association, and brings together a number of companies operating in the aerospace, defense, and space sectors.
The objectives of the participation go beyond displaying products, as the French side is also highlighting opportunities for industrial cooperation in Egypt, including joint production of aircraft, unmanned systems, and components, expanding maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, technology transfer, as well as cooperation in the space sector, training, and research and development.
This participation comes at a time when the French industry views Egypt as a market with growing industrial and technological potential, rather than merely a market for purchasing military equipment.
Safran.. From Engines to Munitions and Electro-Optical Equipment
“Safran” is presenting one of the most clearly defined French participations in terms of products actually displayed at the show.
At its stand, number C162, the company is displaying a range of equipment and systems, including the “EUROFLIR 410” electro-optical system, “Arriel” helicopter engines, as well as the “AASM HAMMER” air-to-ground guided munition.
The list of displayed products also includes video data recording and processing systems from the “VS1410”, “VS1510”, and “VS1610 ENERTEC” families, in addition to the “MDR – FTI DAU and Recorder” and the “CMA – Data Acquisition Unit”.
This diversity highlights the breadth of Safran’s product portfolio in the aerospace sector, spanning vision and sensing systems, engines, data collection equipment, and guided munitions.
The “AASM HAMMER” stands out in particular as a smart air-to-ground munition that can be equipped with different guidance configurations, including inertial navigation with GPS, or the addition of infrared or laser guidance, depending on the version and application.
“Rafale”.. The French Presence in the Sky
At the level of the flying display, France is represented by the “Rafale”, which is taking part in the show’s flying display program, giving the French presence a dimension that goes beyond the static industrial exhibition to showcase an operational air capability before military delegations and professional visitors.
The “Rafale” holds particular importance in the Egyptian context, having become a key part of the Egyptian Air Force fleet, with previous contracts covering 24 aircraft in 2015 and an additional 30 aircraft in 2021.
Accordingly, the “Rafale” does not appear at El Alamein merely as a French fighter participating in an air display, but rather as a platform linked to a broader French industrial ecosystem encompassing companies in aviation, engines, electronics, and munitions.
Thales.. An Industrial Presence Without a Published Product List
French company “Thales” is also participating in the El Alamein Airshow, focusing its participation on solutions and services in the fields of defense, space, and commercial aviation, as part of an approach aimed at supporting industrialization, digital transformation, and expansion into international markets.
However, unlike Safran, Thales has not announced, in the official sources that could be verified, a specific list of products that it will display at its stand in El Alamein. Therefore, it cannot be stated with certainty that specific radars, sensing systems, or electronic systems will be displayed at the show based on the information currently published.
Thales’ presence remains important from another perspective, as the company represents one of the key components of the French aerospace and defense industrial ecosystem and is involved in programs related to radars, electronics, and mission systems. However, these general capabilities should not be confused with the list of products actually displayed at El Alamein.
MBDA.. Munitions as Part of the “Rafale” Ecosystem
The European group “MBDA”, which specializes in complex weapons, is participating in the El Alamein Airshow and is listed among the exhibitors at the event.
Its presence is significant in the context of the French participation, particularly as MBDA represents one of the key components of the European weapons ecosystem associated with combat aircraft, including the “Rafale”.
However, the company has not published a specific official list of the munitions it is displaying at the El Alamein Airshow. Therefore, no specific missile or weapon system can be attributed to MBDA’s stand at the show without an official announcement.
Daher.. The Less Visible Industrial Face More Closely Connected to Operations
“Daher” is participating in the El Alamein Airshow for the first time as part of the French pavilion, presenting its expertise in sectors directly related to the operational chain supporting aircraft and military equipment.
Its areas of expertise include the production and support of multi-mission aircraft, the manufacture of aircraft parts and subassemblies for major military programs, as well as training and operational support at military bases, and logistics services and the transportation of sensitive equipment to areas close to operational theaters.
The significance of this participation lies in highlighting a different aspect of the aerospace industry; air power does not depend solely on the fighter, engine, or weapon, but also requires an industrial, support, logistics, and training ecosystem that ensures the platforms remain in service and maintains their readiness
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