This year, for the first time ever, MBDA took part in VivaTech, Europe's leading innovation event, during a record-breaking 2026 edition that welcomed more than 200,000 visitors. In a context of growing instability and discussions around technological sovereignty, the exhibition provided an ideal platform to demonstrate how the defence industry is driving innovation far beyond the military domain.
Presenting Defence Innovation with Civilian Impact
Throughout the four-day event, MBDA showcased its vision of innovation through the company’s nine strategic innovation pillars, the vast majority of which have both defence and civilian applications. From artificial intelligence and connectivity to space technologies and advanced sensing, visitors discovered how defence technologies increasingly contribute to addressing wider societal challenges.
Located in a prime position on the exhibition floor, MBDA’s booth attracted professionals, students, as well as the general public. The immersive COBRA demonstrator proved particularly popular, allowing visitors to experience the role of an operator in real conditions. At the heart of the Innovation Alley, the SPLINTER satellite stood as a striking symbol of the company's expertise in space and its commitment to strengthening Europe's sovereign capabilities.
The strong interest shown by students also reflected the growing appeal of the defence sector among future engineers and technology specialists, providing MBDA with a valuable opportunity to engage with tomorrow's talent.
From Digital Sovereignty to Operational Superiority
This major event also provided an opportunity for MBDA experts to share the company's strategic vision during several keynote sessions. Speaking about the future of technology and European cooperation, MBDA CEO Eric Béranger underlined that sovereignty and innovation are built through tangible partnerships:
"Sovereignty does not mean isolation: no country can operate entirely alone. It is built through clear, well-defined cooperation."
This perspective was further developed through discussions on digital sovereignty and operational superiority. As MBDA's Senior Vice President for Business Strategy & Future Portfolio, Alexandre Papaemmanuel, explained during a talk on Digital Sovereignty and Operational Superiority that European sovereignty cannot simply be proclaimed; it must be demonstrated through the ability to master critical technologies such as AI, software, sensors, onboard computing and secure connectivity, ensuring that operational systems continue to function whenever they are needed.
"Sovereignty is not a concept. It is not a slogan or a speech. It is about whether systems still work; whether aircraft, collaborative platforms, sensors, weapons and mission systems can continue to operate. It is whether artificial intelligence can run onboard and effectively support the operator. That is the difference between talking about sovereignty and delivering operational superiority."
A Successful First Participation for MBDA
This first participation at VivaTech marked an important milestone for MBDA. Beyond showcasing innovative technologies, the Group demonstrated that defence is a powerful catalyst for innovation; supporting Europe's technological leadership while driving solutions that benefit both security and society. The event confirmed VivaTech as a key platform for engaging industry leaders, public institutions, academia and the next generation of innovators around a shared ambition: shaping Europe's sovereign technological future.