Paris, January 16, 2026 - At GICAT's 2026 New Year's Ceremony, held on Wednesday January 14 at the Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu, Emmanuel Levacher, Chairman of the Groupement, gave a lucid assessment of the state of the world and the strategic role of the French land and air defense and security industry.
In a context marked by the continuation of high-intensity warfare in Europe, the rise of hybrid threats, the trivialization of cyber attacks and the persistence of homeland security issues, the President of GICAT recalled an obvious fact: peace and security can never be taken for granted. Faced with this reality, from 2022 onwards, the industry has opted for responsibility and action.
Produce more, faster, innovate more, recruit, relocate skills, create new capacities in record time The French defense and security industry has demonstrated its adaptability and commitment. This is illustrated by the rapid deployment of new solutions, such as in the field of UAVs with the Pacte Drones.
A solid, fact-based industry
In 2025, GICAT and the Banque de France conducted an in-depth analysis of the industry to measure its strengths, identify its weaknesses and assess its real capacity to support French and allied forces in the event of a high-intensity engagement.
The results are unequivocal:
15 billion euros in sales, 55,000 jobs, including 7,000 created in two years.
A sovereign industry that cannot be relocated, rooted in the regions, from start-ups to major industrial contractors, and today the only one in Europe able to cover almost all the needs of its armed forces and security forces.
This solidity does not exclude challenges. The study highlights a weakened competitiveness in the face of competitors benefiting from massive orders and offensive government support, particularly for exports. This international pressure is leading to a loss of market share and, in the long term, to a existential risk to the defense industrial and technological base.
Export, visibility and competitiveness: essential levers
The president of GICAT reminded us that exporting is not an add-on but a prerequisite for the sector's economic model, national orders alone are not enough to sustain the industrial base.
The stakes are clear: continue to differentiate through technological innovation, pursue aggressive sales initiatives in growth markets, simplify standards to bring them into line with those of competitors, and above all benefit from budgetary and fiscal visibility and stability, essential for long-term investment.
As part of this dynamic, GICAT is pursuing its international action: missions to Ukraine, Canada, Africa and the Middle East, participation in major trade shows, new formats for targeted business meetings, and a stronger European presence with the opening of an office in Brussels. These initiatives are part of a genuine industrial diplomacy, a project that needs to rely on strong political and diplomatic support.
Land, a strategic pillar of sovereignty
At the heart of his speech, the Chairman of GICAT underlined the fundamental role of the land and air-land sector in the credibility of the French army model.
If nuclear deterrence remains a pillar, conventional forces - and therefore land forces - are the operational foundation of military credibility.
Behind the French Army, the DGA and the Ministry of the Armed Forces, lies an industry that designs and produces armored vehicles, weapon systems, drones, munitions, sensors, digital solutions, logistics, maintenance... An industry that offers a capacity unique, central and indispensable, for both strategic autonomy and coalition command.
Homeland security, innovation and the security continuum
GICAT also supports the security industry sector, serving the daily protection of citizens. The Group's companies have demonstrated, notably during preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, their ability to support the State with technological solutions tailored to operational needs.
With this in mind, GICAT is fully in line with the capabilities approach of the French Ministry of the Interior's future programming law and the safety continuum.
Two priorities for 2026: Business and Outreach
For the year 2026, GICAT is structuring its action around two major axes.
The Business, firstly, with enhanced support for companies: support for innovation, in particular via the GENERATE gas pedal, international development, specific support for SMEs in their digital transformation, regulatory compliance (NIS2) and CSR initiatives.
Radiation, This is achieved through cultural and soft power initiatives, such as the Prix Vauban and film partnerships, and by promoting the industry's voice in public debate with the media, politicians, and key institutional and private players.
Eurosatory 2026, an international showcase for the industry
The culmination of this dynamic, Eurosatory 2026 promises to be a record-breaking edition. With its sheer size, the number of international exhibitors and delegations expected, and its broad reach, the show will be much more than just a trade event: a demonstration of French industrial credibility and a unique visibility platform for the sector.
In his speech, the Chairman of GICAT reaffirmed his conviction that, whatever the upheavals in the world, the French defense and security industry is moving forward with determination, driven by its values, its know-how, its technologies and the commitment of the men and women who make it up. It is ready to meet the needs of the French armed forces, and ready to conquer export markets in support of our allies.
GICAT and its 490 companies are approaching 2026 with responsibility, confidence and a clear ambition: to serve national sovereignty and collective security over the long term.
Media contact:
Delphine SAMPIC, Communications and Events Director: delphine.Sampic@gicat.fr
