Why it matters
SOFINS is unique in Europe as a focused meeting point between the special-forces community and industry, giving suppliers direct access to operators, buyers and dozens of foreign delegations. Its live-testing format and roughly 600 pre-arranged business meetings let SMEs and startups demonstrate niche innovations directly to decision-makers, shortening the path to procurement. For deeptech and dual-use firms, the SOFLAB competition and selection process offer high-value exposure to a curated, high-intent audience.
About
SOFINS (Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar) is a biennial seminar and exhibition dedicated to special operations forces, organised by Le Cercle de l'Arbalète for the French Special Operations Command (COS). The event brings together major defence primes, SMEs and startups with special forces operators and international delegations to present and test equipment in near-operational conditions. Historically held at the Camp de Souge military base near Bordeaux, the 8th edition moves in 2027 to the Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux (Bordeaux-Lac), using the adjacent lake for dynamic demonstrations of surface drones and nautical equipment.
Market intel
High pricingmedium confidence
SOFINS draws French and allied primes alongside a majority of SMEs and startups, with the 2025 edition marked by numerous loitering munitions often developed jointly by large groups and smaller firms. Companies such as Safran, Thales, Naval Group and FN Herstal are recurring exhibitors, while the SOFLAB space showcases selected emerging deeptech companies. Exhibitor selection is competitive and prioritises French innovation and firms with established links to the armed forces.
Notable exhibitorsSafranThalesNaval GroupFN HerstalArquusBertin TechnologiesSoframeFactem
AI-researched Mon, 10 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
Topics
Soldier SystemsUAS / DronesAutonomy & RoboticsMaritimeISR & Sensors
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions