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EuropeTrade shows & exhibitions
6–8 Apr 2027
SOFINS 2027 – Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar
Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux (Bordeaux-Lac) · Bordeaux, France
- Dates
- Tue, 6 April 2027 – Thu, 8 April 2027
- Venue
- Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux (Bordeaux-Lac)
- Location
- Bordeaux, France
- Organizer
- Le Cercle de l'Arbalète (for the French Special Operations Command / COS)
- Cost
- invite_only
- Scale
- major
- Recurrence
- biennial
- Format
- On-site
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 exhibitors
SafranThalesNaval GroupFN HerstalArquusBertin TechnologiesSoframeFactem
AI-researched Mon, 10 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
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.
Registration
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.
Topics
Soldier SystemsUAS / DronesAutonomy & RoboticsMaritimeISR & Sensors
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsStartupsInstitutions
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