The 7th edition of SOFINS organised by Cercle de l’Arbalète for the benefit of the French Special Operations Command opens 01 April 2025.
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Press Release, Versailles, 01 March 2025: [auto-translated] The 7th edition of SOFINS, a biennial trade show dedicated to the Special Forces of the Armed Forces, organised by Cercle de l’Arbalète [Circle of the Crossbow] for the benefit of the [French] Special Operations Command (COS), will bring together from April 1 to 3, 2025 in a secure location, representatives of the Special Forces from around sixty countries. For three days, VSEs, SMEs and large industrial groups will meet under the aegis of the Cercle de l’Arbalète to propose solutions adapted to the needs of special operations.
An immersive military exhibition unique in the world: One of the specificities of SOFINS is the ability of visitors to be able to test in quasi-operational conditions the equipment and innovations presented by exhibitors. 300 exhibitors are expected on 10,000 m² for 2025 and the emphasis will be on French know-how and innovation.
Conferences to share expertise: In a dedicated space, exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their products and services to a specialised audience. These conferences will provide an opportunity to discuss cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions intended for Special Forces.
Test Villages redesigned for immersive demonstrations: SOFINS 2025 will offer three test villages in real conditions:-
- Village 1: shooting tests and outdoor technology workshops.
- Village 2: simulated urban environment for combat solutions in urban areas.
- Village 3: nighttime operational scenarios and obstacle courses.
This year, the focus will be on new-generation equipment, including the presentation of the NH90FS, a helicopter designed specifically for Special Forces.
The major new features of SOFINS 2025:-
- An expanded outdoor area to better accommodate exhibitors.
- A ‘Mobile’ area facilitating mobility tests in real conditions.
- The SOFLAB 2025 & SOFTECH SI Innovation Hub, promoting networking between startups and decision-makers.
- The return of the static exhibition under tents, allowing for an optimised presentation of equipment.
- New software for managing international delegations to streamline meetings between exhibitors and representatives from 72 countries.
- Reinforced cybersecurity in collaboration with the DRSD, guaranteeing optimal protection of exchanges and data.
As Benoît de Saint-Sernin points out: “For its 7th edition, SOFINS is asserting its positioning as a high-end trade show, dedicated to the specific needs of Special Forces. This exhibition offers a framework for testing the most innovative equipment in combat conditions. Our event is now the meeting place for more than 70 delegations from around sixty countries allied to France. Faced with an increasingly uncertain operational context, SOFINS has become a privileged place, offering unique opportunities to reflect, anticipate and prepare for the challenges of field combat, urban infiltration, digital warfare, the fight against bacteriological threats, the fight against all types of drones, etc.”
Access to the exhibition is only possible with accreditation from the Cercle de l’Arbalète and via the official website: sofins-2025.fr
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