Introduction
France and Israel maintain military and security ties despite growing tensions. Recent collaborations include Elbit’s role in France’s SCORPION battlefield management program and the use of Israeli cyber technology by French security agencies. While they cooperate in cyber security, space technology, and missile defense, they also compete in the arms market. In 2024, France barred Israeli firms from major defense exhibitions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, though courts later overturned the bans. At the same time, France aided Israel’s defense against Iranian missile attacks. Despite political friction, security ties between the two nations continue to evolve, balancing competition, collaboration, and geopolitical shifts.
Israel-France Military and Security Relations
Since Israel’s founding in 1948, its military ties with France have seen both cooperation and challenges. In its early years, France was a key arms supplier, but relations were strained by an arms embargo from the late 1960s to the 1990s. Cooperation resumed in military exercises, arms development, and space technology. Over time, Israel’s growing defense industry made it a competitor to France in the global arms market. The two countries frequently compete in tenders, and in 2024, France barred Israel from major arms exhibitions, citing opposition to its actions in Gaza.
Early Collaboration (1948–1967): In the mid-1950s, France became Israel’s main arms supplier, significantly boosting its military capabilities. This support was driven by mutual concerns over Soviet influence in the Middle East and Soviet arms supplies to Arab states. France also played a key role in developing Israel’s defense industries, including licensing Israel to produce the Fouga Magister light military jet trainer, later renamed “Tsukit” and delivered to the Israeli Air Force in 1960.[1]JISS, Israel’s Defense Industries: From Clandestine Workshops to Global Giants, 17.06.2018
One of the most significant collaborations was France’s assistance in Israel’s nuclear program. As part of secret agreements linked to the 1956 Suez Crisis, France provided technical expertise and materials for Israel’s nuclear reactor in Dimona.[2]CIA, The French-Israeli Relationship Additionally, France helped Israel develop the Jericho ballistic missile system in partnership with Dassault, laying the foundation for Israel’s strategic missile capabilities.[3]JISS, Israel’s Defense Industries: From Clandestine Workshops to Global Giants, 17.06.2018
The Arms Embargo (1967–1980s): Following the Six-Day War, French President Charles de Gaulle imposed an arms embargo on Israel which extended into the 1980s. At the time of the imposed embargo an order for a batch of “Mirage 5” fighters was already placed with their manufacturer Dassault. While the embargo forbade the supply of those aircraft from France to Israel, Dassault and its jet engine supplier agreed to license Israel for producing the aircraft in IAI.[4]JISS, Israel’s Defense Industries: From Clandestine Workshops to Global Giants, 17.06.2018
Renewed Cooperation and Modern Developments (1990s–Present): At the beginning of the 1990s, Israel and France gradually resumed their military and security cooperation. In 1994, the two countries signed an agreement to maintain regular high-level strategic dialogue and foster collaboration in space projects. Over the following decades, this partnership deepened through joint training and several arms deals, with France purchasing drones from Israel and acquiring valuable expertise in drone technology.[5]The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, French-Israeli Security Cooperation in the Twenty-First Century, 2014 The period also saw joint ventures between Israeli and French arms companies, like the Watchkeeper drone program for the British army, by the French company Thales and the Israeli Elbit, which reached a cost of more than $1.5B.[6]LBC, The British Army’s £1.35bn Watchkeeper drone programme: From ambition and innovation to delays, failure, and abandonment, 21.11.2024[7]Think Defense, Watchkeeper (History and Capabilities), 18.06.2024
Another area of collaboration is cyber security. In 2019 and 2022, French delegations visited Israel to discuss cyber security.[8]ELNET, French Delegation Visits Israel to Discuss Cybersecurity. 26.02.2019[9]Israel Defense, Delegation of French MPs and cyber experts visits Israel 01.03.2022 During that time, the Israeli companies AnyVision (Oosto), BriefCam and Cellebrite exported their products to France.[10]Disclose, The French National Police is unlawfully using an Israeli facial recognition software, 14.11.2023[11]Haaretz, This Israeli Face-recognition Startup Is Secretly Tracking Palestinians, 15.07.2019[12]Intelligence Online, Interior ministry turns to Cellebrite, 19.06.2019
In May 2024, France banned Israeli firms from participating in Eurosatory, Europe’s largest defense show, where Seventy-four Israeli firms had been due to participate. The ban was later ruled as discriminatory by the Paris Commercial Court, but as the decision was made after the exhibition started, no Israeli companies participated.[13]DefenseNews, France bans Israeli firms from Europe’s biggest defense show, 31.05.2024[14]The Times of Israel, Too late? French court strikes down ban on Israeli companies at defense trade show 18.06.2024 In October 2024, Macron called to halt arms deliveries to Israel, and barred Israeli companies whose products are used in the war in Gaza from participating in Euronaval, another large defense show. After the French court overturned the ban, some Israeli companies participated in the exhibition.[15]Breaking Defense, After French court intervenes, Israeli firms rushing to get to Euronaval, 01.11.2024.
Despite these tensions, ongoing military collaboration between the two nations persists. In April and October 2024 France helped in the defense of Israel against Iranian missile.[16]The Times of Israel, IDF: France helped in defense of Israel against Iranian missile, drone attack, 14.04.2024[17]Reuters, France helps down Iran missiles, Germany sees risk of region ablaze, 02.10.2024
Joint Military Trainings
2022 – Eastern Breeze. Israeli and French aircraft held a joint aerial exercise over Israel’s skies that simulated airstrikes and combating aerial threats.[18]The Times of Israel, IAF, French fighter jets hold joint strike drills over Israel’s skies, 06.12.2022
2021 – Blue Guardian Drone Exercise. France participated in Israel’s international 2-weeks drone exercise, over central Israel, alongside the USA, UK, Germany, and Italy.[19]Times of Israel, IDF launches first-of-its-kind international drone exercise, 21.07.2021
2021 – Noble Dina Naval Drill. France joined Israel’s naval drill for the first time, along with Cyprus. This exercise focused on maritime security and anti-submarine operations. [20]Defense News, For first time, France and Cyprus join Israel’s Noble Dina naval drill, 12.03.2021
2021, 2015 – blue flag [21]Defense News, Blue Flag exercise has Israel’s enemies seeing red, 03.11.2021[22]Defense News, Israel Concludes Multinational Blue Flag Drill, 29.10.2015
2018 – Israeli navy drill in France. For the first time in decades, Israel’s navy conducted joint drills with France, focusing on naval warfare tactics.[23]JNS, Israel’s Navy visits French counterpart for first time in decades, conducts joint drills, 22.07.2018
2016 – Joint air drill above Corsica, France. Involving Israeli F-15s and French Rafale jets[24]Haaretz, Israeli Air Force Holds First Exercise in French Skies, 16.11.2016[25]Army Recognition, Israel and French air forces complete first-ever joint drill. 17.11.2016
Israeli Export of Arms to France
Israel Exports of arms and ammunition, parts and accessories to France was US$1.93 Million during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.[26]Tranding Economics, Israel Exports of arms and ammunition, parts and accessories to France. 01.2025
2010+2011: France used the Israeli target missile Black Sparrow, made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to test its Aster 30-Block 1 anti-ballistic missile.[27]The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, French-Israeli Security Cooperation in the Twenty-First Century, 2013[28]Space News, French Air Force Intercepts Israeli Target Missile, 28.11.2011
2011: Elbit Systems wins €5m French Defense Ministry order to supply hundreds of personal locator beacons to the French Air Force, Army, and Navy.[29]Globes, Elbit Systems wins €5m French Defense Ministry order, 19.06.2011
2015: Roboteam’s robots are in use by the security forces in Paris.[30]The Marker, Let the robot win – the Israeli startup that wants to change the battle field, 27.11.2015
2016: Elbit Systems’ C-Music anti-missile defense system, which is estimated to cost $1 million per unit, was installed on the French president’s Airbus A330-200[31]Ynet, French presidential plane equipped with Israeli defense system, 11.03.2016[32]Israel Defense, Elbit to help protect the French President, 01.11.2016
2018: SkyStar 180 aerostat system by the Israeli Company RT LTA has been in operational use by the French Army, under a leasing agreement.[33]Defense News, RT LTA’s Aerostats in Operational Use by French Army, 12.06.2018
2019: The French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) announced it will buy between five to eight Israeli Roboteam Probot unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), reportedly worth more than 1 million Euros. The Probots are to be procured for an urgent operational requirement for French forces deployed to the Sahel on Operation Barkhane.[34]Overt Defense, French Army to Purchase Roboteam Probot UGVs, 19.12.2019[35]Army Recognition, French army orders Probot UGVs from Israeli company Roboteam, 17.12.2019
Drones
Since the 1990s, France has procured Israeli drones with Israel’s agreement to export them with intact proprietary technologies. Many of these purchases involved collaborations between Israeli firms such as Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems, and French companies like EADS, Thales, Safran (Sagem), and Dassault Aviation (see Joint Ventures section). These partnerships allowed the French defense industry to benefit directly, as they facilitated local production, technology transfers, and integration into France’s existing defense infrastructure, making the deals particularly profitable for French companies.[36]The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, French-Israeli Security Cooperation in the Twenty-First Century, 2014[37]The Marker, France will buy arms estimated in $200M from Israel, 14.06.2004 These collaborations also deepened Israel’s arms companies presence in Europe[38]INSS, Israel’s Defense Industry in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities, 12.2004
1995: France signs a deal with IAI to acquire 6 Hunter UAVs for $50M.[39]Sipri Arms Transfer Database
2004: In a deal worth around $200M, IAI sold to France knowledge and technology for production of Eagle UAVs.[40]The Marker, France will buy arms estimated in $200M from Israel, 14.06.2004
2005, 2009: France procured IAI’s Heron UAVs[41]Sipri Arms Transfer Database[42]Sipri Arms Transfer Database
2008, 2009, 2010: France procured Elbit’s Skylark UAV’s in three separate deals[43]Flight Global, French special forces pick Elbit’s Skylark UAV, 31.03.2018[44]The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, French-Israeli Security Cooperation in the Twenty-First Century, 2013
2015: France procured IAI UAVs Heron TP in a deal worth over $1B.[45]Israel Defense, France selects Israel Aerospace Industries’ Heron TP, 20.02.2015
Cyber
2015: French law enforcement acquired surveillance video image analysis software from BriefCam. According to the French NGO Disclose, the French national police has been using this software unlawfully for at least 8 years.[46]Disclose, The French National Police is unlawfully using an Israeli facial recognition software, 14.11.2023
2019: Face recognition technology by Anyvision(Oosto) is being used in Nice[47]Haaretz, This Israeli Face-recognition Startup Is Secretly Tracking Palestinians, 15.07.2019[48]AI Regulation, Safe City Project in Nice: Testing Facial Recognition, 24.02.2020[49]Oosto’s Facebook page, 19.02.2019
2019: The French interior ministry awarded two contracts to the cyber company Cellebrite.[50]Intelligence Online, Interior ministry turns to Cellebrite, 19.06.2019
2021: French government officials were in the final stages of contract negotiations to purchase Pegasus hacking tools from NSO, but the process fell apart after claims that French politicians potentially were among those targeted.[51]MIT Technology Review, NSO was about to sell hacking tools to France. Now it’s in crisis, 23.11.2021
2026: The French agency for protection against foreign digital interference, uncovered a cyber operation and suspects the Israeli company BlackCore of interfering in local elections in France in March 2026, as well as municipal elections in New York, and elections in Scotland, Angola, and Togo. It remains unclear who commissioned BlackCore’s interference.[52]Militarnyi, French Intelligence Services Suspect Israeli Company BlackCore of Interfering in Elections in USA, Europe, and Africa, 13.06.2026[53]Irish Sun, Israeli cyber firm suspected of global election meddling, 12.06.2026
Collaboration in Arms Development and Space Technologies
2000 – 2023: The French company Thales and formed a joint venture with Elbit Systems, called UAV Tactical Systems Ltd, to produce and support the Watchkeeper drone program for the UK. The project budget reached £1.35 billion in 2023.[54]LBC, The British Army’s £1.35bn Watchkeeper drone programme: From ambition and innovation to delays, failure, and abandonment, 21.11.2024[55]Think Defense, Watchkeeper (History and Capabilities), 18.06.2024
2004: The french company Amefo started working together with the Israeli Plasan. Later Plasan acquired Amefo and by 2012 the french company was integrated into Plasan Group.[56]Amefo website, About AMEFO
2015: Thales collaborated with IAI and Elisra (sub division of Elbit) to integrate a new data link on Heron UAV that complies with NATO standards.[57]IAI, IAI and Thales have integrated a new datalink capability on Heron, 07.07.2015
2017: Israel and France jointly developed and launched the VENµS satellite. This $10 million project, executed by the Israeli Space Agency and France’s CNES.[58]Jpost, Israel and France launch nanosatellite to monitor vegetation, predict weather, 13.10.2021
2021: OrientXXI revealed that Elbit is contributing to the French SCORPION Battlefield Management Systems program.[59]Orientxxi, How Israel Is Developing Scorpion, At the Heart of France’s Future System of Defence, 30.03.2021
2023: Thales bought Israeli-founded cybersecurity firm Imperva Inc. in a deal worth $3.6 billion. Imperva operates an R&D center in Israel with 500 employees.[60]Times of Israel, Israeli-founded Imperva is snapped up by France’s Thales in $3.6b cybersecurity deal, 25.07.2023
Israeli Participation in French Arms Fairs
Israeli defense companies frequently participate in French arms fairs. These events include Eurosatory and Euronaval, two of the largest global defense exhibitions. In Eurosatory 2018, 73 Israeli companies participated[61]Israel Defense, Record Number of Israeli Exhibitors at Eurosatory 2018, 15.06.2018 and in Eurosatory 2022 more than 50.[62]Jerusalem Post, Which Israeli defense companies will participate in Eurosatory?, 07.06.2022 In 2024, France took steps to prevent Israel from participating in the two arms exhibitions, citing opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.[63]DefenseNews, France bans Israeli firms from Europe’s biggest defense show, 31.05.2024 Although the French court overturned the ban, because of the timing no Israeli companies participated in Eurosatory[64]The Times of Israel, Too late? French court strikes down ban on Israeli companies at defense trade show 18.06.2024 and some companies were not able to participate in the Euronaval exhibition.[65]BreakingDefense, After French court intervenes, Israeli firms rushing to get to Euronaval, 01.11.2024.
2024 – Euronaval: Rafael, Israel Shipyards, Orbit Technologies, DSIT Solutions, and Orca AI[66]Globes, After court victory, 5 Israeli cos exhibit at France’s Euronaval, 04.11.2024[67]Breaking Defense, After French court intervenes, Israeli firms rushing to get to Euronaval, 01.11.2024
2023 – The International Paris Air Show: IAI, Aeronautics group, AItech systems, Ashot Ashkelon Industries, Bet Shemesh Engines, BIRD aerosystems, BlueBird systems, Copterpix, Creomagic, CTI-intl solutions, Elbit Systems, Enerecom technologies, Odysight, Rafael, Sibat – Israel Mod, Steadiocopter, Thermal Beacon, Tomer, UVision Air[68]Paris Air Show, Exhibitors, 2023
2022 – Eurosatory: More than 50 Israeli Companies, including Aeronautics, Beesense Sensor Solutions, Bird Aerosystems, Bluebird Aero Systems, Camero-Tech, Elbit systems, General Robotics, Gilat Telecom, Goldtec Technologies, Hagor Industries, Istar U.A.V, Israel Weapon Industries, Magam Safety, Magna BSP, Marom Dolphin, Rafael, Reshet Graf, Roboteam Defense, Robotican, Optical Lab, Semiconductor Devices, Shladot, Skylock Systems, Smart Shooter, Steadicopter, T.A.R. Ideal Concepts and more.[69]Jerusalem Post, Which Israeli defense companies will participate in Eurosatory?, 07.06.2022[70]Israel Defence RAFAEL Unveils the SPIKE NLOS 6th Generation Missile, 10.06.2022
2019 – Milipol: ACS Industries, Amicell-Amit Industries, Apolloshield counter drone systems,
ARTsys360, Attenti Electronic Monitoring, BE-Strategic Solutions (BEST), Bler Solutions, BriefCam, Caa Industries, Cellebrite, Cobwebs Technologies, CommuniTake Technologies, Copetrix, Cortica, Creomagic, Camero-tech, Cyber Intelligence, D-Fend Solutions, Elbit, FAB Defense, Firstpoint Mobile Guard, FMS Enterprises, Front Line Equipment, G.G. defense systems, Globekeeper, Hagor Industries, IAI, Identa, Initiative Dfense Solutions, Interiont Systems, Ispra, IWI, Laser Dedect Systems, Leadspotting, Lior Textile Industries, Marom Dolphin, Meprolight, Merlink, Mifram, Netline Communications Technologies, Novo Dr, NSO Group, Nvisol, Octopus systems, Opgal, OSG, Paxis, Phantom Technologies, Picsix, Rafael, Rayzone Group, Reshet Graf, RoadMetric, SafeShoot, SCD – Semi Conductor Device, Secubit, SensoGuard, Septier Communication, Shladot, Skylock, SmartShooter, Source Tactical Gear, Tar Ideal Concepts, Toka, Trango-sys, Uveye, Verint Systems, Vidisco, Viisights, Voyager Labs, Waveguard Technologies, Wintego, Woundclot[71]X, Skylock, 19.11.2019[72]CAAT, Milipol paris 2019, exhibitors
2018 – Eurosatory: 73 Israeli companies exhibited their products and services, including: Aeronautics, Beit Alfa Technologies, Beth – El Zikhron Yaakov Industries, Bird Aerosystems, Bler solutions, Bluebird Aero Systems, Camero-Tech, Capture systems, Carmor Integrated Vehicle Solutions, Computech International, Dsit solutions, Ecdo Technologies 1993, Elbit systems, Elpam Electronics, Emtan – Israel Small Arms Industry, Fibrotex Technologies, Gaia Automotive Industries, General Robotics, IAI, Israel Weapon Industries, Magam Safety, Magna BSP, Marom Dolphin, MTC Industries and Research, Netline Communications Technologies (NCT), Nvisol, Ortech Defense Systems, Physical Logic, Polycart Technologies, Rada Electronic Industries, Rafael, Reshet Graf, RP Optical Lab, RT LTA systems, Safeshoot, SCD – Semiconductor Devices, Senso Optics, Seraphim Oprtonics, Silver Shadow Advanced Security Systems, Skylock Systems, Smart Shooter, Steadicopter, Supergum Industries, Thermal Beacon, Third Eye systems, 3Dor Simulations, Video Inform.[73]Israel Defense, Record Number of Israeli Exhibitors at Eurosatory 2018, 15.06.2018[74]EDR magazine, C-UAV: SkyLock 3 from Israel, 18.06.2018
2017 – Paris Air show: Elbit[75]Middle East Monitor, BDS France disrupts Israel’s Elbit Systems exhibition at Paris Air Show, 26.06.2017
Usage of Israeli Arms
Harfang UAV (based on IAI’s Heron) was used in Afghanistan between 2009-2012 in more than 660 missions and over 5,000 flights. It was also used in Libya and Mali.[76]Defense Industry Daily, France’s Harfang/ SIDM IUAV Program
NSO’s Pegasus surveillance software has targeted France’s president Macron and 14 other French officials.[77]Washington Post, On the list: Ten prime ministers, three presidents and a king, 20.07.2021