The most prominent feature of this year’s edition is the French Pavilion, which is designated as the largest foreign delegation. Comprising 24 leading companies, the pavilion is organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Seine-et-Marne in collaboration with Business France and the Trade Department of the French Embassy in Qatar. This substantial presence underscores a strategic commitment to expanding security, defense, and law enforcement cooperation. High-level engagement is reflected in the participation of Jean-Didier Berger, the French Minister Delegate attached to the Minister of the Interior, who is attending to underscore the bilateral partnership. French Ambassador to Qatar, HE Arnaud Pescheux, emphasized that the relationship extends beyond institutional frameworks, linking government agencies, businesses, and innovators.
The historical depth of this cooperation is notable. Milipol Qatar was the first event in the Milipol series held outside France, originating from a mid-1990s cooperation agreement that established alternating hosting rights for the global homeland security showcase. Karen Galstyan, Director of the Milipol Network, highlighted that the 2026 edition will introduce the 30th Anniversary Awards for the first time, recognizing companies that have maintained participation over the past three decades. The exhibition also coincides with the Doha International Conference on AI and Security, signaling a convergence of traditional security hardware with emerging digital threats and capabilities.
Technologically, the French delegation offers a broad spectrum of capabilities, ranging from cybersecurity and quantum computing to biometric identification, satellite systems, and integrated surveillance. Major industry leaders such as Airbus, Thales, John Cockerill Defense, and IDEMIA are participating, alongside specialized firms in digital security and advanced computing. The showcase includes drones, counter-drone technologies, and crisis management solutions, aiming to align with Qatar’s evolving security and resilience priorities. By engaging directly with public and private sector leaders, these firms aim to solidify their operational footprint across defense, law enforcement, and industrial security.
On the ground, the partnership is demonstrated through long-standing industrial integration, particularly in armored vehicles. Arquus, a long-standing partner of the Qatari armed forces and security services, will present its latest innovations under the French pavilion alongside John Cockerill Defense. Arquus’s relationship with Qatar dates back to 1982, with the delivery of the first VAB (Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé) armored vehicles. Today, the VBL (Véhicule Blindé Léger) models remain in service, reflecting the durability of the equipment. In 2018, the relationship deepened with a contract for the modernization of VAB mk1 vehicles. This program established a local production line in Qatar, making Arquus the first French defense company to set up military vehicle production directly in the country. To date, 126 fully renovated vehicles have been delivered, a milestone that highlights the shift from simple procurement to local industrial capacity building.
Arquus is also active in supporting Qatar’s internal security forces, including special units and operations and support units. These forces have acquired vehicles such as the HIGUARD 6×6 and the SHERPA 4×4, designed for security missions, public order maintenance, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The upcoming exhibition will also feature the MAV’RX, an 8×8 multi-mission contact vehicle introduced at Eurosatory in June 2024. Adapted to Middle Eastern geography, the MAV’RX combines high payload capacity with enhanced protection and medium-caliber armament. It is capable of transporting a combat group, conducting medical evacuations, and providing fire support. The vehicle can be equipped with HORNET remote-controlled weapon stations and is compatible with Cockerill turrets, such as the CPWS from John Cockerill Defense, illustrating the interoperability and systems integration capabilities of the French defense ecosystem.
Major General Nasser bin Fahad Al Thani, Chairman of the Milipol Qatar Committee, confirmed that all preparations for the exhibition were completed. An outdoor area will be dedicated to displaying the Ministry of Interior’s vehicle fleet, providing a direct view of operational assets. The event serves not only as a commercial platform but as a critical venue for the exchange of expertise among security officials and specialists from around the world. As the exhibition proceeds, the focus remains on how these technological and industrial partnerships contribute to the broader stability and security architecture of the Gulf region.
