BELFORT, France — The Bourgogne–Franche-Comté region is strengthening its role in France's defence industry by helping local companies connect with national defence supply chains. On July 2, the third edition of the "Defence Market Opportunities Discovery Day" was held at the 1st Artillery Regiment military base in Bourogne, near Belfort, bringing together around 400 participants from across the defence and industrial sectors.
The event was organised by the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté Region and the Grand Belfort Agglomeration in partnership with the French Senate's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces. It was also supported by regional organisations including AER BFC, ADNFC, and French Tech BFC.
The initiative focused on helping regional start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-sized companies establish direct links with major defence contractors, procurement officials from the French Ministry of Armed Forces, and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
A major feature of this year's event was the expansion of business engagement. More than 600 targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings were organised, allowing participating companies to present their expertise directly to defence buyers. The companies showcased capabilities in areas including advanced manufacturing, maintenance services, and dual-use technologies that can support both civilian and military applications.
Alongside the B2B meetings, the programme included expert-led roundtable discussions and workshops covering defence market opportunities, financing options, procurement processes, and the operational requirements of the French armed forces. To provide participants with a better understanding of military needs, the 1st Artillery Regiment and the 35th Infantry Regiment conducted live equipment demonstrations.
The event comes as France continues to expand its defence industrial base under the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024–2030, which allocates €413 billion for defence spending over the period. The programme aims to strengthen military capabilities while increasing industrial production capacity across the country.
For Bourgogne–Franche-Comté, which has a strong manufacturing tradition, the defence sector is being viewed as an opportunity to diversify industrial activity as other sectors, including automotive manufacturing, face changing market conditions. Regional authorities see greater participation in defence programmes as a way to support long-term business growth, employment, and innovation.
Jérôme Durain, President of the Bourgogne–Franche-Comté Region, said local industries have an important role in supporting France's defence capabilities.
"At a time when the global context demands a collective effort towards sovereignty, it is here — in our factories and workshops — that it is built. Our companies possess the expertise and agility required to meet the needs of our armed forces."
Damien Meslot, President of the Grand Belfort Agglomeration and Mayor of Belfort, said the defence sector offers long-term opportunities for regional businesses.
"We see defence as a concrete and sustainable diversification opportunity for local businesses. Our role is to connect them directly with prime contractors and ensure they can position themselves within strategic value chains."
Cédric Perrin, Senator for the Belfort territory and Chairman of the French Senate's Defence Committee, said the defence industry can contribute to regional economic development.
"The defence economy must serve as a lever for diversification, innovation, and employment across Bourgogne–Franche-Comté."
The Discovery Day reflects France's broader effort to strengthen its defence industrial ecosystem by increasing the participation of regional manufacturers and technology companies. As defence production requirements continue to grow, initiatives that connect local businesses with national procurement programmes are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting industrial capacity, innovation, and supply chain resilience.
Source: edrmagazine
——— End of Article ———
