Field Notes from Milipol Paris 2025: A Smaller Exhibition, Lower Expectations, and a Noticeable Lack of Innovation

Milipol Paris 2025 presented a markedly different atmosphere compared to previous years. The exhibition area was significantly smaller, and the overall pace of the event reflected this downsizing. Walking through the halls at a steady speed, it became clear that the entire fair could be completed in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, leaving many visitors with the impression that this year’s edition offered considerably less material, fewer innovations, and a more muted energy.

A Noticeable Downsizing: Compact Layout, Limited Movement

The most immediate observation was the reduced physical scale of the event. Booths were positioned more closely than in past years, and the density of exhibitors despite the large names felt objectively lower. This compressed setup resulted in a faster circulation flow, but it also contributed to a sense that Milipol 2025 lacked the depth, diversity, and exploratory appeal that previously defined the fair.

Country-Based Clustering: An Arrangement That Created Distance Instead of Engagement

One of the structural choices that shaped the atmosphere this year was the decision to cluster companies strictly by country. While the intention was likely to create national showcases, in practice it led to a somewhat fragmented and less inviting environment. Instead of fostering cross-sectional interaction among companies, the country pavilions unintentionally created psychological boundaries between groups.

Many exhibitors noted that this arrangement gave the fair a rigid, compartmentalized feel reducing spontaneous engagement and limiting the natural flow of visitors across sectors.

A Clear Sign of Cost-Cutting: The Decline of Traditional Giveaways

In earlier years, Milipol was known for its abundance of branded military caps, tactical accessories, patches, and various promotional items. This year, however, the overwhelming majority of booths offered nothing beyond a simple pen.
This shift is not trivial; it reflects a broader trend across the industry:

• Firms are reducing marketing expenditures,
• Trade show ROI is being questioned more openly,
• Promotional spending is no longer seen as essential for visibility.

The minimalistic approach to giveaways mirrors the general tone of the event: lean budgets, cautious strategies, and a wait-and-see posture across the sector.

Innovation Gap: Few (If Any) New Products on Display

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Milipol 2025 was the absence of genuine novelty. Across both hardware and software domains, companies showcased products that were largely familiar iterations or re-presentations of existing solutions rather than newly launched concepts.

Notably:

• No groundbreaking surveillance systems,
• No next-generation counter-drone innovations,
• No major OSINT/SOCINT software advancements,
• No significant new tactical hardware platforms.

The fair felt more like a continuation of previous editions rather than a forward-looking showcase. Many exhibitors appeared to be present only to “maintain visibility,” not to demonstrate new technology.

Conversation with Exhibitors: “We’re Here Out of Obligation, Not Expectation”

During discussions with three to four companies, a recurring theme emerged: minimal expectations.
Multiple representatives openly admitted:

• “We’re not expecting much from this year’s Milipol.”
• “We came out of obligation rather than opportunity.”
• “Budgets are tight; this is more about presence than results.”

This sentiment was surprisingly consistent and highlights an important shift in the security and defence exhibition ecosystem. The industry appears to be navigating a transitional phase marked by budget constraints, uncertain market directions, and a reduction in high-impact product launches.

Overall Impression: A Transitional Year for the Security Industry

Milipol Paris 2025 can best be described as a quiet, transitional year. While the fair still gathered key players from across the defence, intelligence, and security sectors, the overall energy was restrained. With smaller booths, limited product innovation, cost-cutting signals, and lower expectations among exhibitors, the event reflected broader conditions in the European security landscape marked by strategic caution and reduced investment appetite.

Whether this signals a temporary slowdown or a longer-term recalibration remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Milipol Paris 2025 provided a clear snapshot of an industry taking measured steps rather than bold leaps.