Grand Est: Aériades structures the aerospace, space, and defense industry

The armament industry is a topic of debate in public opinion. However, defense continues to progress in France. In the Grand Est and in Haute-Marne, Ariades, a cluster that supports companies in developing expertise in the aeronautics, space, and defense sectors, has observed this.

It coordinates, structures, and develops the aeronautics, space, and defense sector in the Grand Est. This is done by the Ariades cluster, founded in 2003, which now has about a hundred member companies, a number that continues to grow.

“We are here to support industrial companies in developing skills and maturity in these sectors,” said Bernard Fouilhac Gary, the director, at the Salon des savoir faire de Nogent. “The goal is to allow small and medium-sized businesses to access opportunities in the Grand Est region. We are part of the French Defense and Land Security Industries Group (GICAT) and the French Aeronautics and Space Industries Group (GIFAS).”

In an increasingly tense international context where threats are on the rise, interest in the defense and armament industry is increasing. The government has urged industrialists to accelerate their pace.

“The public orders have not yet arrived with our suppliers in the Grand Est, but we need to be prepared,” emphasized Bernard Fouilhac Gary. The Military Programming Law 2024-2030 reinforces this idea, as it foresees a 40% increase in defense spending over seven years, totaling 413 billion euros.

Getting market opportunities in the sector, the bonus

Ariades, under agreement with the DGA (General Directorate of Armament) and the Grand Est region, has two main missions: to support its members at trade shows and business conventions, such as the Paris Air Show, and to offer industry animation and networking through thematic meetings.

Forgeavia, based in Biesles, where the next gathering will take place in April, is among the several other companies in Haute-Marne, including Chesneau Serret, Acemtec, and SMAC in Chanoy, that are part of this cluster. These exchanges could potentially lead to opportunities to obtain market contracts within the sector. Ariades would benefit from this success as well.

Last November, the cluster introduced a new program called “Horizons 2026”, which offers training on diversification for forty companies. Many companies have shown interest in this, such as Gillet Tools, specializing in specific tool manufacturing in Nogent.

“Today, defense largely relies on exports. We are talking about CAESAR cannons, Rafale jets, missile and ammunition production. There is a great need to increase capacity. For example, two and a half Rafales are produced each month, with the goal to increase to four,” explained the president of Ariades. An example highlighting this trend is the Safran group, which increased its workforce by 18% in Molsheim (Alsace) between early 2024 and mid-2025. Participating in the defense industry is a priority for companies today, even though it is kept confidential. Behind the scenes, everyone is active in this area.

Delphine Catalifaud