SOFINS

Origin and history

SOFINS was created in 2013 by the Cercle de l'Arbalète to address a gap in the European defence exhibition landscape: the absence of a dedicated, intimate event where SOF units could directly interact with innovative suppliers. The first edition set the tone -- restricted access, live demonstrations, and real-conditions testing -- distinguishing SOFINS sharply from large general-purpose defence shows. The event grew steadily across seven editions, expanding from a niche gathering to an internationally recognised SOF innovation platform. By 2023 the concept had reached more than a decade of operation, documented in specialist defence press as a model for focused, demand-driven defence innovation events. The 2025 seventh edition confirmed the event's scale: 3,500 visitors (organiser-declared), 326 exhibitors, and 57 foreign SF delegations.

The 2027 edition: a new venue, same intensity

The eighth edition marks a significant logistical change. After seven editions at Camp de Souge (a military firing range outside Bordeaux), SOFINS 2027 moves to Bordeaux Exhibition Centre at Bordeaux-Lac. The new venue was chosen to enable dynamic water-based demonstrations -- surface drones, nautical equipment, and combined amphibious interventions -- using the lake adjacent to the exhibition halls. This capability was not available at Camp de Souge. The Cercle de l'Arbalète has confirmed the April 6-8, 2027 dates. The SOFLAB competition, which since 2021 has offered a dedicated space for emerging companies selected by the Cercle to present to SOF operators, will be integrated into the 2027 edition.

Where SOFINS sits in the defence calendar

SOFINS is a biennial spring event (April), held in odd years. It sits in the spring slot alongside events such as the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum (March) and, in some years, SOFEX (Jordan, biennial). It does not overlap with the large late-spring/summer exhibitions (Eurosatory, Paris Air Show, MSPO). In the SOF-specific ecosystem, SOFINS is complementary to Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC, USA, May) and the SOF symposia organised under NATO frameworks, but is unique in allowing live, hands-on equipment evaluation by actual operators rather than formal demonstrations by vendors.

Who attends SOFINS

Access is restricted to vetted participants; the event is not open to the general public. The exhibitor base comprises:

• French and European SMEs specialising in SOF equipment (clothing, optics, communications, drones, vehicles, medical)
• Deep-tech startups with SOF-relevant applications
• Major French and international defence groups (Safran, Thales, Airbus, and equivalents)
• Selected international suppliers

The visitor base is predominantly military:

• French special forces units (COS, 13e RDP, and affiliated units)
• International SOF delegations (57 countries represented in 2025)
• Representatives of allied special operations commands (USSOCOM, UK SF, NATO SOF HQ)
• French and allied procurement officials
• Defence journalists and analysts (limited accreditation)

What the SOFINS format includes

SOFINS combines exhibition and live demonstration in a way that is unusual for European defence shows. The key elements are:

• Indoor exhibition: halls with static displays of equipment, technology, and systems from all exhibitors.
• Outdoor demonstration villages: dynamic tests of equipment under conditions as close to real operations as possible. Scenarios include drone swarm operations, close-protection exercises, medical evacuation drills, and communications in degraded environments. The Bordeaux-Lac venue adds a water-based demonstration zone for 2027.
• SOFLAB competition: a dedicated ring where emerging companies selected by the Cercle de l'Arbalète make short presentations directly to SOF operators during a morning session. Two prizes were awarded in 2025.
• Closed-door meetings: bilateral meetings between SOF units and suppliers, organised informally but facilitated by the event structure.
• Conferences and seminars: limited programme of thematic sessions on SOF innovation priorities.

What SOFINS covers

SOFINS focuses exclusively on equipment, technologies, and solutions relevant to special operations:

• Individual soldier systems: optics, clothing, protective equipment, load-carrying
• Communications and C2: tactical radios, secure data links, encrypted networks
• Unmanned systems: aerial, ground, and maritime drones for SOF applications
• Vehicles: light tactical vehicles, insertion craft, maritime platforms
• Medical: combat casualty care, telemedicine, evacuation systems
• Intelligence and surveillance: sensors, reconnaissance, target acquisition
• Cyber and electronic warfare: SOF-specific applications
• SOFLAB emerging technologies: AI, wearable sensors, advanced materials

The 2025 edition in numbers (organiser-declared)

The venue: Bordeaux Exhibition Centre (Bordeaux-Lac)

Bordeaux Exhibition Centre (Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux -- Bordeaux-Lac) is located at Allée Serr, 33300 Bordeaux, in the Bordeaux-Lac district north of the city centre. The venue comprises indoor exhibition halls and large outdoor spaces adjacent to the Lac de Bordeaux, which provides the water demonstration area central to SOFINS 2027. Access by road: the venue is approximately 6 km from Bordeaux city centre via the D106. Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport is approximately 15 km away. Public transport: tram line C connects the city centre to the venue. Ample parking is available on site.

The organiser: Cercle de l'Arbalète

The Cercle de l'Arbalète is a French professional association that brings together SOF veterans, current special forces members (in a personal capacity), and defence industry representatives. Its mission is to foster innovation and networking within the French and allied SOF community. It was founded by former special forces officers and remains closely connected to the French SOF community while maintaining an industry partnership arm that funds and organises SOFINS. The Cercle is presided by Benoit de Saint Sernin. The association also operates the cercledelarbalete.org platform for its member network.

First time at SOFINS? How to prepare

• Verify your accreditation category before applying. SOFINS has distinct access categories for military personnel, industry, press, and observers. Ensure you apply through the correct channel on sofins-2027.fr; military delegations access through official bilateral channels, not the public site.
• Book accommodation in Bordeaux far in advance. Bordeaux city hotels fill rapidly for the SOFINS period. The Bordeaux-Lac venue is well-connected to the city centre by tram; staying in the city is more convenient than at the exhibition site itself.
• Plan your days by demonstration schedule. The outdoor live demonstrations are the distinctive element of SOFINS and run to a timetable. Obtain the demonstration schedule as soon as it is published and prioritise the sessions most relevant to your product or procurement interest.
• If exhibiting, prepare for real-conditions testing. SOF operators will want to handle, test, and stress your product. Bring robust demonstration units, not just prototypes. The 2027 venue adds a water dimension; if your product has maritime relevance, prepare a waterborne demonstration.
• Engage with SOFLAB if you are a startup. Apply to the SOFLAB competition through the Cercle de l'Arbalète if your company qualifies. A SOFLAB pitch gives direct exposure to active SOF operators that is otherwise very difficult to obtain.
• Leverage the informal atmosphere. Unlike large trade shows, SOFINS deliberately encourages direct, informal exchanges between operators and suppliers. A conversation at the demonstration zone can lead to an operational trial far more quickly than a formal procurement pathway.