The French Navy and the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) will host the fourth Paris Naval Conference on February 2-3, 2026, at the National Naval Museum in Paris. The two-day event will examine naval rearmament and operations in contested waters, with senior naval officers from several NATO nations.
The conference addresses a shift in maritime security. Since the Cold War ended, Western navies have enjoyed largely uncontested access to international waters. That period appears to be ending as rival powers expand their fleets and extend their operational reach.
Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the Marine Nationale (French Navy) will participate in a panel on air-sea superiority alongside, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Daryl Caudle, the U.S. Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto Chief of the Marina Militare (Italian Navy), and Vice-Admiral Harold Liebregs, Chief of the Royal Netherlands Navy. General Fabien Mandon, French Joint Chief of the Defence Staff, will deliver opening remarks on the second day.
The agenda includes four panels covering naval confrontation, European defense industrial capacity, air-sea superiority in contested environments, and protection of critical maritime infrastructure. A separate session will examine sustaining naval operations during prolonged conflicts—a concern highlighted by recent events in the Red Sea.
Industry representatives from MBDA France, Thales, and EXAIL will discuss defense procurement challenges. General Marie David from the French Defence Procurement Agency will address European naval rearmament.
The conference runs from 14:00 to 18:00 on February 2 and 10:40 to 18:00 on February 3. Sessions will be conducted in English and French with simultaneous translation. Remote participation is available via Zoom, though in-person attendance requires invitation. Press accreditation can be requested through Ifri.
Registration is required for both online and in-person attendance. More information is available at this link.
