Milipol Paris Daily 2025 - Day 1 edition
- No tags were found...
Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!
Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.
NEWS
Sopra Steria brings integrated
cyber and physical
defence to Milipol Paris
→ 08
INTERVIEW
Mohamed Bida,
Author
→ 16 → 19
ANTI-TERRORISM
Avenger Tactical (A-TAC) Robotic
Platform at Milipol Paris 2025
TUESDAY
18 NOV.
2025
AI LEADING
Daily
The Official Show Magazine
THE SECURITY
REVOLUTION
Exclusive Interview: Georges Salinas, Director DCIS → 18
TODAY / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER
Conference Programme 2025
In today's conference programme, French and international experts
will discuss major issues and topics related to artificial intelligence in
the service of homeland security.
→ 14:00 - 14:40
CONFERENCE ROOM
Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Homeland Security
Session Introduction: "Artificial
Intelligence for Homeland Security:
Promises, Challenges, and
Perspectives"
This session will provide an overview of AI uses in homeland
security with European and international perspectives; key topics
will include technological sovereignty, evolving professions, and
operational adaptation in data analysis, investigation, forensics
and justice. The dynamic format will combine keynotes and
panels to foster dialogue among public decision-makers, experts,
researchers and practitioners.
Julie MERCIER, Director of Security and Arms Enterprises and Partnerships, DEPSA / General
Secretariat of the Ministry of the Interior
Bruno BONNELL, Secretary General, France 2030
→ 14:40 - 15:00
CONFERENCE ROOM
Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Homeland Security
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
on Public Safety
This session will analyse the integration of artificial intelligence
into public safety missions. It will present its operational benefits
and examine the challenges related to governance, agent
training, and ethics.
Ang CHEE WEE, Assistant Chief Executive Digital & Enterprise, HTX
→ 16:00 - 17:00
CONFERENCE ROOM
Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Homeland Security
Regulating Artificial Intelligence: Legal
Framework Challenges and Prospects
This conference will analyse the impact of the European AI Act,
which came into force in 2024 as the first comprehensive legal
framework on the subject. It will highlight the obligations related
to transparency, safety, and accountability, as well as their
implications for both public and private stakeholders.
Thomas DAUTIEU, Director of Legal Support, CNIL
Ysens DE FRANCE, AI Project Officer, French National Gendarmerie
Irina ORSSICH, Head of AI Act Governance and Regulatory Policy Sector, European Commission
AI Office, Unit A2
Armand LACOMBE, Project Lead for AI regulation, DGE
Tarik LAKSSIMI, Head of Research Department, French National School for the Judiciary
→ 15:00 - 16:00
CONFERENCE ROOM
Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Homeland Security
Technological Sovereignty and
Governance of Artificial Intelligence
This session will address the management and governance
of AI solutions used by homeland security forces. It will cover
issues related to technological dependencies, trust standards,
and interoperability. Experts will share practical approaches to
ensure a transparent, regulated, and sustainable use of AI within
a strategic and operational framework.
Guillaume AVRIN, Former National Coordinator for AI, DGE / Arlequin
Arnaud LATIL, Lecturer and Researcher, Sorbonne University
Simon MARSOL, CTO Defence & Security, Sopra Steria
General Cédric COLLARD, Head of Command Support Applications,
Digital Agency for Internal Security Forces (ANFSI), French National Gendarmerie
→ 17:00 - 17:30
CONFERENCE ROOM
Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Homeland Security
Funding Research and Innovation
This session will explore European and national funding
mechanisms dedicated to research and innovation in AI. It will
present available partnerships as well as examples of supported
projects and selection criteria.
Grégoire CHAUVIÈRE LE DRIAN, Director, French Office of the European Investment Bank
Group (EIB)
Frédéric PERLANT, Security NCP Coordinator, Horizon Europe
Scan here for the
full up-to-date
programme
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
TODAY / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER
The Innov’Arena 2025
At the heart of Pavilion 4, the Innov'Arena is hosting talks
and workshops focusing on the latest developments in the sector.
→ 10:00 - 10:30
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Cognyte
→ 10:30 - 11:00
Talks Start-ups
VOCAPIA RESEARCH
ELEPHANTASTIC
EVIDEN INTERNATIONAL FRANCE
→ 11:00 - 11:30
START-UP TALK
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Rohde &
Schwarz
→ 11:30 - 12:30
PARTNER CONTENT
Presentation Mohamed
BIDA "13 Jours, 13
Nuits"
MOHAMED BIDA, FORMER POLICE COMMANDANT AND WRITER
"13 JOURS, 13 NUITS – DANS L’ENFER DE KABOUL"
→ 12:30 - 13:00
AWARDS FINALIST TALK
Talks Milipol Innovation
Awards Finalists
→ 15:00 - 15:30
Scan here
for the full
up-to-date
programme
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Jiangsu Ultra
Safe New Material
→ 15:30 - 16:00
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Cellebrite
France
→ 16:00 - 16:30
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Datenna
→ 16:30 - 17:00
AWARDS FINALIST TALK
Talks Milipol Innovation
Awards Finalists
→ 13:00 - 13:30
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP
Workshop Shyam VNL
→ 14:00 - 15:00
PARTNER CONTENT
Milipol Innovation
Awards Ceremony
Anne Frayssinet,
Director of Milipol Network Events
©AETHION
The pace of innovation has never been faster!
Good morning, and welcome to Milipol Paris
2025, where the world’s security community
gathers once again to exchange ideas, unveil
new technologies and define the strategies
that will safeguard our future.
We are honoured to open this year’s edition
in the presence of Laurent Nuñez, France’s
Minister of the Interior, alongside ministers and
delegations from across the globe, including
representatives from Qatar and Singapore,
both host countries within the Milipol Network.
Their presence highlights the show’s growing
international resonance and its role as a
forum for global cooperation in security and
resilience.
Innovation has always been at the heart of
Milipol Paris, a constant force driving the
evolution of homeland security. Yet this year,
that spirit rings truer than ever. The growing
influence of artificial intelligence on every
layer of the industry, from data analysis and
predictive policing to forensics, investigations,
and cyber defence, is transforming not just
how we protect, but how we think about
protection itself.
This year’s conference programme will explore
how AI is revolutionising every aspect of
homeland security. The first session begins this
afternoon at 14:00 in the Conference Room,
with a deep dive into “Artificial Intelligence
for Homeland Security: Promises, Challenges,
Perspectives.” Experts will exchange views on
how to harness the potential of AI responsibly
and effectively while safeguarding nations.
Throughout the show, the Innov’Arena will host
a series of workshops and presentations on
the latest developments in homeland security.
Today at 11:30, Mohamed Bida, author of “13
Jours, 13 Nuits dans l'enfer de Kaboul” (13
Days, 13 Nights in the Hell of Kabul), will take
the stage to share his personal account of the
2021 evacuation of Kabul, a story of courage,
duty and survival. For more details, don’t miss
the Daily's exclusive interview with him on
page 16.
This afternoon, all eyes will turn to the
Innovation Awards Ceremony at 14:00, where
the most groundbreaking technologies of
the year will be honoured. These awards are
a hallmark of Milipol Paris, celebrating the
creativity and expertise that keep the industry
at the cutting edge.
For those of you looking for real-world
demonstrations, the newly expanded Demo
Arena promises an impressive line-up
throughout the show, with elite teams and
specialists showcasing tactical techniques,
equipment and coordinated response
scenarios in live-action settings.
As this new edition begins, take some time
to explore, engage, and get inspired. Every
encounter you have here contributes to our
shared mission: building a safer tomorrow.
Wishing you all a great first day!
Milipol Paris Daily is a CLEVERDIS Publication
439 Route de la Seds, 13127 Vitrolles, France • Tel: + 33 442 77 46 00
• SAS capitalised at €155,750 • VAT FR 95413604471 • RCS Salon de Provence 413 604 471
• info@cleverdis.com • www.cleverdis.com • news.milipol.com
• President & Publisher: Jean-François Pieri • Project Manager: Veronika Verzhak
• Editor in Chief: Monica Hutchings • Senior Editor: Sharon Dupeyron
• Sales Manager: Dylan Jori • Account Manager: Anna Baehnisch
• Editorial Coordinator: Zineb Elhabiri
• Art Director: Hélène Beunat • Page Settings: Guillaume Vinrich.
With the participation of: Camille Hedjam, Bettina Badon, Benjamin Klene, Emiliana Van Der Eng
>>> To contact them: first name.last name@cleverdis.com
• Cover: ©AdobeStock - Miss Fortuna • Printing : Imprimerie Frazier, 33 rue de Chabrol, 75010 Paris - www.frazier.fr
© CLEVERDIS 2025 - Registration of Copyright September 2025 Information presented in this publication is purely indicative in order to illustrate subjects
contained therein. No guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of data or content at time of printing and thus the latter should not be used for professional
or commercial ends. While all efforts have been made as to accuracy and pertinence of content and data contained in this publication, CLEVERDIS may in no
case be held responsible for the consequences, whatever their nature may be, that may result from the interpretation of this data or content, or any eventual
errors therein. Any reproduction of the content of this publication, even partial, by any means whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior autorisation
of the publisher. Any copy, whether by photography, photography film, magnetic tape, disc or other means constitutes a forgery, liable to punishment under
French law according to the legislation of 11 th March 1957 covering copyright. All brands cited in this publication are registered trade marks and/or belong to
companies which are their respective proprietors. The publishers and editorial staff decline all responsibility as to opinions formulated in this publication by
those interviewed or cited therein. Their opinions are entirely their own, and are included with the understanding that they contain, to our knowledge, no
malicious intent. The inclusion of all texts, photographs and other documents supplied by those included in this publication imply the acceptance by their
authors of their free publication therein. Documents and photographs will not be returned. It should be understood that this publication contains forwardlooking
statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be
deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include assumptions relating to the timing of the recorded date. If any of these
risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the expectations outlined in these
statements. Cleverdis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements during the period of publication. Photo Credits
and Copyright: All Rights Reserved.
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
NEWS
Sopra Steria: Integrated cyber and
physical defence at Milipol Paris
Sopra Steria, sponsor of the immersive “Crime Scene Area” in Hall 4, works closely with NATO and key
European ministries and agencies. Showcasing its integrated approach to defence and digital security
at Milipol Paris 2025, Simon Marsol, CTO Defence & Security, discusses Sopra Steria’s commitment to
innovation and technology-driven solutions.
Sopra Steria designs, develops
and deploys sovereign technology
solutions covering the entire
security continuum. “This is based
on a comprehensive, integrated
approach to security that covers
cybersecurity, physical security
and operational resilience,”
explains Simon Marsol, CTO
Defence & Security.
According to Marsol, the
Group’s strength lies in its
ability to connect the digital and
physical worlds. This includes
securing critical sites through
interconnected systems (access
control, radars, video surveillance,
anti-drone, cybersecurity),
coordinating robotic entities
for area surveillance, and
Exploring the Milipol
Paris 2025 zones
Beyond its extensive line-up of international pavilions, Milipol Paris
is organised into dedicated zones that help visitors navigate the
show floor and explore the latest security innovations by theme and
application. These areas bring together companies and experts from
across the industry, making it easier to find relevant technologies,
connect with specialists and experience live demonstrations.
ensuring compliance of critical
information systems. Sopra Steria
also deploys mobile decisionmaking
and investigation support
systems, and helps provide
security continuity from the field
to command centres, whether on
land, at sea or in the air.
“This expertise,” he adds,
“makes Sopra Steria a trusted
partner for protecting territories,
infrastructure and people.”
At Milipol Paris 2025, the company
is presenting a comprehensive
offering in three business sectors
and a cross-disciplinary sector
showcasing how AI is woven into
its technologies. These include
tools and solutions along with live
demonstrations in the resilience
and security of critical entities;
investigation and everyday
security; and command, crisis
management and emergency
response.
Marsol highlights that “AI is present
in all of our solutions, supporting
analysis, decision-making and
operational action.” These
demonstrations, he concludes,
“illustrate the Group’s strategy
to provide integrated, sovereign
and responsible security that
combines technology, anticipation
and action”
Hall 5A / Stand E 185
Newcomers Village
Hall 4 & Hall 5A
Over 80% of Milipol Paris visitors
come to discover new products.
The Newcomers Village is the
place to find first-time exhibitors
and their solutions. At the previous
edition, 56 companies from 19
countries made their debut here.
Forensics Zone
Hall 4
Dedicated to forensic science, this
area brings together international
professionals from law enforcement,
intelligence, research and
the private sector to exchange
expertise and explore the latest
advances in criminalistics.
Crisis Management
Area
Hall 5A
Focused on preparedness and
response, this zone covers crisis
coordination, emergency planning
and resilience technologies.
Milipol LAB
Hall 4
Milipol LAB showcases start-ups
and their breakthrough innovations
in the security sector.
Tech Zone
Hall 4
Dedicated to cutting-edge
equipment and digital tools, the
Tech Zone highlights emerging
technologies shaping the future of
homeland security.
Cyber Zone
Hall 4
A focal point for cybersecurity
and AI-driven defence systems,
the Cyber Zone gathers exhibitors
addressing digital resilience, data
protection and cyber-intelligence.
Demo Arena
& Truck Zone
Hall 3
Here visitors can witness live
demonstrations of vehicles and
equipment as well as tactical
operations performed by elite
teams, showcasing their expertise
in real-life scenarios
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
NEWS
ADVERTORIAL
BEFPI brings high-performance
fire solution to Milipol Paris
At this year's show, BEFPI, a
family-owned company based
in France, is presenting the
award-winning MAUS Fire
Suppressor, a compact yet
powerful firefighting device
designed for maximum
efficiency and minimal
disruption. Measuring just 242
mm in length and weighing 480
g, it combats all fire classes (A,
B, C, F) with up to 12 seconds of
discharge. Its potassium-based
solid compound extinguishes
flames without leaving residue,
ensuring immediate operational
recovery after use
Hall 5A / Stand F 189
KEY SELLING POINTS
• Leaves no residue or damage
• Compact and ideal for
confined spaces
• Up to 10× more effective
than halon
ADVERTORIAL
Intersec:
European AI
innovation on
display at Milipol
Paris 2025
Intersec AI is an AI platform
that transforms metadata into
operational intelligence at scale,
unlocking new levels of insight
and actionability. Trained on
massive volumes of metadata
and enriched by cutting-edge
AI models, Intersec AI supports
homeland security by identifying
abnormal patterns, hidden
connections, and presence at
sensitive sites, and instantly
alerting analysts.
Intersec also uses AI to
empower civil protection during
emergencies: it triggers response
procedures, drafts public alerts,
recommends the most effective
communication channels to
ensure critical messages reach
everyone, and much more. Rooted
in the values of independence,
neutrality, and accountability,
Intersec delivers state-of-theart
AI technologies developed in
Europe
Hall 5A / Stand U 143
ADVERTORIAL
NEWS
Direct Action:
Always mission ready
At Milipol Paris 2025, Poland-based tactical gear
manufacturer Direct Action will present its latest
high-performance equipment designed for modern
military and law enforcement special operations.
Direct Action, headquartered in
Poland, is a European manufacturer
recognised for producing
advanced tactical equipment
for military and law enforcement
professionals worldwide. Drawing
on real operational experience,
the company designs and
manufactures gear that combines
precision engineering, advanced
materials and rigorous quality
control to perform under the most
demanding conditions.
At Milipol Paris 2025, Direct Action
will present several new and
updated products. Among the
highlights are the Spitfire QR Plate
Carrier, the Firefly Sleeve MKII, the
Tomcat Belt Sleeve, the Mortar
Backpack and the Liberator Roll
Bag. The company will also unveil
the Multicam Tropic pattern for the
first time, alongside its latest belt
range, available in hook-and-loop
configurations. New accessories
will also be introduced, including
the Grenade Bandolier 40 mm MK
II, NVG Pouch MK II and Hydro
Utility Pouch MK II.
The company’s design philosophy,
“Individual-as-a-System,” focuses
on modularity, allowing users to
configure equipment according
to specific mission requirements.
This approach supports
adaptability and efficiency across
a range of operational contexts.
During the trade show, visitors
will be able to attend live
demonstrations showcasing gear
configuration techniques. These
sessions will be led by Grzegorz
“Żwiru” Urbański, a veteran of
Poland’s elite Special Mission Unit
GROM, with insights also shared
by fellow GROM operator Tomasz
“Lasek” Laskowski.
Through continuous innovation
and real-world collaboration with
end users, Direct Action works to
deliver tactical solutions that meet
the evolving needs of modern
security and defence forces
Hall 5A / Stand F 033
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
ADVERTORIAL
NEWS
From unique insights to actionable
intelligence: Datenna’s edge at
Milipol Paris 2025
Datenna has brought its accurate open-source intelligence to Milipol Paris 2025,
with a dedicated workshop in the Innov'Arena today.
Datenna’s OSINT platform
transforms vast, fragmented
data into actionable intelligence
that helps governments and
analysts better understand global
technology ecosystems and the
rapid evolution of China’s industrial
and research landscape.
By combining artificial intelligence
with expert analysis, it enables
users to trace technological
developments, from scientific
publications and patents to
investments and industrial
cooperation, offering a clearer
picture of how innovation flows
across sectors and borders.
The company’s workshop today
explores how open-source
data reveals the complexity of
technological networks. Through
a detailed case study on China’s
drone industry, it demonstrates
how Datenna’s platform maps
ownership structures, tracks
innovation trends, and identifies
emerging actors within a rapidly
advancing field.
Trusted by several EU and NATO
governments, as well as leading
defence and intelligence agencies
worldwide, Datenna provides
unique insights into China in areas
such as defence technology
development, military-civil fusion,
and strategic technology transfers.
Its platform covers more than
40 million companies, offering
visibility into complex supply
chains, institutional relationships,
and state-linked innovation.
With offices in the Netherlands
and the United States, Datenna's
expertise spans across national
security and tech policy as it invests
Workshop Datenna
Today
Innov'Arena
16:00 - 16:30
in data science and AI solutions.
Visitors to Milipol Paris can discover
more at Datenna’s stand in Hall 5A
or during today’s workshop
Hall 5A / Stand B 195
© DGPN-SICoP/S.Sarfati
You recently took over as Director of the International
Security Cooperation (DCIS). What do you see as the
core missions of the DCIS and what are your priorities
in your new role?
The DCIS participates in the implementation of an
international strategy on behalf of the French Ministry
of the Interior and France's foreign policy on homeland
security. To carry out these missions, the DCIS relies
on a central unit based in the Paris region.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
DCIS:
Strengthening
France’s global
security network
After six years as Head of Security for the
Presidency of the Republic (GSPR) and four years
as the Director of Security for the Presidency of
the Republic, Georges Salinas became Director
of the International Security Cooperation (DCIS)
in September 2025. He spoke with the Daily in an
exclusive interview about the main goals of the
DCIS on the world stage and in France as well as
its role at Milipol Paris.
It also has a very large network of 76 internal security
services, known as SSIs. The network abroad is made
up of 300 police officers and gendarmes deployed
in French embassies in all of the countries we are
active in. With its support, the DCIS also leads and
coordinates all cooperation efforts. This cooperation
is operational, of course, but also technical and
institutional, involving the
general directorate of the national police and the
general directorate of the national gendarmerie, both
abroad and for the benefit of all the directorates within
the French Ministry of the Interior.
It is important to note that this is the leading global
network for international police cooperation of any
state. No other country has such an extensive system.
We cover 169 countries on five different continents.
Our network is represented almost everywhere in the
world.
Personally my priority, I would say, in line with the
management philosophy of our directorate, is for the
DCIS to detect and neutralise threats in other countries
before they reach France.
How does the DCIS fit into European and international
coordination in the fight against organised crime,
terrorism, drug trafficking and cybercrime?
These issues are very important and are often
mentioned by our political leaders. The DCIS and its
network abroad is made up of highly experienced
police officers and gendarmes, most of whom come
from highly specialised services. Some of them come
from criminal investigation services, central offices
specialising in drug trafficking, for example, or the air
and border police. These are agents who already have
the skills and are very experienced..
The main mission is to facilitate, promote and
strengthen international cooperation for the benefit of
French investigative services and judicial authorities.
The network's security services cover all current
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Georges Salinas
Director of the International Security Cooperation (DCIS)
areas of crime, such as the fight against
organised crime, the prevention and fight
against terrorism, and the fight against drug
trafficking, which is a hot topic at the moment.
They are also tasked with detecting any
emerging criminal phenomena abroad as well
as the potential impacts on national territory.
When they have these data, they inform
the authorities so that measures to combat
these phenomena can be put in place. There
are very important social phenomena that we
have seen in some countries and which could
affect our country in the future. The internal
security services contribute to transnational
crime intelligence through the work of our
liaison officers, who are specialists in their
respective fields and are assigned to work in
their specific areas.
Given the importance of the human
dimension in international cooperation, how
does the DCIS train its officers to operate
in diverse cultural, political and security
contexts?
Our agents, who are all police officers and
gendarmes, are first selected by DCIS
management to fill a position abroad, and then
they are proposed to the respective Directors
General: to the DGPN for police officers
and to the DGGN for gendarmes. They are
put forward for their operational skills. We
also test them for their open-mindedness
and ability to adapt to contexts that may
be very different from in France. We have
set up a training course to prepare them for
expatriation that covers all of the main issues.
We involve several ministries that are We
involve several ministries that are specifically
concerned with expatriation, such as the
French Ministry of the Interior and the French
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We also have
experts in many fields, ranging from medical
to operational. And we bring in feedback
from former homeland security personnel
who have worked in difficult countries and
can share their experience. For those who
are about to leave, I think this is a very
important resource. Particularly in the police
force when they are deployed to countries
where the security situation is very poor and
there is suspicion that they will be targeted
quickly. We have a specific course called
"operating in a hostile environment", which
covers a variety of highly sensitive topics.
These range from combat first aid to vehicle
attacks, counter-surveillance, kidnapping,
and even how to handle negotiations. As you
can see, these are very practical, hands-on
topics.
Milipol Paris brings together public and
private stakeholders in internal security.
What is your view of the event and its role
in promoting international dialogue on
security?
This show has an international reach and
has already been exported to our partners in
Qatar, Singapore and India.
The interior ministers of these countries are
invited and will once again be honouring us
with their presence at the event this year in
Paris.
MY PRIORITY IS
FOR THE DCIS
TO DETECT AND
NEUTRALISE
THREATS IN
OTHER COUNTRIES
BEFORE THEY
REACH FRANCE
Milipol Paris highlights the equipment and
technical solutions required by our foreign
institutional partners and the solutions
offered by French homeland and civil
security companies. The DCIS's welcome
and support for these foreign delegations at
the show also contributes to the promotion
of international dialogue, especially in terms
of what I would call economic diplomacy. It
is important to remember that we are simply
facilitators, not intermediaries, and we do
not receive any commissions for this.
The role played by the DCIS excludes any form
of participation in commercial negotiations,
in line with the rules of fair competition. We
simply facilitate meetings and discussions
DCIS
key figures
76
internal
security
services (SSI)
300
police officiers
and gendarmes
169
Present in 169
countries on five
different continents
© DGPN-SICoP/S.Sarfati
EXCLUSIVEV INTERVIEW
A mission
against all odds:
Lessons in crisis
management
Ahead of his talk and book signing this morning,
Mohamed Bida, author of 13 Days, 13 Nights in
the Hell of Kabul, shares his reflections on his
extraordinary mission in Afghanistan.
On 15 August 2021, as the Taliban entered Kabul
and seized power, chaos and despair gripped the
Afghan capital. Amid collapsing evacuation plans and
desperate crowds, Commander Mohamed Bida and
ten elite police officers were left alone to protect the
French embassy, and thousands seeking refuge. Over
the course of 13 days and 13 nights they risked their
lives to save 2,834 people, negotiating directly with
the Taliban and their terrorist faction in an atmosphere
of fear and uncertainty. The extraordinary true story,
which was recently adapted into a feature film, stands
as a powerful testament to courage and humanity in
the face of crisis.
This morning at Milipol Paris, Mohamed Bida, who
was recently distinguished with the Prix du Général
François Meyer 2025, will revisit those harrowing days,
offering a powerful reflection on leadership under
pressure, the complexities of crisis management and
interagency coordination, and the crucial role played
by Interior Security Attachés in high-risk situations.
Can you tell us about the role of an Interior Security
Attaché (ASI)?
ASIs are police officers or gendarmes stationed at an
embassy abroad to lead, coordinate and implement
France's international cooperation in the field of
interior security. They advise the ambassador, develop
and maintain relationships with local authorities, liaise
between French and foreign services, assist the
French community in the event of a crisis, supervise
technical cooperation and support French companies
in the security sector.
When you look back at those 13 days, what was the
most defining or emotionally intense moment for you
personally?
Several moments left a deep impression on me due to
the intensity and violence they involved. I will always
remember the scene of a crowd being tortured behind
barbed wire, and especially the faces of children
distorted by exhaustion, pain and fear, their clothes
and skin torn by those steel barbs. Yet, despite the
feeling of inadequacy that overwhelmed me at the
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Mohamed Bida
Author of 13 Days, 13 Nights in the Hell of Kabul
(13 jours, 13 nuits dans l’enfer de Kaboul)
end of our missions, I felt immense pride
in having belonged to this group of police
officers, diplomats, and French soldiers who,
through their courage and determination,
saved nearly three thousand lives, offering a
lesson in humanity and resilience.
The operation you led in Kabul involved
both diplomacy and tactical decisionmaking.
How did you balance those two
dimensions under such extreme pressure?
There is no specific procedure for dealing
with such an event. Although there are many
crisis management manuals out there, they
do not provide ready-made solutions. You
have to adapt, draw on your experience,
follow your instincts, and keep in mind the
dual objective of opening and maintaining
dialogue with the adversary while preparing
for the worst-case scenario. This involved
negotiating with the Taliban while maintaining
a strategic operational vision. It was not a
question of ‘closing doors’, as they say in
police investigation jargon, i.e. eliminating
possibilities in order to focus on a single lead,
but rather of opening doors in order to create
several possible outcomes. We were clearheaded
about our room for manoeuvre. The
balance of power was considerably against us
and the constraints were extreme, because it
was not only our lives at stake, but those
of hundreds of people. Preserving people's
safety was our priority, and the solidarity that
my colleagues and I demonstrated during the
events greatly contributed to the success of
the operation.
From your perspective, what are the
key factors for successful interagency
cooperation in crisis situations?
In France, the question does not come up as
the division of responsibilities is determined
by legislation and organised by the General
Secretariat for Defence and National
THE BETTER PREPARED
YOU ARE, THE BETTER
YOU WILL BE ABLE
TO DEAL WITH THE
UNEXPECTED.
Security. Internationally, differences in
protocol and doctrine are undeniable pitfalls,
which is why direct communication and the
exchange of expertise beforehand are so
important to ensuring efficient coordination.
This is increasingly necessary as modern
crises involve a wide range of actors and
require that resources be pooled.
What lessons from Kabul could be applied
to current or future crises, such as
evacuations in conflict zones or natural
disasters?
Most crises follow the same pattern, differing
only in their contexts. The crisis in Kabul
was highly unusual and stood out for its
paradoxical nature: it had been anticipated
and was generally well managed until it
broke out of the expected scenario. The main
lesson to be learned from this is that the
better prepared you are, the better you will
be able to deal with the unexpected. That's
why it's so important to have a meticulous
plan, to carry out regular exercises, and to
learn from experience
Commander Bida during the
evacuation mission in Kabul
Innov Arena
Tuesday,
18 November 2025
11:30 – 12:00:
Talk by Mohamed BIDA
12:00 – 12:30:
Book signing session
SPECIAL FEATURE: ANTI-TERRORISM
ADVERTORIAL
Avenger Tactical
(A-TAC) Robotic
Platform at
Milipol Paris
2025
VECTED TRS:
Next-generation
reflex sight
Designed and developed by ICP
NewTech, the Avenger Tactical
Robot can carry a multitude of
payload configurations, overcome
300mm obstacles, climb 40°
inclined stairs and slopes, explore
locations and gather intelligence.
Its two firing circuits, 4 integrated
cameras and carrying points enable
it to carry out reconnaissance,
neutralisation and/or detection
(CBRN) missions.
Offering a reach of 1.18 m, the
manipulator arm features 5
degrees of freedom with a lifting
capacity of 5 kg at maximum reach.
Weighing 22 kg and measuring 490
x 440 x 245 mm, this advanced,
lightweight robotic platform can
be transported by one man, and
features removable flippers.
SCOPEX is the exclusive distributor
in France
Hall 5A / Stand M 160
Autoclear's CLX
handheld explosives trace detector
in the spotlight
KEY SELLING POINTS
• ASTM E2520-21
certified
• Compact and rugged
• Proprietary Chemilux-
MOS technology
Visitors to Milipol Paris 2025 can discover VECTED's
next-generation Thermal Reflex Sight - TRS, with thermal
overlay for day and night use by police and the military.
Modern camouflage clothing, unclear terrain, dense forests
or scrubland and destroyed areas can make it difficult to
recognise opponents when using reflex sight electronic
aiming aids. This applies to both military operations and
police SWAT teams. In these cases, thermal imaging
cameras can be a good solution for detecting these hardto-spot
threats. This is why VECTED has combined the
advantages of both systems in the TRS.
Various thermal overlays, compatibility with night vision
devices and magnifiers, as well as a large screen for
maximum overview enable soldiers and police officers
to detect and engage enemies earlier, faster and more
precisely.
Autoclear LLC, through its Scintrex
Trace division, has announced that
its CLX handheld explosives trace
detector has achieved certification
to the ASTM E2520-21 Standard
Practice for Measuring and Scoring
Performance of Trace Explosive
Chemical Detectors.
Compact and rugged, the CLX
uses proprietary Chemilux-MOS
technology to detect a broad range
of explosives—including military,
commercial, and homemade types—
in under 10 seconds, without isotopes
or carrier gases.
Designed for mobility and ease of
maintenance, it is ideal for VIP and
diplomatic protection units, EOD
teams, military supply chains, transit
hubs, ports, airports, and tactical
response vehicles
Hall 5A / Stand E 108
A unique and important feature of the TRS is the userfriendly
quick parallax adjustment. This guarantees
that the visual image and thermal overlay are perfectly
aligned. This allows the operator to shoot with maximum
accuracy, which is especially important in CQB and
hostage situations.
By simply opening the lens cover or pressing a button, the
thermal imaging overlay can be switched on immediately.
This increases the operator's survivability and offers a
decisive advantage in rapidly changing light conditions
Hall 5A / Stand M 038
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025
SPECIAL FEATURE: CYBERSECURITY
ADVERTORIAL
Zenith v2.1: Securing the future
of command, communication,
and control
Snowpack brings true
invisibility to cyber
defence
Visitors to Sonic Electronic’s stand
can discover Zenith v2.1, a defencegrade
hybrid cryptosystem securing
command networks, communications,
and data with quantum-resilient
precision. Fully compliant with 3GPP
and NIST standards, it integrates
encryption, authentication, and AIdriven
Zero-Trust control within a
tamper-proof perimeter.
The system employs QRNG and JWTsecured
authentication, powering
an encrypted PTT communication
network with advanced MDM
features, including remote wipe, OTA
updates, and lockdown capabilities.
Designed for mission-critical
operations, Zenith v2.1 ensures
operational sovereignty and total
command across on-premise, cloud,
or hybrid deployments
KEY SELLING POINTS
• Hybrid on-prem & cloud
security
• Quantum & Post-Quantum
encryption
• Encrypted PTT communication
network
Hall 4 / Stand B 051
Snowpack, a European
cybersecurity startup and
finalist for the Milipol Paris
2025 Innovation Awards, has
developed its patented VIPN
(Virtual & Invisible Private
Network) technology to redefine
online protection. Instead of
relying on traditional trust-based
systems, VIPN renders users,
devices and data completely
invisible on the Internet. By
removing any exploitable
exposure, it shields organisations
from attacks and vulnerabilities
across hardware, software and
encryption layers
Hall 4 / Stand VD 01
KEY SELLING POINTS
• Complete invisibility
for users, servers and
data
• Immune to
infrastructure
vulnerabilities
• Scalable for any
organisation
FOCUS: MILIPOL NETWORK
Milipol Network:
A global platform for
homeland Security
For over four decades, the Milipol Network
has united governments, industry leaders, and
security professionals worldwide. Each of its
five events embodies innovation, cooperation,
and resilience in homeland security around the
world.
Milipol Paris
Since 1984, Milipol Paris has been the world’s
leading homeland security exhibition. Organised
under the auspices of the French Ministry of the
Interior, it welcomes thousands of professionals
every two years. This year's edition is highlighting
artificial intelligence, forensic science, and crisis
management, with live demonstrations, expert
conferences, and the Milipol Innovation Awards.
Milipol Qatar
Held biennially in Doha under the patronage
of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al
Thani, Milipol Qatar is the Middle East’s premier
homeland security event. The next edition will
take place from 20–22 October 2026, continuing
to strengthen international cooperation and
showcase cutting-edge technologies.
MTX (Milipol TechX)
Taking place from 28–30 April 2026 at Marina
Bay Sands, Singapore, MTX (Milipol TechX)
highlights the latest innovation in AI, robotics,
drones, and forensics, bridging the public-safety
and cybersecurity communities.
Milipol India
The second edition of Milipol India was held
in April 2025 in New Delhi and continued to
establish the show as the key security event for
the Indo-Pacific region. The next edition will be
be held from 15 to 17 April 2027.
Milipol Brazil
The exciting newest addition to the network,
Milipol Brazil, will debut in São Paulo from 14 to 16
April 2026. Born of a partnership between Milipol
and LAAD, it aims to become Latin America’s
leading homeland security event and a hub for
strategic cooperation
MTX 2026:
The next evolution in
security events
Milipol Asia-Pacific-TechX Summit has become MTX
(Milipol TechX). Ang Chee Wee, Chairman of MTX
2026 & Assistant Chief Executive (Digital & Enterprise)
at HTX, shares more about the change and what to
expect at the next edition.
Can you tell us more about the show's
rebranding and what inspired the change?
We live in a world that’s crossed an
inflection point, where the challenges
to public safety have grown increasingly
urgent and complex, and the threats
ever more interconnected—fuelled by
technological advancements. This is
the international context within which
MTX (Milipol TechX), a conferenceand-exhibition
in Singapore,
is standing up as a beacon of
innovation, collaboration, and global
ingenuity to advance public safety
to make our world safer.
MTX 2026 will be taking place
in Singapore from 28 to 30 April
2026. What elements can visitors
and exhibitors look forward to at
this upcoming edition?
The world’s public safety
technologists, professionals,
innovators, operational experts,
and policymakers will converge
at MTX to share and exchange ideas.
This convergence will set the pace for
what’s next in public safety. MTX is also
where visitors and exhibitors can find likeminded
collaborators across continents
and industries who will help refine, scale,
and accelerate innovations. The exhibition
component, anchored by MTX signatures
and dedicated thematic zones—Robotics,
Developer, Cybersecurity and Science—as
well as Country Pavilions, will provide targeted
exposure to both buyers and end-users. There
will be an additional opportunity to reach a new
target audience through the inaugural DEF
CON Singapore, which will be co-located
with MTX, and draw participants from
a wide cross-section of cybersecurity,
tech and hacking communities
THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY / #01 / TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2025