EDENEWS Q1 2025 – Operator equipment: innovation and cooperation at the heart of performance
- Cluster EDEN
- Oct 12, 2025
- 2 min read
The editorial of the quarter
“Today’s innovation means tomorrow’s jobs!” Guillaume Verney-Carron, President of EDEN AURA and leader of the Operator Equipment Working Group
In this first issue of the year, EDEN highlights a central theme: innovation in the service of operational efficiency . While budgetary debates question the future of innovation support mechanisms (CIR, CII, JEI), the Cluster recalls how essential these levers are to the vitality and competitiveness of French SMEs in the defense and security sectors.
Quarterly Focus: Operator Equipment Working Group
Bringing together 30 French companies , this unique collective of the EDEN Cluster brings together the know-how of the sector to design 100% French technical solutions covering a wide spectrum: protective equipment, precision weaponry, optronics, communication, training, simulation and textile innovation.
This synergy allows EDEN to offer a comprehensive and integrated solution to the armed and security forces. The solutions developed already meet the needs of the National Police, the Gendarmerie, the Armed Forces and special units , while supporting the rise of the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD) .
EDDY by EDEN: a showcase of French excellence
Symbol of this cooperation, the EDDY mannequin embodies the collective know-how of EDEN SMEs. Presented at international trade fairs such as SOFINS 2025 , it is fully equipped by the members of the working group: from the helmet to the weaponry, including ballistic protection and canine equipment .
This demonstrator illustrates the technological complementarity, industrial quality and creativity of French companies committed to serving the defense and security forces.
Innovation and materials: lightness as a strategic asset
The technical articles in this issue highlight several concrete innovations:
Lightweighting of bulletproof vests thanks to composite materials and high-density fibers, providing enhanced protection without compromising mobility.
The design of multifunctional and modular equipment , the result of the work of companies such as Original Custom Components or Tiger Tailor , aims to lighten the fighter's outfit while increasing his effectiveness on the ground.
Textile advances from the ARMETISS project , supported by the EDEN – Techtera partnership, which introduces thermoregulation and smart textile technologies to increase operator comfort and safety.
These innovations illustrate the strength of EDEN's collaborative model: transforming R&D into concrete solutions, as close as possible to operational needs.
EDEN at SOFINS 2025
The EDEN Cluster will participate in SOFINS 2025 , from April 1 to 3 , with 27 exhibiting companies and the presentation of the EDDY demonstrator mannequin. This major event dedicated to special forces will be an opportunity for EDEN to demonstrate the relevance of its collective model:
improve the efficiency of operators and their equipment,
broaden the scope of possibilities in terms of innovation,
and strengthen cooperation between SMEs and public sector clients.
Discover the full newsletter
Find in this edition:
the complete editorial by Guillaume Verney-Carron,
the special file on the Operator Equipment WG,
textile innovations from the ARMETISS project,
the 2025 calendar of trade fairs and events,
new companies that have joined the Cluster.
Download the EDENEWS Q1 2025 newsletter
Download the full version of the newsletter (11 pages, PDF) to discover all the news and initiatives of the EDEN network.
