A special Defense and Industry Day was held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Bordeaux-Talence. The aim of this event was to introduce students to the defense and national security sector through conferences and demonstrations of military equipment.
From understanding the geopolitical context to presenting high-tech equipment
The defense sector is both specific and little known to students at prestigious universities and colleges. In order to present this sector and its stakeholders in the best possible light, a special day was organized on the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Bordeaux-Talence, providing an opportunity to meet a diverse range of players: the army, the air force, CIRFA, the national gendarmerie, and manufacturers (Roxel, Arianegroup, Thalès).
Conferences were organized to present the current global situation:
- Panorama and vision of the contemporary world (by Philippe Moreau-Defarges, political scientist specializing in international relations): Presentation of the global situation, illustrated by examples of behavior from various countries, to answer the question "Is a major war possible tomorrow, and what can be done to avoid it?"
- The evolution of conflict: how is war waged today? ( by Air Force General Jean Rondel, Commander of the Air Force and General Officer of the Southwest Defense and Security Zone): Operations are the legitimacy and purpose of the Ministry of the Armed Forces. General Rondel will describe current shifts and trends, addressing, among other things, the geostrategic environment of engagements, the choice of the French defense model, and the framework for the engagement of forces.
- Feedback on external operations: Feedback fromArmy andAir Forceofficers on overseas operations.
In addition to these conferences, an exceptional demonstration of military equipment was provided by the Armed Forces and defense contractors on campus, allowing everyone to better understand how essential technology and innovation are to security.demonstration of military equipment was provided by the Armed Forces and defense industry representatives on campus, enabling everyone to better understand how essential technology and innovation are to security and defense.
Examples of military equipment on display: FENNEC "Alpilles" helicopter, Reaper drone (MALE) and drill model, EC135 helicopter and its thermal camera, missile simulator, multi-purpose tactical vehicle, communications equipment, and camouflage equipment.missile simulator, multipurpose tactical vehicle, communications equipment, and camouflage equipment.
ArianeGroup companies , Roxel and Thales presented their business lines and technological innovations in the service of defense.
A historical link between the Arts et Métiers the Army
Arts et Métiers founded in 1780 by the Duke of La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt to accommodate around twenty wards from his regiment of dragoons. It became a military training school in 1786 and remained under military rule until 1826. The students have retained a uniform from this period, which is worn during traditional and festive events.
Today, the link between the school and the Defense sector continues through partnerships with ENSIM (National School of Military Infrastructure Engineers) to train military infrastructure engineers for the Defense Infrastructure Service, and with the Naval Academy, which offers our engineering students the opportunity to become Navy officers. On the Bordeaux-Talence campus, the Specialized Master's® in Aeronautics and Space Project Managementwelcomes Air Force officers every year to provide them with the technical and managerial skills required by the aeronautics, space, and defense sectors.
