Forget jetliners, the Paris Air Show means war (video)
There's a battle going on between Airbus and Boeing, but while both industry players maintain their fair share of government contracts, this war primarily concerns the commercial side of the biz. For many of the companies that surround these giants at this week's Paris Air Show, however, military might is big business. Fighter jets, troop transporters, attack drones and massive missiles are the bread and butter of manufacturers like US-based Raytheon and France's own Thales -- smaller companies from China, Germany, Israel and Russia flaunt their own munitions at otherwise ordinary trade show booths, too.
High-profile politicians and military officers from around the world are also in no short supply at Le Bourget Airport this week. In one exhibition hall, we spotted Lieutenant General Craig Franklin, a top US Air Force commander, studying a new security screening system from Safran. Then, earlier today, we stumbled upon Sergey Shoygu, Russia's Minister of Defence, examining a handful of mobile rocket launchers. And just after yesterday's Airbus A350 cockpit tour, we bumped into a gaggle of Chinese officers as they were checking out model attack choppers at the Eurocopter booth.
Troops from dozens of countries around the globe were in attendance, often dressed up in full military regalia despite the oppressive summer heat. Allies and enemies alike joined together to take note of the latest and greatest, scanning ground displays and taking in dramatic performances a few hundred feet above the sweltering tarmac. You don't need to rough it at Le Bourget to see this year's displays, though. We've collected many of the 2013 Paris Air Show's deadliest crafts in the gallery just below.%Gallery-191662%
