The Mérignac-based company specialises in mission- and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging technologies. Exosens said those markets benefit from strong structural growth drivers.
The financing is backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme. Exosens said the facility aligns with EIB priorities to foster technological innovation under TechEU and strengthen Europe’s defence and security capabilities.
The funding is intended to support Exosens’ work in cutting-edge dual-use photonics technologies for night vision and imaging applications. The company said these technologies are particularly relevant to defence and surveillance sectors, including modern warfare and homeland security operations.
The investments will support Exosens’ innovation and production capabilities across several locations. These include the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France.
Exosens said the agreement will give the group access to a long-term financing instrument on favourable terms. The facility has a maturity of up to seven years and is intended to increase financial flexibility as the company supports its growth strategy and technological development.
“We are delighted to receive the support of the European Investment Bank. This financing recognizes our technological leadership and strategic role within Europe’s industrial ecosystem. It will enable us to bolster our innovation efforts and industrial investments, while further strengthening our position as a trusted, ITAR-free supplier of critical dual-use photonics technologies supporting Europe’s defense and security capabilities and industrial sovereignty”, said Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.
Exosens described itself as a trusted, ITAR-free strategic supplier of critical, high value-added photonics solutions. The company said its technologies support the European defence ecosystem and contribute to Europe’s industrial sovereignty.
“The EIB quadrupled its financing for security and defense in 2025, raising it to more than 4 billion euros within the European Union, nearly 5% of the Group’s total. Our goal for 2026 is to maintain this level of ambition and reach 5% of total annual financing dedicated to security and defense”, said Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.
“This agreement with Exosens shows that we are on the right track. France, which received 670 million last year, thus remains one of the main beneficiaries in this field.”
The company said the financing will support both technology development and its industrial footprint in Europe. The agreement reflects wider European efforts to strengthen innovation, strategic autonomy and industrial sovereignty in defence and security technologies.
