MBDA Plans to Test Thundart MLRS for France in Mid-2026
MBDA announced that the testing of Thundart MLRS with a 150 km range to succeed M270 LRU MLRS in French Army service will commence in the middle of 2026.
France News
Land
Weapon / Missile
Navy / Maritime
Weapon / Missile
Horizon Destroyer Shoots Down AASM Hammer with Aster 30
French Navy Horizon-class Destroyer Forbin (D620) successfully shot down an AASM Hammer IIR-guided bomb targeting a representation of Mistral LHD at a test.
Analysis
Navy / Maritime
French report: Turkish Navy seen as a net asset to NATO
IRSEM's study argues that Turkiye’s navy—thanks to its Black Sea role, manpower and modernization—adds strategic value to NATO rather than burdening it.
Land
Sensors
Thales Ramps Up Ground Fire 300 Radars’ Production
Thales Ground Fire 300 AESA radar for the French configuration of SAMP/T NG long-range air defence system has entered the continuous series production phase.
Air
Homeland Security
France Sends H125M Helicopter and C-UAS Crews to Denmark
In response to the recent incursions by unknown UAVs, which have disrupted the civilian air traffic, France will send a H125M helicopter and C-UAS crews.
Air
Expo and Air Show
Germany weighs exit from FCAS over French dominance fears
Berlin is reportedly considering leaving the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter programme amid frustration over work-share and French industry’s lead role.
Land
Weapon / Missile
Denmark Prefers SAMP/T Over Patriot for Long Range
Denmark is planning to acquire SAMP/T long-range air defence systems with an investment of $9.1 billion for the procurement and operation of the SAMP/T NG.
Country
Unmanned Systems
Renault again accused of Betraying France in Defence
Renault’s potential role in producing drones for Ukraine has unsettled its workforce, reviving memories of its controversial wartime collaboration with Nazis.
Air
India Expands Fighter Fleet with Tejas and Rafale Moves
India has cleared the purchase of 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets while also pushing for 114 Rafales, combining local production with imports to strengthen its air power.
Unmanned Systems
France Might Bail Out of the Eurodrone UCAV Programme
France, as one of the four main partners, is considering a quit from the multi-national Eurodrone MALE UCAV programme, which aims for an MQ-9 alternative.
Land
Arquus Shows DRAILER 4x4 UGV Armed with AKERON LP ATGMs
French armoured vehicle manufacturer Arquus presented its DRAILER 4x4 UGV in fire support configuration, armed with eight MBDA AKERON LP anti-tank missiles.
Air
France Demands 80% Stake in FCAS, Worrying Partners
Paris seeks majority control in Europe’s future fighter jet programme, prompting concern in Berlin and Madrid and risking delays to the next development phase.
Navy / Maritime
Weapon / Missile
Europe’s Future Cruise Missiles Set for Use On Ships Too
Next-generation cruise missiles to be developed within the scope of MBDA’s FC/ASW programme will not only be deployed from fighter jets but also from warships.
Air
Logistics
Simulator / AI / Drill/ Software
Unmanned Systems
Expo and Air Show
AW139 Helicopter Completes First Autonomous Flight
In May, Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy flew a Leonardo AW139 without a pilot for the first time in Arizona. This was part of the USMC’s logistics program.
