French DGA Tests a New Infrared Optic for the Rafale F4.2
French Defence Procurement Agency announced that it had just declared the qualification of the Rafale F4.1.
France News
Air
Sensors
Investment
Regional / Strategy
EU: United for Europe, Divided about Defence
The EU is divided into northern and southern countries regarding the proposal to issue a Eurobond for EU defence support.
Land
Investment
France and Germany Sign MGCS Tank Development Agreement
France and Germany agreed to develop a planned next-generation tank known as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
Navy / Maritime
Naval Group Constructs the First SNLE 3G Submarine
Naval Group begins constructing the first third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile French submarine (SNLE 3G).
Navy / Maritime
Air
E/W
France Prioritises Multi-Role Capability for the Next MPA
French Lieutenant Commander Maxence Combas stated that the future maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) needs to be a multi-role platform with high payload capacity.
Ammunition
French Guidance Kit Spotted on Ukrainian Fighter Jet
A French AASM-250 guidance kit has been spotted onboard a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet, as French President Emmanuel Macron announced in January 2024.
Navy / Maritime
The Netherlands Prefers Naval Group’s Barracuda Submarines
The Netherlands officially announced the Naval Group as the winner of the new submarine acquisition program for the Dutch Navy.
Country
SIPRI: Turkiye is the 11th Biggest Arms Exporter
SIPRI announced the biggest arms exporter in 2023, and Turkiye is listed as the 11th biggest arms exporter.
Defence Politics
France Might Change Policy for Artillery Shells
Previously objecting to acquiring artillery shells from non-EU states, France signals a change in EU-centred policy.
Navy / Maritime
Modernisation
Naval Group Upgrades last "La Fayette" Class Frigate
French Naval Group delivered the third and last upgraded "La Fayette" class frigate FS "Aconit" (F-713) to the French Navy.
Air
France Acquires Eight NH90 SF Helicopters
France will acquire eight additional NH90 SF helicopters for the French Special Operations Forces.
Investment
Bilateral Relations
India and France Agree to Produce Defence Equipment
India and France agreed to co-produce defence equipment. The decision came following the French President's meeting with the Indian Prime Minister.
Weapon / Missile
France Delivers M270 LRU MLRS to Ukraine
French MoD announced the M270 LRU MLRS delivery to Ukraine actively using other system variants.
Navy / Maritime
Modernisation
Thyssenkrupp and Thales to Modernise Greece’s Frigates
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Thales have signed an agreement to modernise the Hellenic Navy’s MEKO-200HN frigates.
