End of “ France Afrique” as France Leaves Niger
French President Macron announced the departure of the French ambassador and the 1,500 French troops stationed in Niger by the end of 2023.
France News
Regional / Strategy
Bilateral Relations
Navy / Maritime
Fire Broke out on the French frigate Courbet
The French frigate Courbet (F-712 ), en route for NATO's SNMG2 group deployment, returned at the port of Toulon because a fire broke out at the vessel.
Air
Airbus May Merge Fighter Jet Offices
According to union sources, Airbus may merge two separate fighter jet businesses as part of a broader reorganization of its Defence & Space (ADS) division.
Air
Indonesia Acquires the Airbus A330 MRTT
Airbus and Boeing were competing for the Indonesian Air Force Tanker Fleet. Indonesia will acquire the Airbus A330 MRTT.
Air
Dassault Confirmed the Order for Indonesia’s second phase of 18 Rafales
Dassault announced that the second phase order for Indonesia’s 18 Rafales became effective as part of the contract signed in 2022 to acquire 42 Rafale jets.
Navy / Maritime
Modernisation
Romania Cancels Naval Group’s $1.32 Billion Deal
Romania’s defence ministry said late it had cancelled a deal to buy four Gowind corvettes French Naval Group.
Bilateral Relations
Niger Hits Back France with Uranium and Gold
The military junta at Niger increased tension with France, which reacted to the new government. The new government returned with an immediate response.
Bilateral Relations
French Niger Relations at Risk
Following France’s decision to stop aid to Niger, the French Embassy at the capital is under attack. Nigerien people surrendered the compound.
Bilateral Relations
France Suspends Aid and Budget Support Actions in Niger
France published a press release for Niger indicating that all kinds of aid will be suspended. The country supports the President President Mohamed Bazoum.
Air
Navy / Maritime
Defence Politics
Bilateral Relations
India Goes for the French option: Rafale M and Scorpene
India has given the green light to France and decided to purchase Dassault Rafale M fighter jets and Scorpene attack submarines.
Regional / Strategy
Defence Politics
Bilateral Relations
Nikkei: France Axes NATO’s Relations in the Pacific
France opposed NATO establishing a liaison office in Tokyo to secure its relations with China.
Weapon / Missile
France Buys Hellfire from the U.S.
U.S. decided to sell AGM-114R2 Hellfire Missiles equipment for an estimated cost of $203 million.
Weapon / Missile
Expo and Air Show
MBDA Unveils Hypersonic Missile Interceptor Hydis²
MBDA has unveiled Hypersonic Defence Interceptor Study (Hydis²) at Paris Air Show to respond to Chinese and Russian hypersonic missiles.
Air
Expo and Air Show
France Launches Mach 5 Hypersonic Fighter Jet Espadon
French Aerospace Lab Onera has unveiled at Paris Air Show 2023 a concept for France's future hypersonic fighter jet, Espadon.
