Greece has signed an agreement with France to purchase 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles, further deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The deal was finalized by Greek and French defense ministers, though financial details remain undisclosed. It builds on Greece’s 2021 defense pact with France, which includes Rafale jets and Belharra frigates. Athens also plans to buy a fourth frigate and cruise missiles as part of a €25 billion modernization effort. The moves aim to bolster Greece’s military edge amid regional tensions with Turkey. Original news
Category: France
France Unveils Upgraded Mirage 2000DRMV Fighter Jet for Extended Service
The French Air and Space Force has officially reintroduced the modernized Mirage 2000DRMV strike aircraft in a ceremony held this week. Fifty upgraded jets are expected to be operational by the end of 2024, featuring advanced MICA NG missiles and precision-guided bombs. Enhancements include a revamped cockpit and the TALIOS targeting pod for improved reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Pilots will also use the Thales Scorpion helmet-mounted display, already in use with Rafale and U.S. Air Force jets. The Mirage 2000DRMV will remain in service until at least 2035 before being phased out by the Rafale and a future European combat […]
India Approves $7 Billion Deal for French Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
India has approved a major defense deal to purchase 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France, valued at over 630 billion rupees ($7 billion). The news, reported by ANI and cited by Reuters, comes amid India’s continued efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The Indian defense ministry has not yet officially commented on the agreement. The deal highlights deepening defense ties between India and France. It also signals India’s focus on enhancing its naval aviation strength. Original news
France Develops Domestic Rocket Artillery System to Rival HIMARS
France plans to test its new indigenous rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the U.S.-made HIMARS. The project, led by the French Directorate General for Armament, involves defense firms Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. The system is expected to have a 150-kilometer range and replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire by 2027. France has earmarked €600 million for development and aims to acquire at least 13 units by 2030. The move positions France in competition with other European rocket systems, including the U.S.-German GMARS project. Original news
Global Powers Intensify Military Space Investments Amid Growing Strategic Competition
Secure World Foundation has released a study revealing significant global investments in military space capabilities. The United States, China, and Russia are leading the way, enhancing their abilities in satellite destruction, jamming, and overall space-based warfare. Countries like Australia, France, and India are also ramping up their space defense efforts, focusing on communications, intelligence, and electronic warfare. The report emphasizes that future conflicts are likely to involve space as a key domain. As a result, nations are reorganizing their military structures to better integrate and prioritize space operations. Original news
Eurofighter Confirms Export Customers Receive Full-Capability Typhoons
Eurofighter has confirmed that its export customers receive the same advanced capabilities as partner nations, countering concerns raised by recent U.S. comments. This assurance follows remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting that some foreign aircraft variants, such as the F-47 NGAD, may be “dumbed down” for non-U.S. buyers. A Eurofighter consortium representative clarified that no such limitations apply to the Typhoon. The fighter jet manufacturer is actively pursuing new export deals, with Poland and Türkiye identified as promising short-term prospects. The statement reinforces Eurofighter’s commitment to offering top-tier performance across its global customer base. Original news
France Pledges €2 Billion in New Military Aid Package to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €2 billion (approximately $2.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The package includes Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles for Mirage aircraft, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, VAB armored vehicles, AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles, loitering munitions, and drones. Macron emphasized the urgency of continued support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. France has already provided tens of thousands of 155mm shells for Ukraine’s CAESAR and TRF1 self-propelled howitzers. This latest commitment reinforces France’s role as a key defense partner to Kyiv. Original news
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Begin Early Merger Talks on Satellite Businesses
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have entered early-stage discussions with EU antitrust regulators about a potential merger of their satellite operations, according to Reuters. The talks are in the pre-notification phase, indicating the beginning of a lengthy process that may not yield concrete results until sometime next year. A second source noted that France and Italy are generally supportive of the initiative. However, the European Commission’s stance will be critical, given its past opposition to similar consolidation efforts. The merger aims to strengthen Europe’s satellite manufacturing capabilities amid growing global competition. Original news
Airbus Eyes Deeper Defense Collaboration with Türkiye
Airbus is seeking to expand its collaboration with Türkiye’s defense and aviation industries, particularly by increasing local parts production. The move follows a March 24–25 summit in Toulouse where Airbus showcased its latest sustainable aviation developments. Airbus currently works with 41 Turkish suppliers, who produce $600 million worth of components annually. The company aims to deepen this partnership by encouraging greater involvement from Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector. Officials expressed interest in leveraging Türkiye’s military aviation capabilities in future projects. Original news
France to Acquire More Rafale Jets and Upgrade Luxeuil Air Base for Nuclear-Capable Operations by 2035
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to purchase more Dassault Rafale fighter jets and invest approximately €1.5 billion to upgrade the Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur air base. The investment aims to prepare the base for hosting nuclear weapons and equipping French Air Force squadrons with advanced nuclear missile capabilities. Although Macron did not specify the number of jets to be ordered, the base is expected to host two squadrons of F5-standard Rafale jets. These jets will be armed with ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missiles, developed by MBDA France. The upgrades and deployments are planned to be completed by 2035. Original news
Thales Secures €100M Sonar Contract for Dutch Orka-Class Submarines
Thales has won a multimillion-euro contract from France’s Naval Group to supply integrated sonar suites for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines. The deal, valued at over €100 million ($109 million), was announced on March 19. Naval Group previously secured a €5.6 billion contract in September 2024 from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to build four conventionally powered submarines at its Cherbourg facility. The Thales sonar suite, based on the French Navy’s Barracuda-class technology, will include multiple arrays and advanced sonar systems. This contract strengthens France-Netherlands defense cooperation and enhances the Dutch Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities. Original news
UK Seeks Inclusion in EU’s €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid Macron’s Opposition
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for Britain to be treated as an EU member state in the bloc’s €800 billion defense initiative, despite resistance from French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan, designed to boost European defense spending and manufacturing in response to Russian aggression, includes a “buy European” clause that could exclude the UK due to Brexit. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and some EU members support UK participation, Macron favors limiting the initiative to EU countries. The UK government argues that closer defense cooperation with the EU and NATO is essential for European […]
Canadian PM Mark Carney Seeks French Support Amid US Trade Tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss trade tensions with US President Donald Trump. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s independence, stating it would “never, ever” be part of the United States. Macron criticized tariffs for disrupting supply chains and causing inflation, signaling support for Canada’s trade position. Carney is also reviewing Canada’s purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets due to the ongoing trade dispute. His diplomatic efforts will continue with visits to Britain and Canada’s Arctic, highlighting his broader strategy to strengthen Canada’s global alliances. Original news
France to Boost Defense Spending, Expedite Rafale Orders, and Upgrade Nuclear Capabilities
President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to accelerate Rafale warplane orders and invest €1.5 billion in air base upgrades to support advanced nuclear missile technology. France aims to increase defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, up from the current 2%, reinforcing its strategic autonomy. The investment will fund the deployment of the Rafale S5 fighter jets, equipped with ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles, set to enter service by 2035. Macron’s initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance France’s military readiness and reduce dependence on U.S. security guarantees. As geopolitical tensions rise, France positions itself as a key independent defense […]
France, Italy, UK Secure Additional Aster Missiles for Air Defense
France, Italy, and the UK have confirmed the purchase of over 200 additional Aster 15 and 30 surface-to-air missiles from Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. The contract amendment, awarded by OCCAR on March 11 and announced by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on March 14, expands an earlier order placed in December 2022. The deal includes 218 new Aster missiles and accelerates the delivery of 134 previously ordered units, scheduled for 2025-2026. The Aster 15 is optimized for short-to-medium range air defense, capable of countering high-speed, maneuvering threats in saturation attack scenarios. This procurement reinforces European […]