Space Capital predicts that Boeing (BA) and Airbus (AIR.PA) will divest their space divisions in 2025, according to its investment trends report released on January 23. These divestitures are expected to reshape the competitive landscape, creating new opportunities and risks within the space economy. The report highlights 2025 as a transformative year for the space industry, bolstered by the Trump administration’s pro-growth policies and Elon Musk’s influential role. Increasing global defense spending, driven by concerns over China’s expanding space capabilities, is identified as a major factor shaping the industry’s future. Space Capital emphasizes that these changes will redefine industry dynamics […]
Category: France
Norway And France Enhance Defense Cooperation
Norwegian and French defense ministers agreed to enhance defense cooperation, with a focus on maritime surveillance, during a meeting on January 16. The collaboration was formalized through a letter of intent signed by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram to address hybrid threats and improve situational awareness in the high north. Norway plans to invite the US, UK, France, and Germany to discuss partnerships for acquiring new frigates to replace its aging fleet. The US Navy is collaborating with Fincantieri Marinette Marine on the Constellation-class frigate, based on the French and Italian FREMM frigate […]
India gets an observer seat in the Eurodrone program
India has gained observer status in the Eurodrone program, a collaborative effort involving Italy, France, Germany, and Spain under OCCAR’s management. The program focuses on developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Key contributors include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, with components like the mission computer and radar reviewed during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The Eurodrone, led by Airbus, will feature a 2.3-ton payload, 40-hour autonomy, and the ability to operate in non-segregated airspace. This marks a significant step for India in advancing its collaboration with […]
France Transitions To MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 ER UAS
France has retired its MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) after 11 years of service at Cognac-Chateaubernard Air Base. The French Air and Space Force is transitioning to the more advanced MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 Extended-Range (ER) UAS. The Block 5 ER features a 30-hour endurance, increased range, and the ability to carry precision-guided bombs and missiles. France is replacing its six Block 1 UAVs with a fleet of 12 Block 5 ER UAVs, with the first units delivered in 2020. This upgrade significantly enhances France’s intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities. Original news
Ukraine’s Old Su-25 Attack Jets Have Become Standoff Precision Bombers
The Ukrainian air force has adapted its remaining Sukhoi Su-25 jets to deploy French-made Hammer glide bombs, enhancing their effectiveness against Russian targets. This strategic adjustment allows bombs to be launched from higher altitudes, keeping aircraft outside Russian missile range and reducing losses. Initially operating 43 Su-25s and reinforced with 18 more from Macedonia and Bulgaria, Ukraine has lost at least 20 jets but now employs standoff bombing tactics across its fleet, including MiG-29s and Su-24s. Preparations are underway to integrate Lockheed Martin F-16s with these munitions while testing domestically developed glide bombs on Su-24s. These advancements demonstrate Ukraine’s adaptive […]
NATO air policing missions around Estonia see F-35 and Rafale jets intercept multiple Russian aircraft
NATO air policing missions near Estonia have involved Dutch F-35s and French Rafale jets intercepting Russian aircraft in the Baltic region. On Friday, French Rafales scrambled for the first time since their deployment in Lithuania, intercepting a Russian Ilyushin Il-18 near Estonia’s coast. Last week, Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, according to the Dutch defense ministry. These missions highlight NATO’s ongoing efforts to monitor and secure Baltic airspace amid rising tensions with Russia. Original news
Poland wants more NATO members to help police Baltic Sea
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has called for greater NATO involvement in policing the Baltic Sea to counter potential threats from Russia. At the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Poland plans to push for increased naval contributions from European nations like Germany and France. Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Poland’s substantial defense investments, including major purchases of U.S. equipment, as key to showcasing Europe’s self-reliance and securing continued American support. While Norway has deployed F-35 fighters to safeguard Polish airspace, Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Poland’s MiG-29 jets cannot yet be sent to Ukraine, citing unmet conditions for Poland’s complete security. His remarks underscore […]
France begins delivery of 100 loitering munitions to Ukraine
French drone manufacturer Delair has started delivering OSKAR loitering munitions to Ukraine under the Colibri project, providing Kyiv with cost-effective, short-range strike capabilities. Developed in only six months, OSKAR is adapted from Delair’s UX11 UAV, carrying a 2.3 kg warhead to target personnel, light vehicles, and fixed sites, with a 45-minute flight endurance. France plans to send 100 OSKAR drones to Ukraine as part of its larger commitment to acquire 2,000 small drones overall. The OSKAR platform includes satellite navigation-denied capabilities and encrypted communications to counteract Russian electronic warfare threats. Delair’s recent acquisition of Squadrone System opens possibilities for testing […]
UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort
Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
France Increases Defense Budget, Focuses On Aircraft Carrier, Frigate Orders
France’s 2025 defense budget includes major investments such as orders for a next-generation aircraft carrier to replace the Charles de Gaulle and a new frigate, according to Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The budget, which will increase to €50.54 billion, focuses on enhancing ammunition, space, intelligence, and cyber capabilities, with significant spending on advanced technologies like AI and directed-energy weapons. Lecornu emphasized a 27% increase in ammunition purchases, including air-defense systems like the SAMP/T NG, which he argues outperforms the U.S. Patriot system. A third of the defense budget will go toward equipment acquisition and maintenance, including continued work on […]
France confirms Mirage 2000s to arrive to Ukraine in early 2025
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on social media that the first of an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000 combat aircraft will arrive in Ukraine in early 2025. Lecornu stated, “The delivery of Mirage 2000s to Ukraine remains on schedule for the first quarter of 2025. In Cazaux, Gironde, the aircraft will be outfitted with new equipment for air-to-ground combat and anti-electronic warfare defense. Meanwhile, the training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics is ongoing.” As previously reported by Janes, the French Air and Space Force is gradually replacing its Mirage 2000s with the Dassault Rafale, allowing for their availability to […]
Stealthy Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle To Work Alongside Future French Rafale Fighters
#analysis France has announced plans to develop a new uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), intended to complement the forthcoming Rafale F5 fighter as part of the country’s future Air and Space Force. The program, led by Dassault Aviation, builds on the company’s experience with the nEUROn UCAV demonstrator and aims to provide stealth and autonomous capabilities with human oversight. Set for operational readiness by 2033, the drone will enhance France’s technological and operational superiority in air warfare. The new UCAV will operate alongside Rafale F5 fighters, likely contributing to nuclear deterrence and supporting high-risk combat missions. The initiative aligns with […]
Ukraine To Receive Mirage 2000 Fighters From France In 2025
France has confirmed it will upgrade surplus Mirage 2000 jets with air-ground combat and electronic warfare systems before delivering them to Ukraine. The jets will likely be armed with French-made SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, providing precision-strike capabilities at distances of up to 155 miles, reinforcing Ukraine’s aging Su-24 bombers. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s acquisition of F-16s will bolster its air force alongside its MiG-29 and Su-27 jets. The Mirage 2000s could potentially form a new bomber brigade to operate alongside the battle-hardened 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade, which has expanded significantly during the war. Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are […]