France unveils name of next-generation nuclear aircraft carrier as PANG programme advances toward build phase
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France’s next-generation nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be named “France Libre.”
France
Rafale interceptions of Iranian drones drive rapid consumption of MICA missiles, report says
France has reportedly grown concerned about the rapid consumption of air-to-air missiles by its fighter aircraft during operations against Iranian drones in the Middle East.
U.S. Marines airlifted across Arctic by Franco-German squadron in first NATO operation during Cold Response exercise
A rifle company of U.S. Marines was airlifted within the Arctic Circle by a jointly operated French-German air transport unit, marking the first time the squadron has transported U.S. Marines.
Ukraine says additional French Mirage 2000-5 fighters will strengthen air defence against missiles and drones
Ukraine expects an additional delivery of Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft from France, which officials say will significantly strengthen the country’s air capabilities.
EU Defence Commissioner calls FCAS fighter jet project a ‘failure’ as Franco-German dispute threatens collapse
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has described the Future Combat Air System fighter jet programme as a “failure”, warning that pan-European defence projects lack success stories.
Sweden confirms Russian drone launched near French carrier Charles de Gaulle was detected and neutralised in Malmö
Sweden confirmed that on 25 February 2026 its armed forces detected and neutralised a drone launched near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during its visit to Malmö.
Naval Group begins first sea trials of SSN De Grasse, advancing France’s Barracuda submarine programme
On February 24, SSN De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine built by Naval Group, carried out its first sea trial.
French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in Malmö during NATO exercises in Northern Europe
The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is due to arrive in Malmö on Tuesday 24 February as part of NATO’s regular exercise activities.
Airbus signals support for two-fighter FCAS option as Germany and France reassess next-generation combat aircraft plans
Airbus is prepared to support a two-fighter approach under the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System programme, according to Chief Executive Guillaume Faury.
Belgium declares €100 billion FCAS fighter jet project dead amid Franco-German rift and renewed uncertainty
Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken said on Friday that recent remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have effectively brought the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project to an end.
Safran reaches record output of AASM Hammer guided bomb kits amid rising demand from Ukraine and France
French defence group Safran Electronics & Defense reported that 2025 marked a peak year for production of modules for AASM Hammer guided bombs.
Estonia orders 12 additional CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, strengthening defence cooperation with France
Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur underlined the importance of the partnership, stating, “I am pleased that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), the French defence procurement agency Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), and the French company KNDS have signed a contract under which Estonia will procure an additional 12 CAESAR wheeled self-propelled