India formally seeks role in France-led FCAS sixth-generation fighter programme after breakdown of Paris-Berlin partnership
India has begun formal efforts to join the France-led Future Combat Air System programme, positioning itself for a potential role in developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft.
French A330 MRTT refuels U.S. and U.K. RC-135s, opening access to more than 30 allied tankers for NATO and global ISR missions
A French A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Phénix refueled U.S. and British RC-135 aircraft over central France, marking the first such integration among the three nations within the RC-135 enterprise.
Dassault targets stronger Rafale deliveries in 2026 as backlog holds at 208 jets and new anti-drone weapon enters service
Dassault Aviation delivered 12 Rafale combat aircraft in the first half of 2026 and plans to hand over another 16 before year-end.
Romania signs €1 billion France deal for Airbus helicopters and Thales radars under SAFE funding
Romania signed a €1 billion defence procurement agreement with France. The package covers Airbus H225M helicopters and Thales Ground Master 200 radars.
TotalEnergies subsidiary wins Naval Group contract to power Barracuda and Scorpene submarines with advanced Li-ion batteries
Saft has been awarded a major contract by Naval Group to supply next-generation lithium-ion battery systems for the Barracuda and Scorpene submarine families.
Franco-German MGCS battle tank plan moves toward technology pact after Pistorius questions shared future platform
France and Germany appear to be moving the Main Ground Combat System away from its original aim of producing a common future battle tank.
France and Ukraine agree Rafale procurement roadmap as Kyiv moves towards first squadron, SAMP-T/NG battery and licensed weapons production
France and Ukraine signed an agreement on 13 July setting out a roadmap that moves Kyiv closer to buying an initial batch of 16 Rafale fighter jets with weapons.
![ISL conducts first outdoor free-flight railgun shot as new facility advances European electromagnetic launcher research [VIDEO]](https://defence-industry.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ISL-conducts-first-outdoor-free-flight-railgun-shot-as-new-facility-advances-European-electromagnetic-launcher-research-VIDEO-300x233.jpg)
ISL conducts first outdoor free-flight railgun shot as new facility advances European electromagnetic launcher research [VIDEO]
The French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis said its electromagnetic railgun fired outdoors in free flight for the first time on 29 June 2026.
France completes Mirage 2000D RMV upgrade programme as strike aircraft gain new avionics, weapons and extended service life
France’s Directorate General of Armaments delivered the final Dassault Mirage 2000D upgraded to the RMV standard to the French Air and Space Force on 16 June.
France adapts MQ-9 Reaper drones and helicopters to counter cheap long-range strike drones as interim air defence solution
The French Air and Space Force has found a new role for its MQ-9 Reaper uncrewed aerial vehicles by adapting them to counter hostile strike drones.
Ukraine discusses licensed SCALP cruise missile production with France as Kyiv links long-range strike needs to future Rafale fleet
Ukraine is holding talks with France on obtaining a licence to produce SCALP air-launched cruise missiles.
Naval Group delivers fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine De Grasse to French Navy after four-month sea trials
Naval Group delivered the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, to the French Navy on 24 June 2026.