France advances nuclear deterrence modernisation with successful ASMPA-R test and new M51.3 deployment
A Rafale M carrier-based fighter conducted a successful test launch of the ASMPA-R medium-range air-to-ground missile on 13 November.
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French Rafale fighter jets conduct joint operations with Norwegian F-35s from Ørland Air Base
Several French Rafale fighter jets operated from Ørland Air Base last week as part of a four-day training mission.
French Navy to become first European military operator of Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet
The French Navy will become the first European military force to operate the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, following a lease agreement managed by Jet Aviation France.
France deploys ArianeGroup’s new M51.3 strategic missile to strengthen nuclear deterrent capability
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) confirmed on 28 October 2025 that the M51.3 ballistic missile, developed by ArianeGroup, has officially entered operational service.
France and Germany launch JEWEL project to build Europe’s first early warning missile detection system
France and Germany have launched the JEWEL initiative (Joint Early Warning for a European Lookout) to lay the foundation for a European early warning capability, aimed at detecting and tracking missile threats.
Turgis Gaillard and Airbus partner on Foudre long-range strike system for French Armed Forces
Turgis Gaillard has signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to integrate Airbus’s fire control system into the new-generation Foudre unitary rocket launcher.
France allocates €1 billion for development of new medium-range land-based ballistic missile
On 13 October, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu presented the proposed 2026 national budget, which includes funding to develop a new land-based ballistic missile system known as Missile balistique terrestre (MBT).
EURENCO and PGZ sign strategic agreements to boost Polish defence production and raw material security
French defence company EURENCO and Polish state-owned group PGZ have signed two key strategic agreements to expand industrial cooperation and enhance raw material resilience in Poland.
THUNDART: France’s new long-range rocket artillery system set for demonstration firings in 2026
MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense have announced that demonstration firings of the new THUNDART artillery system are scheduled for mid-2026.
French Navy tests Aster 30 missile against Hammer IR bomb in automated live-fire exercise
On 15 October, the French Navy conducted a live-fire exercise using an Aster 30 missile at the DGA missile test range in the Mediterranean Sea, near the Île du Levant off the Côte d’Azur.
Naval Group delivers first new-generation FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h to the French Navy
On 17 October 2025, Naval Group officially delivered the first Defence and Intervention Frigate (FDI) Amiral Ronarc’h to the French Navy during a ceremony held in Brest.
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Daimler Truck and Arquus present Franco-German Zetros truck for tactical military mobility in Paris
At the “Forum Entreprises Défense” in Paris on 8 and 9 October 2025, Arquus presented the Zetros by Arquus, a new military truck built in partnership with Daimler Truck.