French Air Force chief says it cannot wait until 2033 for more Rafale jets
The Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force told senators that his service needs additional…
Browsing Tag
France
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France holds a prominent position in the global aviation industry, renowned for its expertise in aircraft manufacturing, aerospace technology, and air transportation. The nation boasts a rich aviation heritage, dating back to the pioneering days of flight.
Key Facts
- Major Aircraft Manufacturer: Airbus (partially based in France)
- National Airline: Air France
- Largest Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Aerospace Agency: CNES (National Centre for Space Studies)
- Significant Presence: Safran, Thales, Dassault Aviation
- Air Show: Paris Air Show (International Paris Air Show)
- Contribution to Aviation History: Concorde supersonic jet (joint project with the UK)
France receives first special forces NH90 to replace Caracal and Cougar
Airbus Helicopters handed over the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) at Marignane on July…
Safran to prioritize French fighter engine as FCAS funding ends in September
Safran will develop only one next-generation combat aircraft engine and will prioritize French requirements, Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andriès said…
Dassault moves sensitive equipment as Gironde wildfire idles Rafale plant
Dassault Aviation has transferred sensitive equipment away from two of its facilities in the Gironde region as the…
French ex-Rafale pilot investigated over alleged intelligence activity for China
A former French Navy Rafale pilot has been placed under formal investigation in Paris over alleged intelligence activity benefiting China. …
Safran raises 2026 outlook as LEAP deliveries surge 41%
Safran raised its full-year financial outlook after reporting record profitability in the first half of 2026, supported by…
France rushes A400M into firefighting role over Gironde wildfire
France has carried out the first operational firefighting mission by an Airbus A400M Atlas, using the military transport…
Airbus begins first long-endurance test flight of Qantas’ A350-1000ULR aircraft
Airbus has set out on the first long-endurance test flight of Qantas’ A350-1000ULR aircraft, travelling non-stop from Toulouse-Blagnac…
CFM’s confidence on open-fan engine grows with series of RISE successes
CFM International remains confident in its open-fan engine technology after a series of successes were announced at a…
France and Germany seek new defense dynamic after fighter jet project failure
France and Germany have formally shifted their defense relationship away from the wreckage of a failed joint fighter…
French startup Elixir Aircraft raises €45 million to boost light aircraft production
It was announced on July 2, 2026, that French startup Elixir Aircraft has closed a €45 million funding…
Ukraine says France, MBDA in talks to let Kyiv build SCALP missiles
Ukraine and France are making progress in talks that could allow Kyiv to manufacture SCALP cruise missiles domestically,…
Pilatus PC-6 carrying skydivers crashes in France, 11 killed
A Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter carrying skydivers crashed shortly after takeoff from Nancy-Essey Airport (ENC), near Tomblaine in…
How a cockpit command canceled itself out before fatal Rafale collision
France’s State aviation safety investigation bureau (BEA-É) has traced the August 2024 mid-air collision that killed two Rafale pilots…
Video shows French Navy boarding Russian shadow fleet tanker off Sicily
The French Navy has intercepted and boarded another tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” marking the…
Airbus and Safran to buy Tikehau out of strategic supplier Aubert & Duval
Airbus and Safran have signed a binding agreement to buy out Tikehau Capital’s stake in Aubert & Duval,…
France renews Harmattan AI contract with order for 5,000 Sonora drones
Harmattan AI has secured a renewed program of record from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces for…
French electric aviation set to consolidate after AURA AERO acquires VoltAero
Consolidation is taking place in the emerging French electric aviation space. On June 23, 2026, it was reported…