Ryanair flies 20.7M passengers in July 2025 despite French ATC strikes
Low-cost carrier Ryanair announced that it transported over 20 million passengers in July 2025, despite hundreds of flight…
France
433 articles
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’s Falcon 8X-based Archange intelligence aircraft performs maiden flight
The first aircraft developed under France’s Archange program has completed its maiden flight, according to the country’s defense…
Airbus casts doubt on FCAS fighter jet program, urges return to agreed terms
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), one of Europe’s sixth-generation fighter program, may be at risk of unraveling.…
France confirms long-range strike capability of SAMP/T NG interceptor
France’s defense procurement agency has successfully completed a second development test of the ASTER 30 Block 1NT missile,…
Safran selects site near Lyon for new €450 million carbon brake factory
French engine maker Safran has selected a location in Eastern France to build a new €450 million carbon…
Belgium reconsiders FCAS role after Dassault CEO slams F-35 deal
Belgium is reviewing its planned full membership in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program following a wave…
Macron and Merz hope to keep FCAS alive as Dassault–Airbus rift widens
During a high-stakes meeting in Berlin on July 23, 2025, discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and German…
Airbus H160M Guépard completes maiden flight for French Armed Forces
Airbus Helicopters has successfully carried out the first flight of the H160M Guépard, the militarized variant of its…
Elixir Aircraft gains Part 23 certification from FAA, opening door to US market
Elixir Aircraft has obtained Part 23 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), making it possible for the…
Belgium commits €300 million to become full FCAS partner in 2026–2030 phase
Belgium is planning to move from observer status to full partnership in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS)…
Ukraine, France and NATO conduct successful tests of glide bomb defense system
France’s defense procurement agency, DGA, has successfully conducted a live trial aimed at countering glide bombs, in collaboration…
What are the defense priorities shaping France’s 2025 Strategic Review?
As Rafale fighter jets roared over the Champs-Élysées for the traditional Bastille Day flypast, France unveiled an updated…
Bastille Day parade 2025: Full flypast lineup of 100 aircraft and helicopters
Each year, France’s National Day (also known as Bastille Day) military parade begins with a grand aerial display…
France and UK to restart Storm Shadow production, advance successor missile
France and the United Kingdom have announced a major reinforcement of their long-standing defense partnership, including the restart…
Marseille Airport forced to close after wildfires and smoke encroach airfield boundary
A fast-moving wildfire fanned by winds and extreme temperatures forced the closure of the main airport in Marseille…
Did France really ask for 80% control of Europe’s next-gen fighter jet program?
Tensions within the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program recently resurfaced following a report by German defense outlet…
Rafale under fire: China accused of smear campaign after India-Pakistan clash
Following a flare-up of hostilities between India and Pakistan in May 2025, a coordinated information campaign has targeted…
France opens first military space air base in Toulouse
France has officially inaugurated its first-ever military space air base, a landmark step in the country’s effort to…