Dassault Aviation inaugurates new Rafale, Falcon production plant near Paris
Dassault Aviation has inaugurated a new production facility in Cergy, northwest of Paris, marking the first time since…
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 awards ArianeGroup contract for new M51.4 nuclear ballistic missile
The French Armaments Agency (DGA) announced on September 12, 2025, it had awarded ArianeGroup the contract to design…
France’s Aarok drone makes first flight, pitched as Europe’s Reaper alternative
On September 9, 2025, Aarok, the prototype Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, developed by French company Turgis…
Trial sought over Argentina helicopter collision that killed French sports stars
French prosecutors have requested that the producer and the security officer of the reality television show Dropped be…
French air traffic controllers to strike, airlines brace for more disruptions
A union representing French air traffic controllers has confirmed that its members are to strike after the Directorate…
France may double Mirage 2000-5 fighter jet transfer to Ukraine
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has suggested that France is preparing to expand its promised supply of…
IAF seeks 114 Rafale jets in direct deal with France, bypassing MRFA tender
India is poised to move forward with a government-to-government (G2G) proposal for 114 additional Rafale fighter jets under…
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’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…