France

By Robert Wall
ESA's head says a space summit French President Emmannuel Macron plans to host could provide direction on efforts to independently launch astronauts into space.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Vivienne Machi
Two French space companies are forming a strategic partnership to build deorbiting systems for use in low Earth orbit.
Satellites

By Helen Massy-Beresford
Volotea is opening its 12th base in France, and 21st in Europe, in Limoges, basing one Airbus A319 at the airport in the southwest of central France.
Airlines & Lessors

By Thierry Dubois
French startup Alpha Impulsion was awarded a $1.1 million EU prize for its self-consuming propulsion system on future launchers and satellites.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Thierry Dubois
The fatal crash of an ATR 42-500 turboprop in Indonesia followed an erratic initial approach, France's BEA says in an opening note to its investigation.
Safety, Ops & Regulation

By Graham Warwick
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Thierry Dubois
French metallic parts supplier Mecadaq is to take over cabin and seat component specialist Echeverria and helicopter engine maintenance expert Lopez.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain

By Robert Wall
FCAS is suffering due to a slow pace of decision-making rather than political will to work together, France’s ambassador to Germany says.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Thierry Dubois
Daher will provide industrial services on a second Airbus A321 final assembly line in Toulouse, the Paris-based company announced Jan. 21.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain

By Thierry Dubois
The Airways Aviation Academy pilot training organization in Montpellier, France, will enter court-ordered liquidation Jan. 23.
Maintenance & Training

By Tony Osborne
The French Navy has placed its first order for the Airbus and Naval Group’s VSR700 rotary-wing uncrewed aircraft system (RWUAS).
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Thierry Dubois
CNES is transforming the Guiana Space Center (known as CSG, under its French acronym) into a hub where multiple operators offer launch services.
Launch Vehicles & Propulsion

By Thierry Dubois
France has yet to find a ride to space for its twin-nanosatellite “Yoda” demonstration program for geostationary patrol against potential unfriendly spacecraft.
Satellites

By Tony Osborne
NH90 crews from France and Spain will be the first to benefit from an upgraded helmet-mounted sight that will also unlock planned upgrades for the rotorcraft.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
Dassault Aviation Falcon business jet deliveries in 2025 again missed a full-year target, while Rafale fighter shipments topped the company’s forecast.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall, Tony Osborne
After years of struggle, will 2026 bring a turnaround for the NH90 helicopter program?
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
An effort by France, Germany and Spain on their cooperative Future Combat Air System fighter program will continue into 2026.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
Saab says it has received an SEK12.3 billion ($1.3 billion) contract from France to finalize Paris’ purchase of two GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
French President Emmanuel Macron has said the country will proceed with plans to build a new aircraft carrier.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Robert Wall
The French Defense Innovation Fund and MBDA have taken a stake in NanoXplore, a company specializing in reprogrammable special-purposes semiconductors.
Supply Chain

By Robert Wall
Schiebel says it has logged the first flight trials for its S-300 helicopter uncrewed aircraft system.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Robert Wall
The French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) says startups ThrustMe and ION-X will provide the on-orbit propulsion systems for its Toutatis demo due in 2027.
Operations & Safety

By Vivienne Machi
The U.S. and France have completed a second bilateral, on-orbit operation related to dynamic space operations.
Operations & Safety

By Ben Goldstein
French startup Beyond Aero is moving from technology development toward industrial execution, outlining plans for a dedicated manufacturing facility.
Advanced Air Mobility

By Thierry Dubois
The French Environmental Authority (Ae) is recommending Aura Aero provides more details and analysis on the environmental impact of its factory.
Safety, Ops & Regulation