India and France are nearing a major deal for 114 Rafale fighters ahead of French President Macron's visit in February 2026. The Indian Air Force is examining a government-to-government framework that would combine a large order with expanded local manufacturing, including a partnership between HAL and Safran for an engine production plant.
France has conducted a series of experimental trials assessing the feasibility of releasing drones from an Airbus A400M, using inert mock-ups and manual releases. The campaign was led by the French defense procurement agency, Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), in collaboration with DGA Techniques aérospatiales (DGA TA) and DGA Essais en vol (DGA EV).
Iraq may be near a deal with France for 14 Rafale F4 fighters, according to reports citing Iraqi sources. The package under discussion includes 10 single-seat and four two-seat variants, all delivered to the Rafale F4 standard.
French and British military forces carried out a coordinated airstrike on an ISIS underground weapons storage site in central Syria, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. The operation was supported by RAF Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets and Voyager aerial refueling aircraft.
France has finalized an order for two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft from Saab in a $1.3 billion contract. The deal includes ground equipment, training, and support, and deliveries are expected to take place between 2029 and 2032.
France has finalized a $1.3 billion USD contract with Saab to purchase two GlobalEye radar planes. The deal marks the second export customer for the aircraft, following the UAE's fleet of five.
France has advanced its next-generation aircraft carrier program to the realization phase, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming construction approval on December 21, 2025. The Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PANG) is expected to be significantly larger than the Charles de Gaulle and will feature US-developed electromagnetic aircraft launch systems.
French and American military satellites successfully practiced joint maneuvers as part of US Space Command's multinational space warplan, Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender. The operation involved two satellites maneuvering closely around each other and was the first jointly planned under Olympic Defender.
France and Spain reaffirmed their commitment to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, citing renewed cooperation and shared goals for European strategic autonomy. However, Germany declined to comment on the meeting, fueling concerns over the program's progress and potential industry disputes.