Ukraine has expanded its cooperation with Finnish synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operator ICEYE under a new agreement that broadens access to high-resolution radar imagery for day- and night-time tactical decision-making. The deal sustains a high volume of satellite imagery from ICEYE's SAR constellation, providing the Ukrainian Armed Forces with persistent situational awareness at operational tempo.
Safran has announced plans to build a new landing gear facility in Morocco, valued at over $332 million, to support Airbus A320 production. The facility will be located near Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and is scheduled for operation in 2029.
Safran has significantly expanded its industrial presence in India through two landmark agreements that underscore New Delhi's commitment to defense sovereignty. The French aerospace giant will co-develop a new engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft stealth fighter alongside the Defence Research and Development Organisation, with full technology transfer and Indian intellectual property retention.
Safran and Embraer have agreed to end their aircraft interior partnership in Chihuahua, Mexico, as Safran sells its stake in EZAir subject to regulatory approvals. According to AeroTime, the facility will be wholly owned by Embraer, while non-Embraer related engineering services activities will remain with Safran.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has questioned whether the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) can deliver a jointly developed next-generation fighter jet due to a growing mismatch between French and German operational requirements. The program faces challenges with its requirements profile, and Germany is considering exploring new fighter variants or partnerships if a compromise proves impossible.
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.
A 38-year-old man based in the UK has been jailed for over four years in prison after orchestrating a $52 million fraud selling fake commercial aircraft used by global airlines. The scam involved over 60,000 engine parts worth $9.
For the September-October-November 2025 issue, Dassault Aviation's 'Planète Aéro' magazine focuses on defense and innovation, with the Rafale as its central theme. The French Defense Procurement Agency introduces a feature on innovation in defense, while other major topics include record sales for the Airbus A320 and the withdrawal of Boeing C-135s from the French Air and Space Force fleet.
Dublin-based lessor Avolon has ordered 100 LEAP-1A engines from CFM International to power 50 new Airbus A320neo family aircraft. This order builds on the existing relationship between Avolon and CFM, which already powers 99 of the lessor's fleet.