Military
News and information on military issues, armaments, arms deals, army, navy, and air force.
What it's like doing France’s Journée de Défense et de Citoyenneté
Every year, 800,000 people aged between 16 and 25 take part in a Defence and Citizenship Day in France - a requirement for all young French citizens. Emma Albright explains what to expect on the day.
Macron thanks Iraqi PM for 'measures' to safeguard French forces
President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said he had expressed gratitude to the Iraqi prime minister for taking measures to protect French forces, after a drone strike killed a French soldier in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
France deploys helicopter carrier to Mediterranean
France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the Middle East war, the French military told AFP on Friday.
France deploys aircraft carrier to Mediterranean over Iran war
France is sending its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict in the Middle East, President Emmanuel Macron announced.
Sweden confirms Russian drone buzzed French aircraft carrier in Malmö
The Swedish military confirmed Friday that a drone jammed near a French aircraft carrier this week was Russian as France slammed the spy attempt as a "ridiculous provocation".
European debate over nuclear weapons gains pace
European leaders, worried about threats from a nuclear-armed Russia and doubts about the future of US security commitments, are increasingly debating whether to bolster nuclear arsenals on the continent.
Europe calls for US reset at security talks
European leaders called Friday for a reset in relations with the United States as they met at a top security conference where US President Donald Trump's potshots at traditional transatlantic ties loomed large.
French aircraft carrier heads to North Atlantic amid Greenland tensions
The flagship of the French Navy, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, on Tuesday set course for the Atlantic, the defence ministry said, after the United States and Europe butted heads over Greenland.
Macron announces new French aircraft carrier
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he had given the official go-ahead to replace his country's flagship, the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.
France takes anti-drone measures after flight over Brittany nuclear sub base
The French military used anti-drone measures after five unmanned vehicles flew over a closely guarded base housing nuclear ballistic submarines, a source told AFP on Friday.
Macron says France to restore voluntary military service
France will introduce a voluntary military service of 10 months beginning next summer, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, in the face of what he called a growing threat posed by Russia.
Threat of war: Which countries in Europe have military service?
The growing threat from Russia and the risk of renewed conflict in Europe have thrown a spotlight on the continent's varied military service models.
Macron to bring back voluntary French national service in face of Russia threat
President Emmanuel Macron was expected to announce on Thursday that France is restoring military service on a voluntary basis in the face of the growing threat posed by Russia and the risk of a new conflict breaking out in Europe.
French general sparks outcry with 'prepare to lose children' warning
France's top general on Thursday faced a backlash across the political spectrum after warning that the country must be ready to "lose its children" against the background of the threat posed by Russia.
Ten years after Paris attacks, jihadist threat has evolved
A decade on from deadly attacks in Paris, the world's two most notorious jihadist groups Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda have significantly evolved and their branches still pose a global security threat, especially from Africa, analysts say.
'The war of tomorrow will begin in space': Macron
Modern conflicts are already being fought in space and the next wars will begin there, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, singling out the threat posed by Russia and announcing a multi-billion euro increase in spending on military activities in space.
How can Europe protect its skies against 'escalating' drone menace?
Drones flying over airports, commercial sites and other sensitive infrastructure in Europe is a growing phenomenon which EU leaders blame on Russia, and preventing the disruption they cause will prove a tough technical challenge, observers say.
French navy responds to drone threat with jamming and a 'wall of steel'
Sailors on the French frigate Lorraine have been training in counter-drone warfare and testing new equipment, firing at aerial or surface drones singly or in groups, as well as electronic warfare exercises against aircraft simulating drones or missiles.
What’s in store if your child is doing France’s Journée de Défense et de Citoyenneté this year
Every year, 800,000 people aged between 16 and 25 take part in a Defence and Citizenship Day in France - here's what they can expect this year.
European countries announce joint action against Russia's 'shadow fleet'
Fourteen countries from Northern Europe have agreed to strengthen collaboration to combat Russia's "shadow fleet", which Moscow is accused of using to circumvent sanctions and sell its oil.
France urged to apologise over Polynesia nuclear tests
Paris should apologise to French Polynesia for the fallout of nuclear tests there over three decades, which led to harmful radiation exposure, a French parliamentary report said.
France gives air base $1.7 billion nuclear facelift
In a sign of the growing security nerves in Europe, France has embarked on a $1.7 billion renovation of an air base in remote hills in the east of the country so it can handle nuclear-armed bombers.
French army hopes for combat-ready robots by 2040
France’s armed forces are on schedule to develop battle-ready robots by 2040, according to participants in a test bringing together the military with engineers, researchers and defence contractors.