French Rafales to acquire reconnaissance capability

Working its way towards the Omnirole tag, Armee de l'Air and Aeronavale Rafales will acquire reconnaissance capabilities through the use of the Thales AREOS Reco NG pods. In addition to still imagery, the pod is capable of producing video and measuring speeds of moving objects.

France, United Kingdom sign historic defence cooperation deal

The political leaders of France and the UK have signed a defence cooperation deal lasting 50 years, that includes, among other things:

• An integrated strike force ensuring aircraft can operate off both the planned British carrier and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. Britain will modify its future aircraft carrier to make it compatible with French aircraft.


• A joint common support plan for the future fleets of A400m transport aircraft being brought by both countries.


• Joint development work on UAVs

French Aircraft on British Carriers?

French Defense Minister Hervé Morin has said that French military staff have assessed whether the planned installation of catapults would allow French aircraft to operate off the Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales. France will also make a decision on whether to build a second carrier at the end of 2012 or early 2013.

Charles de Gaulle heads home

Less than a day after sailing, a technical problem has forced the French nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to turn back for her homeport of Toulon. The mission to the Indian Ocean will resume after the problems are rectified.

France, Britain deny carrier-share plans

Responding to speculation in the press, both France and Britain deny there are plans to share aircraft carriers, although the countries are co-operating in other areas.