France and UAE sign intergovernmental agreement on Rafale F5 development, UAE to fund 70% of programme
France and the United Arab Emirates have signed an intergovernmental accord under which the UAE will contribute approximately €3.5 billion — roughly 70% of the estimated cost — toward development of the Rafale F5 standard. The UAE ordered 80 Rafale F4 aircraft in December 2021 and is now financing the next-generation variant in exchange for access to its capabilities.
Why it matters: Paris is outsourcing most of its next Rafale bill to Abu Dhabi — a bet that Gulf money can keep Dassault competitive without diluting French sovereign control.
Unauthorized drones detected over and near French military sites in Toulon region
Unidentified drones have been detected in the vicinity of and above military sites in the Toulon area, according to French reporting. The incidents follow similar unauthorized overflights of sensitive military installations in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and France in late 2025, including the Île-Longue submarine base and the Creil-Senlis joint base. No further details on the number of drones, their origin or French response were provided.
French drone maker Sol.One establishes joint venture with DGVK Enterprises to manufacture drones in India
French drone manufacturer Sol.One formed a joint venture with Indian firm DGVK Enterprises to build Sol.One's full range of drones in India, according to Milmag and sUAS News. The partnership, named DG Sol.One, aims to serve both domestic Indian requirements and export markets. Sol.One produces small tactical drones for reconnaissance and loitering munition roles.
French Mirage 2000D strike aircraft crashes near Nancy, one crew member killed
A French Mirage 2000D strike aircraft assigned to the 133rd Nancy-Ochey Air Base crashed near the village of Rogéville on the evening of 20 October while returning from a mission. One crew member's body has been recovered; search efforts for the second crew member were ongoing as of 21 October. The French Armed Forces Ministry confirmed the incident.
Jeumont Electric to supply three complete electric propulsion systems for Poland's A26 submarines under Orka programme
French firm Jeumont Electric will deliver three low-signature electric propulsion systems for the Polish Navy's A26 submarines under the Orka programme. The systems are designed to minimize acoustic and electromagnetic signatures.