September 2021 - France Special Weapons News

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with French Ambassador The White House 30 Sep 2021
Prague, Paris to Sign Deal on Purchase of 52 French Howitzers - Czech Defense Ministry Sputnik 30 Sep 2021 -- French Defenсe Minister Florence Parly plans to sign a $390-million contract on imports of 52 Caesar self-propelled howitzers to the Czech Republic during his official visit to Prague on Thursday, the country's defence ministry said.
France threatens retaliation against UK as fishing spat flares again Press TV 30 Sep 2021 -- France has accused Britain of playing politics with post-Brexit fishing rights after London and the Channel Island of Jersey refused dozens of French fishing boats a licence to operate in their territorial waters.
Court Convicts Former French Leader Sarkozy in Campaign Finance Case VOA 30 Sep 2021 -- A court in France has sentenced former President Nicolas Sarkozy to one year in prison after finding him guilty of illegal campaign financing during his 2012 reelection campaign.
French Foreign Minister: Crisis in Paris-Washington Relations Serious, It Has Not Ended Sputnik 29 Sep 2021 -- The crisis in relations between Paris and Washington is serious, it did not end after the dialogue between the two countries was resumed, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
France to provide Greece with warships, urging EU to 'stop being naive' Press TV 28 Sep 2021 -- France has signed a mega military deal with Greece to supply the country with three warships, as it is still reeling from the loss of a multibillion-dollar contract for submarines with Australia.
Macron: Greece to Buy Rafale Jets, Three Frigates From France in Deal 'Boosting EU's Independence' Sputnik 28 Sep 2021 -- The establishment of the new Australia-UK-US AUKUS security alliance earlier in the month had outraged France, which lost a multi-billion dollar deal on diesel-powered submarines with Canberra, abruptly terminated in favour of procuring nuclear-powered subs within the trilateral agreement.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Phone Call with France Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly DoD 28 Sep 2021
Paris Says France Not 'Abandoning' Mali by Upgrading Its Military Presence in Sahel Sputnik 27 Sep 2021 -- Changes to the French military presence in Africa's Sahel region constitute neither France's withdrawal from Mali nor a unilateral decision, the French foreign ministry said on Monday.
UNITAS LXII Opening Ceremony Takes Place in Lima US Navy 27 Sep 2021 -- Naval and Marine forces from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain, South Korea, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States gathered for the opening ceremony for UNITAS LXII, the longest running multinational maritime exercise, in Lima, Peru, Sept. 27.
UNITAS LXII Kicks off in Lima US Navy 26 Sep 2021 -- Naval and Marine forces from Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States kicked off UNITAS LXII, an annual multinational exercise, Sept. 24, in Lima, Peru.
Israel's Pegasus spyware found on five French cabinet ministers' mobile phones Press TV 25 Sep 2021 -- Traces of Israeli-made Pegasus spyware were found on the mobile phones of at least five current French cabinet ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, a report shows.
The United States Stands with France in the Fight Against Terrorism US Dept. of State 25 Sep 2021
Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Sep 2021
French Navy frigate seizes $5.2 Million worth of Narcotics CENTCOM 23 Sep 2021 -- French Marine Nationale frigate FS Languedoc, operating in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), seized more than 1,600 kg of illegal drugs during a maritime counter-narcotics operation in the Indian Ocean, Sept. 20.
French Submarine FNS Améthyste Visits Naval Station Norfolk US Navy 23 Sep 2021 -- The French submarine FNS Améthyste (S605) visited Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 16-19.
Paris running out of patience with London on post-Brexit fishing rights, French minister says Press TV 23 Sep 2021 -- French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune says his country has lost patience with the UK over resolving post-Brexit fishing rights, as diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalate.
French Foreign Minister to US: Repairing Ties Will Take 'Time' VOA 23 Sep 2021 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday that it would take "time" and "actions" to repair ties with the U.S. in the wake of a submarine deal that undercut a French agreement to supply Australia with diesel subs.
Macron, Biden to meet in Europe in October over submarine row People's Daily 23 Sep 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden said they will meet in October in Europe following their phone call on Wednesday over the new trilateral Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security partnership.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 23 Sep 2021
Biden, Macron hold phone call over submarine deal rift People's Daily 23 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday in an attempt to defuse a diplomatic rift caused by a controversial submarine deal with Australia.
US, European Allies Navigate Australian Submarine Deal's Wake VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- The United States and its European allies are navigating the diplomatic disturbance following an enhanced trilateral security partnership known as AUKUS (Australia, the UK, and the U.S.) that triggered what French officials described as a "crisis of trust" between Paris and Washington.
EU leaders express dismay at AUKUS deal, demand clarifications People's Daily 22 Sep 2021 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described as "unacceptable" the way France was treated by Australia, Britain and the United States in their newly established security partnership AUKUS.
Malaysia to Seek China's Views on AUKUS Pact in Minister's Beijing Visit Radio Free Asia 22 Sep 2021 -- Malaysia's defense chief will seek Beijing's views on a new U.S.-U.K.-Australia security pact and determine what action the Asian superpower plans in response, during an upcoming visit to China, he told parliament Wednesday.
Biden, Macron to Meet to Ease Rift Over Submarine Sales to Australia VOA 22 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to meet in person next month in Europe after a Wednesday phone call in which they sought to ease tensions over a high-profile submarine deal.
Joint Statement on the Phone Call between President Biden and President Macron The White House 22 Sep 2021
French Defense Minister Warns Mali Against Hiring Russian Security Firm Vagner RFE/RL 21 Sep 2021 -- France's defense minister has warned her Malian counterpart against hiring Russian private security firm Vagner to fight Islamic militants in the Sahel.
EU Rallies Behind Macron as France's Dispute With US, Britain Worsens VOA 21 Sep 2021 -- The Australian decision to cancel a $66 billion deal to buy 12 French diesel-electric submarines and to purchase instead at least eight more sophisticated nuclear-powered attack boats from Britain and America continues to reverberate with French officials smarting at what they see as a betrayal by London and Washington.
EU analyzing AUKUS deal's impact on trade talks with Australia: Commission spokesperson People's Daily 21 Sep 2021 -- The European Commission is currently analyzing the impact the new security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.), dubbed AUKUS, on the next round of its trade negotiations with Australia, a Commission spokesperson said here on Monday.
'Something is broken' in the US-EU alliance: EU commissioner Press TV 21 Sep 2021 -- Tensions between European leaders and the United States have increased after President Joe Biden "stabbed in the back" of France and joined a multibillion nuclear submarine deal with Australia, with one EU official saying "something is broken" in the transatlantic alliance.
EU ministers say submarine row 'wake-up call' for Europe, not only a French matter Press TV 21 Sep 2021 -- The European Union (EU)'s top officials have branded as a "wake-up call" the recent decision by the United States and Britain to exclude France from a $40-billion agreement to supply conventional submarines to Australia.
EU rallies behind France in submarine row as Paris demands clarification from US Press TV 21 Sep 2021 -- European Union has expressed its support and solidarity with France as a row deepens over Australia's scrapping of a $40bn submarine order with Paris in favor of a US and British deal.
Biden seeks phone call with Macron amid submarine deal rift People's Daily 21 Sep 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden is seeking to hold a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, U.S. officials said on Monday, an effort to reduce tensions caused by a controversial submarine deal.
French senators to visit Taiwan despite Beijing's opposition: report CNA 20 Sep 2021 -- A delegation of French senators will visit Taiwan in early October, even though the announcement of such a trip drew the ire of Beijing earlier this year, the online French media outlet La Lettre A reported Monday.
Paris cancels French, UK defense ministers' meeting amid submarine row Press TV 20 Sep 2021 -- France has canceled an official meeting scheduled for this week between its Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace amid simmering tensions over a submarine row, a source in the French foreign office has said.
France: Biden, Macron to Confer on End of Australian Submarine Pact VOA 19 Sep 2021 -- France says U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron are planning to talk in the next few days about the diplomatic standoff that was triggered between the two old allies when Australia cancelled a submarine contract with Paris in favor of a new security alliance with the United States and Britain.
Australia Says New Defense Accord with US and Britain Will Boost Regional Security VOA 19 Sep 2021 -- Australia is defending its decision to join a tripartite alliance with the United States and Britain despite an angry reaction from France.
Australia-U.S.-UK deal meets backlash from Europe amid nuclear proliferation worries People's Daily 19 Sep 2021 -- Australia's decision to break off a multi-billion U.S. dollar submarine contract with France inked in 2016 and turn to the United States and Britain for nuclear-powered alternatives has sparked an outcry from the European continent.
US, UK discussed nuclear sub pact with Australia behind Macron's back: Report Press TV 19 Sep 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron was reportedly kept in the dark as the United States and Britain discussed a major security partnership pact with Australia, known as AUKUS, during the G7 summit earlier this year, torpedoing Canberra's multi-billion-dollar submarine contract with Paris.
France-UK Defense Minister Meeting Canceled Over AUKUS Fracas - Report Sputnik 19 Sep 2021 -- Earlier this week, France recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia, bringing modern-day relations between the two countries to an unprecedented low. While the French ambassador to the UK was not recalled, the French foreign minister noted it was only because Paris was aware of the "UK's constant opportunism".
France Suspends 3,000 Unvaccinated Health Care Workers VOA 17 Sep 2021 -- France has suspended 3,000 health care workers who were not inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine by a government-mandated Sept. 15 deadline.
France Recalls US, Australian Ambassadors Over Submarine Deal VOA 17 Sep 2021 -- France has recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia after Australia ended a deal to buy French submarines in favor of one to pursue nuclear-powered vessels using U.S. technology.
France Recalls Ambassadors From US, Australia for Consultations over AUKUS Alliance Sputnik 17 Sep 2021 -- This week, Australia, the UK and the US concluded a defense alliance (AUKUS) that involves assistance from Washington and London in Australia's efforts to acquire nuclear-propelled submarines. The pact entailed Canberra's withdrawal from a $66 billion contract with France to construct 12 submarines.
France Says It Cannot Trust Australia in Trade Talks After Canberra Ditched Joint Sub Deal Sputnik 17 Sep 2021 -- Australia previously dropped a $90-billion agreement with the French firm Naval Group under which the latter was supposed to build several attack-class submarines for the country. Paris has already slammed the move, prompted by the US promise to Canberra for nuclear-powered submarines, calling it a "stab in the back".
US-UK-Australia pact angers France, EU more than China Press TV 17 Sep 2021 -- China and France have denounced the new Indio-Pacific security alliance between the US, Britain and Australia, with Beijing accusing the three powers of intensifying an arms race in the region and Paris calling it "a knife in the back".
STATEMENT Naval Group 16 Sep 2021 -- Naval Group takes note of the decision of the Australian authorities to acquire a fleet of nuclear submarines in collaboration with the United States and the United Kingdom following their comprehensive capability review.
On the Death of ISIS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2021 -- The United States welcomes the announcement from our partner and ally France that its troops killed Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi. We commend France's continued commitment to countering terrorism and protecting civilians in West Africa in coordination with our African partners.
Australia to pursue nuclear-powered submarines through new trilateral enhanced security partnership Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed to the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership – AUKUS.
Key naval projects confirmed for South Australia Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- South Australia will spearhead a major expansion of Australia's naval capabilities, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the state's shipbuilding expertise.
Address: AUKUS - Canberra, ACT Australia PM 16 Sep 2021
Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- As leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, guided by our enduring ideals and shared commitment to the international rules-based order, we resolve to deepen diplomatic, security, and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including by working with partners, to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. As part of this effort, we are announcing the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS" -- Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton At a Joint Press Availability DoD 16 Sep 2021
Australia, U.S. Alliance Is Stronger, Deeper Than Ever, Officials Say DoD News 16 Sep 2021 -- The Australia-U.S. alliance is stronger today than it ever has been, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today, and the steps taken during the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations at the State Department are aimed at keeping it that way.
Australia Signs New Defense Accord with US and Britain VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia has signed a new security partnership with the United States and Britain to share defense technologies in what analyst say is an effort to counter the potential threat from China.
Biden stabs France in the back on Australia nuclear deal: French foreign minister Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- France has accused US President Joe Biden of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after the Biden administration pushed Paris aside and signed a lucrative multi-billion nuclear deal with Australia for submarines.
Nuke sub deal could make Australia 'potential nuclear war target' Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- The US, UK and Australia have announced a new alliance named "AUKUS" to target China, and they even made a deal to provide nuclear submarines to Australia. Chinese military experts warned that such a move will potentially make Australia a target of a nuclear strike if a nuclear war breaks out even when Washington said it won't arm Canberra with nuclear weapons, because it's easy for the US to equip Australia with nuclear weapons and submarine-launched ballistic missiles when Australia has the submarines.
AUKUS to bring 'nuclear-powered submarine fever' across globe: Global Times editorial Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison almost announced simultaneously on Wednesday that the three countries will form an enhanced trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS." This has been regarded as an effort of the US to build a new alliance against China. The pact will support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and enabling patrol of nuclear-powered submarines in the Indo-Pacific region.
China Accuses US of Intensifying Arms Race by Creating AUKUS Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The newly-formed AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defence alliance threatens stability in the region and provokes an arms race, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on 16 September.
French FM 'Angry' With Australia's Decision to Terminate Submarine Contract, Expects Explanations Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The French Foreign Ministry has described Australia's withdrawal from the agreement with the Naval Group as a deplorable move that is not in line with the spirit of Franco-Australian cooperation.
Morrison Touts Tomahawk Missile Procurement, Says Nuclear Subs Will Be 'in the Water' in 10 Years Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- As leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States unveiled their new trilateral security partnership for advanced defense-tech sharing on Wednesday, it was also revealed that the first initiative of the endeavor would be the delivery of Australia's first nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Australia Withdraws From Agreement on Submarines With French Naval Group – Ministers Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia has decided to leave the $90-billion agreement on submarines with the French company of Naval Group to prefer the cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines under the newly established AUKUS alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom.
EU Not Informed About New US, UK & Australia Alliance, Plans 'to Assess Implications' Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- On Thursday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that the new alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US is not directed against other countries, insisting that AUKUS just reflects the high level of trust and cooperation among the nations.
France May Demand Compensation From Australia for Submarine Deal Breach, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Paris may demand compensation from Canberra for its withdrawal from the $66 billion submarines agreement with France's Naval Group shipbuilder, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on 16 September.
AUKUS Not Intended to Be Adversarial to Other Countries, UK PM Johnson Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The new alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) is not directed against other countries, it just reflects a high level of trust and cooperation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured on Thursday.
'Cold War mentality' in US, British, Australia pact: China Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- China has reacted to a new trilateral security alliance announced by the United States, Britain and Australia aimed at addressing defense and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, calling on the three countries to shake off their 'Cold War' mentality.
China Slams 'Irresponsible' Three-Way Security Pact on Nuclear-Powered Submarines Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- China hit out on Thursday at a trilateral security pact between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia that will help Canberra develop nuclear submarines, calling it "severely damaging" to regional peace and stability.
China Warns Against Exclusionary Blocs After AUKUS Launched Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- China opposes the creation of exclusionary blocs that may harm the interests of third parties, Embassy in Washington spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement to Sputnik when asked to respond to the newly-launched Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) defense pact.
Head of Islamic State in Greater Sahara 'Neutralized' by French Forces, Macron Reveals Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Emmanuel Macron reveals that French forces have neutralized Adnan Abou Walid al-Sahraoui, leader of the terrorist group Islamic State* in the Greater Sahara.
Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Morrison of Australia, and Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom Announcing the Creation of AUKUS The White House 15 Sep 2021
Germany Echoes French Concerns About Reported Russian Mercenary Deal With Mali's Junta RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- Germany joined France on September 15 in expressing concern about reports of an agreement between Mali's new military rulers and the Vagner Group, a Russian military contractor with ties to the Kremlin.
Naval Group starts the deconstruction of a third French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine in Cherbourg Naval Group 15 Sep 2021 -- The deconstruction program for France's former nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (ex-SSBNs) which was launched in September 2018 at the Naval Group site in Cherbourg passed a new milestone on Thursday, September 9, 2021.
E3 Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on verification and monitoring in Iran (JCPoA), September 2021 UK FCDO 15 Sep 2021 -- Delivered on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, 14 September 2021
2015 Paris Terror Attack Trial Expected to Last Nine Months VOA 09 Sep 2021 -- The next nine months will determine the fate of 20 people on trial for the 2015 terror attacks in Paris. Of the ten-man team believed to have carried out the coordinated assault, just one is still alive. Salah Abdeslam was among the 14 suspects in court on Wednesday, the first day of the trial that could see him imprisoned for life. Six are still wanted.
Paris Begins Trial of 2015 Terror Attackers VOA 08 Sep 2021 -- Twenty people linked to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in France went on trial in Paris Wednesday in proceedings expected to last nine months.
France begins biggest trial over 2015 terror attacks in Paris Press TV 08 Sep 2021 -- The biggest trial in France for those allegedly involved in the 2015 terror attacks in Paris is set to begin amid heightened security.
Paris Braces for Trial of 2015 Terror Attackers VOA 07 Sep 2021 -- Twenty people linked to the November 2015 terrorist attacks in France are going on trial in Paris Wednesday in proceedings expected to last nine months.
Iran supporter of useful negotiations; sanctions against Iran must be lifted ISNA 06 Sep 2021 -- Welcoming the French President's proposal to review relations between the two countries and start a new chapter in bilateral relations and Tehran-Paris regional cooperation, Iranian President said, "The Iranian government welcomes the development of relations with France, especially in the economic and trade fields, and we are ready to start comprehensive cooperation with Europe from France".
Germany, France Urge Iran To Return To Nuclear Talks After Tehran Signals Delay RFE/RL 01 Sep 2021 -- France and Germany have called on Iran to immediately resume talks intended to revive the moribund nuclear deal with world powers, after Tehran said it could take another "two to three months" to get back to the negotiating table.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

September 2021 - France Special Weapons News