2015 France Special Weapons News

'Daesh leader linked to Paris attacks killed in US airstrike' Press TV 29 Dec 2015 -- The US Defense Department says a Daesh (ISIL) terrorist with "direct" ties to the alleged mastermind of the Paris attacks was among 10 terrorists killed in Syria.
US Military: IS Leader Linked to Paris Attacks Killed in Syria VOA 29 Dec 2015 -- The U.S. military says an Islamic State (IS) leader with direct links to the alleged ringleader of last month's terrorist attacks in Paris was killed in a coalition airstrike in Syria.
India, France May Sign Deal on 36 French Rafale Fighters Sale in January Sputnik 27 Dec 2015 -- India and France are likely to sign a deal for the sale of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to New Delhi on January 25 during French President Francois Hollande's visit to India, media reported.
Readout of Secretary Carter's Visit to France's Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle and Call with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian DoD 19 Dec 2015
France Agrees to Reinvest 50% Worth of Rafale Contract in Indian Economy Sputnik 18 Dec 2015 -- The French side agreed to reinvest in the Indian economy 50 percent worth of the contract on the delivery of French-built Rafale fighters for Indian Air Force, the Indian Ministry of Defense said Friday.
Paris on the Offensive: France Starts Bombing Daesh With Cruise Missiles Sputnik 15 Dec 2015 -- France dramatically increased its airstrikes against the extremist group in Syria after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, with French President Francois Hollande declaring the terrorist attack an 'act of war.'
3 Suspects Linked to Paris Terrorist Attacks Arrested VOA 15 Dec 2015 -- French police arrested a 29-year-old man Tuesday in the Paris region as raids continue across France in pursuit of suspects in last month's attacks claimed by Islamic State, French media reported.
Exit Polls: French Far Right Routed in Sunday's Regional Elections VOA 13 Dec 2015 -- Exit polls in France are projecting that voters decisively have rejected the country's anti-immigrant far right National Front in Sunday's regional run-off elections.
France Takes Command of NAVCENT Task Force 50 NNS 07 Dec 2015 -- A French flag officer embarked in the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle took command of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force 50 Dec. 7, leading coalition naval strike operations for Operation Inherent Resolve - the fight to degrade and ultimately destroy the ISIL terrorist organization.
France's Far-Right National Front Wins First Round Vote After Paris Attacks RFE/RL 07 Dec 2015 -- France's far-right National Front saw record gains in the first round of regional elections on December 6 - a vote held under a state of emergency just three weeks after Islamic extremists killed 130 people in Paris.
After Paris Attacks, Far-right National Front Surges in France Elections VOA 07 Dec 2015 -- France's far right National Front party has emerged victorious in the first round of voting in France's regional elections – securing nearly one in three votes and the biggest share in six out of France's 13 regions. The result is a blow to President Francois Hollande of the Socialist party – whose popularity has risen after last month's terror attacks in Paris.
France drafts extension to state of emergency Press TV 03 Dec 2015 -- Less than a month after the Paris attacks, France has drawn up a draft law to extend state of emergency for up to six months from the current three-month limit.
Russia, France to Boost Military, Intelligence Contacts - Kremlin Aide Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- Russia and France will boost bilateral military and intelligence communications and monitor their effectiveness.
France, Russia Agree to Exchange IS Intelligence VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande said Thursday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to exchange intelligence on the Islamic State militants and other extremist groups in Syria to maximize the effectiveness of their bombing campaigns.
Hollande Urges Russia to Join Forces to Defeat Islamic State VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande urged Russia to join world powers in creating a grand coalition to defeat the Islamic State militants who not only attacked Paris two weeks ago but control large areas of Iraq and Syria.
Remarks by President Obama and President Hollande of France in Joint Press Conference The White House 24 Nov 2015
Obama, Hollande Review Anti-ISIL Campaign AFPS 24 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris represented an assault on all liberal democracies and all nations must cooperate to destroy ISIL, President Barack Obama said at the White House today.
Obama: U.S., France 'United' Against Terror RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said the United States and France 'stand united' against terrorism, adding that the Islamic State militant group and its ideology 'pose a serious threat to all of us.'
Carter, French Counterpart Discuss Countering ISIL AFPS 24 Nov 2015 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter began his meeting at the Pentagon today with the French defense minister by expressing his condolences over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's "horrific" Nov. 13 attacks on Paris, and he reiterated the U.S. commitment to strengthen shared efforts against the terrorists, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters.
Hollande Goes to White House Seeking Cooperation Against Militants VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande's push to get world powers to work more closely together to fight Islamic State militants comes to Washington Tuesday as he meets with U.S. President Barack Obama.
Obama, Hollande to Meet in Wake of Paris Attacks VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- Less than two weeks after the deadly attacks in Paris, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, to the Oval Office for talks that are expected to go beyond America showing solidarity for its oldest ally - a grieving France.
Hollande, Obama to Focus on Islamic State and Syria VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande will meet Tuesday with U.S. President Barack Obama as part of a multi-nation tour seeking to spur action against Islamic State militants and push for a political settlement to Syria's civil war.
French nuclear Carrier Charles de Gaulle joins operations against ISIS People's Daily 23 Nov 2015 -- The French Navy's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier which sailed last Wednesday from Toulon naval base, south of France, to the eastern Mediterranean will officially join the fight operations against ISIS in today.
Brussels Remains on Highest Alert as Police Seek Paris Attack Suspects VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- Belgium is maintaining its highest alert level for the capital on Monday and closing schools amid a 'serious and imminent' threat of terror attacks, Prime Minister Charles Michel said Sunday following a national security council meeting.
EU Tightens Border Controls in Aftermath of Paris Attacks VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The European Union tightened control of its perimeter borders Friday in the aftermath of last week's deadly Paris attacks, including new checks on the passage of Europeans returning to the formerly passport-free zone.
Belgium Promises to Revamp Security While Bridling at Criticism VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The Belgian government admitted this week it had lost control of a rundown Brussels district linked to a series of terror attacks in Belgium and neighboring France, including those last Friday in Paris.
Officials: Ringleader Behind Paris Attacks Killed in Raid VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- France confirmed the suspected ringleader of last week's Paris attacks was killed in a police raid Wednesday, and officials said he has been implicated in four of six foiled attacks in the country this year.
Paris attacks mastermind killed in police raid: Prosecutors Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- The suspected Belgian mastermind of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris has been identified among the dead in Wednesday's police swoop in Saint-Denis commune, the Paris prosecutor's office says.
Suspected Mastermind Of Paris Attacks 'Died In Police Raid' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- French authorities say they have confirmed that the suspected mastermind of the November 13 Paris terrorist attacks was killed by police during a raid north of the French capital.
France Calls for Reform of Freedom of Movement Rules After Paris Attacks Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- The French government is calling on Brussels to tighten border controls and revise freedom of movement rules following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday 13 November.
British warship set to support French carrier group on ISIL mission UK MOD 18 Nov 2015 -- The Royal Navy warship HMS Defender will support the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle when she deploys to tackle ISIL. The ship will provide air defence cover for the French carrier.
Russia, France Will Create Joint Work Group in Syria - General Staff Sputnik 18 Nov 2015 -- The Russian Armed Forces are creating a joint task group with the French Navy against Islamic State (ISIL) militants in Syria, Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Andrei Kartapolov said.
French warplanes launch more strikes against IS targets in Syria People's Daily 17 Nov 2015 -- France launched more airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria overnight, pounding a command center and a recruitment center in their stronghold of Raqqa, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.
France Hunts 2nd Fugitive Linked to Paris Attacks VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- French officials said late Tuesday they are seeking a second fugitive directly involved in the Paris attacks.
Putin Orders MoD to Cooperate With French Naval Group Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- Putin ordered the Moskva cruiser to cooperate with a French naval group in the fight against the Islamic State.
Fumbles, Mistakes Prompt Talk of Major French Intelligence Failure VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- In the wake of the Paris attacks, wary and overstretched European intelligence services are asking themselves what more they can do to prevent the kind of terrorism that struck the French capital.
Four Things That Will Likely Change After The Paris Terrorist Attacks RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- The horrific terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 129 people and wounded hundreds of others could have a major impact on political and social issues in Europe and other Western countries.
France Requests Military Support From EU Allies RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- France has made an unprecedented demand for military and other aid from its EU partners in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Intelligence Sharing with France DoD 16 Nov 2015 -- "Over the past year, the United States has been working closely with the French military, intelligence, and security services to strengthen intelligence sharing to prosecute counter terrorism threats around the globe, specifically ISIL."
France Deploys Flagship Aircraft Carrier to Intensify Air Strikes Against Islamic State RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- France's president ordered the country's flagship aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean as Paris moved to intensify a bombing campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria in the wake of last week's terrorist attack in the French capital.
North Atlantic Council condemns terrorist attacks in Paris, stands in solidarity with France NATO 16 Nov 2015 -- The North Atlantic Council, representing all NATO Allies, has strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. In a statement issued on Monday (16 November 2015), the Council called the barbaric attacks "an attack on our core values of freedom, democracy, and human rights."
Police Conduct Raids In France, Belgium After Devastating Paris Attacks RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- French police have carried out more than 150 raids on suspected Islamists nationwide, while Belgian commandos besieged a home in Brussels but failed to find a key suspect in the November 13 attacks that killed at least 129 people in Paris.
Hollande Calls for Union to Crush Islamic State in Syria VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- France will step up its offensive in Syria, where Friday's shootings and suicide bombings in Paris had been planned, President Francois Hollande said Monday in a rare address to both houses of France's parliament.
French Air Force Launches Major Airstrike Against ISIL Positions in Syria Sputnik 16 Nov 2015 -- Two days after the Paris deadly terrorist attacks, the French aviation has launched a massive airstrike campaign against the positions of the Islamic State militant group in Syria, the defense ministry said in a statement.
French warplanes pound Daesh positions in Syria's Raqqah Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- French fighter jets have pounded positions belonging to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in its de facto capital, al-Raqqah, destroying a training camp and a command post in the northern Syrian city, France's defense ministry says.
French Fighter Jets Hit IS Targets in Syria VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- French fighter jets have launched massive airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) stronghold of Raqqa, reportedly destroying a command post and a training camp.
Identified Paris Terrorist Had Security Profile VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- French police have named the first of seven dead terrorists who carried out three deadly simultaneous attacks Friday across Paris. One of them – a 29-year-old French national – was a known petty criminal who was radicalized five years ago, officials say.
Paris Attacks Raise Questions About US Security VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- Horrific terrorist carnage in Paris has refocused Washington's attention on the Islamic State (IS) group and its ambition to strike within the United States.
OIC condemns Paris attacks, urges joint action on terrorism Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- The world's top Muslim body has condemned the recent deadly attacks in Paris, calling for joint action against the scourge of terrorism.
French Police Issue Arrest Warrant For Suspect In Paris Attacks RFE/RL 15 Nov 2015 -- Police investigating a wave of terror attacks in Paris have issued an international arrest warant for a man they believe might have helped organize the deadly assaults with two of his brothers in Belgium.
Paris Suicide Bomber Used Bogus Syrian Passport to Reach France - Reports Sputnik 15 Nov 2015 -- Intelligence officials have reported that a Syrian passport belonging to one of the eight terrorists who carried out the Paris attacks was a fake, which was made in Turkey and then used for passage through Europe.
United Nations slams deadly terrorist attacks in Paris People's Daily 14 Nov 2015 -- The UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonand President of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft on Friday condemned a series of terrorist attacks in Paris, which have reportedly killed at least 140 people.
Timeline: How The Paris Attacks Unfolded RFE/RL 14 Nov 2015 -- More than 120 people have been killed in multiple gun and suicide bomb attacks at city center restaurants and near a sports stadium in Paris, in what is France's worst-ever terrorist attack. Here's how events unfolded.
IS Supporters Praise Paris Attacks On Social Media RFE/RL 14 Nov 2015 -- Even before the Islamic State (IS) terror group claimed responsibility for the deadly Paris attacks that killed more than 120 people, its supporters took to Twitter to praise the carnage.
France Hunts IS Accomplices, Fearing Fresh Attacks VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- French authorities raced Saturday to identify the perpetrators of what President Francois Hollande has called an 'act of war' against his country, fearing organizers of the sophisticated assaults may be planning more attacks.
French Authorities Fear More 'Soldierly' Assaults VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- Witnesses say the assailants who struck Paris late Friday evening were well-trained and calm and likely rehearsed their coordinated attacks across the French capital, prompting French counterterrorist officials to believe they were veterans of the Syrian civil war or had been trained by experienced jihadists.
World Reacts With Anger, Resolve Toward Paris Terrorism VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- Across the globe, news of the terrorist attacks in Paris brought reactions of horror and anger, and many government leaders called for stepped-up efforts to counter extremists.
In Middle East, Paris Attacks Harden Views on Foreign Intervention VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- As Paris reels and the death toll mounts, some Egyptians are calling for a renewed global commitment against Islamic State militants, while others say failed international policies in Syria and Iraq are largely responsible for the group's existence.
Readout of Secretary Carter's Call with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian DoD 14 Nov 2015
Zarif condoles French government, people on terrorist attacks IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed condolences to the French government and nation on the terrorist attacks in Paris Friday night which claimed lives of scores of civilians.
President Rouhani strongly condemns Paris terrorist attacks IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- President Hassan Rouhani strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris which claimed lives of over 120 civilians.
Iran strongly condemns deadly terrorist attacks in France IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Saturday strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 100 people.
Iran's Rouhani condoles with France on terrorist attacks ISNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani extended condolences to his French counterpart Francois Hollande over the recent terrorist attack and hostage taking in France and stressed comprehensive efforts to fight terrorism.
Islamic State Claims Paris Attacks That Killed 129 RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris which killed 129 people and wounded dozens of others.
More Than 100 Dead in Paris Terror Attacks VOA 13 Nov 2015 -- Terrorists staged multiple simultaneous attacks in Paris Friday night, killing scores of people with automatic gunfire and explosions.
Over 120 People Killed In Paris Attacks RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of emergency after multiple bomb and shooting attacks in Paris left at least 120 people dead.
On the Attacks in Paris US Dept. of State 13 Nov 2015 -- Press Statement by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
UN condemns 'despicable' terrorist attacks in Paris UN News 13 Nov 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have condemned the "despicable' terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris, and Mr. Ban has demanded the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre.
Statement by the President on the Situation in Paris The White House 13 Nov 2015
Readout of the President's Call with President Francois Hollande of France The White House 13 Nov 2015
Readout of the President's Call with President Francois Hollande of France The White House 13 Nov 2015
Statement by Vice President Biden on the Situation in Paris The White House 13 Nov 2015
Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the Paris Attacks DoD 13 Nov 2015
Deadly Attacks Rip Paris VOA 13 Nov 2015 -- French officials say gunmen have opened fire and set off explosions in several places in the capital, Paris, and have taken hostages at the city's Bataclan concert hall.
France - C-130J Aircraft DSCA 10 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to France for C-130J aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $650 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
France to deploy warship to Mideast: Paris Press TV 05 Nov 2015 -- The French government says it plans to send a flagship aircraft carrier for boosting the operations that are purported to target Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria.
The Government of France - Hellfire Missiles DSCA 04 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France for Hellfire Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $30 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 3, 2015.
Joint complex weapons agreement with France as UK and French relations deepen UK MOD 03 Nov 2015 -- Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has today unveiled a new agreement with France that will help pave the way for the next generations of missiles.
UK-French defence cooperation reaffirmed on fifth anniversary of Lancaster House Agreement UK MOD 03 Nov 2015 -- On the fifth anniversary of the Lancaster House Agreement, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and French Minister for Defence Monsieur Le Drian reaffirm the defence relationship between their countries.
French-Built Mistral Warships to Arrive in Egypt in Summer 2016 Sputnik 12 Oct 2015 -- Two Mistral-class helicopter carriers France originally built for Russia will arrive in Egypt in summer 2016, the shipbuilding company DCNS said Friday.
Egypt signs deal with France on two Mistral warships Press TV 10 Oct 2015 -- Egypt has signed a deal with France to buy two warships that were originally ordered by Russia but whose sale was canceled by Paris due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
French Air Force Conducts Airstrikes on ISIL Training Camp in Syria Sputnik 09 Oct 2015 -- The French Air Force carried out airstrikes on a training camp of the Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group on Friday night, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.
France to Invest $4.5Bln in Indian Defense Under Rafale Deal Sputnik 29 Sep 2015 -- France will invest $4.5 billion in India's defense sector in a form of offset obligations under a contract for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets, The Economic Times reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the deal.
France to Lose 250 Million Euros on Mistral Resale Deal With Egypt Sputnik 29 Sep 2015 -- Only last week, French president Hollande said the deal would not entail any financial costs for his country.
France Launches Airstrikes Against IS Targets in Syria VOA 27 Sep 2015 -- France says it has launched its first air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, on targets it identified after two weeks of surveillance flights.
France claims has conducted first strikes against 'Daesh' in Syria Press TV 27 Sep 2015 -- France claims that it has carried out its first airstrikes against purported positions of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria.
France Announces First Strikes Against Islamic State Group In Syria RFE/RL 27 Sep 2015 -- France says it has launched air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria.
France Confirms Sale of Two Mistrals Built for Russia to Egypt Sputnik 23 Sep 2015 -- France's President Francois Hollande and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Sisi have agreed on Egypt's acquisition of two Mistral-class ships, the French leader's administration said Wednesday.
Egypt buys 2 French warships intended for Russia Press TV 23 Sep 2015 -- The French government says it is to sell two Mistral warships, which were originally intended for Russia, to Egypt.
France Due to Pay Russia Over $1 Bln for Mistral Non-Delivery - Draft Bill Sputnik 03 Sep 2015 -- France will have to pay over a billion of dollars in compensation to Russia for the termination of the contract to deliver two Mistral-class helicopter carriers.
France Refunds Russia for Mistral Contract Termination Sputnik 27 Aug 2015 -- According to a high-ranking source, France has returned Russia all the money for the Mistrals.
Who is Lining Up for Mistrals? Egypt, Saudi Arabia Rumored to Be Interested Sputnik 07 Aug 2015 -- The next episode in the Mistral saga could begin in the near future: Egypt and Saudi Arabia are rumored to be contemplating the purchase of the two helicopter carriers built for the Russian Navy after Moscow and Paris officially terminated the deal, Le Monde reported, citing an unnamed source.
A Fool Pays Twice: France Must Spend Over €1 Bln to De-Customize Mistrals Sputnik 07 Aug 2015 -- The de-customization of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers that France failed to deliver to Russia will be an expensive process, the French daily Les Echos said.
For Sale: France Mentions Potential Candidates Willing to Buy Mistrals Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande made a joint decision to terminate the 1.2-billion euro ($1.32 billion) Mistral contract signed in June 2011.
France to Refund Less Than €1.2 Billion Over Mistral Deal - Minister Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- The settlement terms of the contract for the delivery of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia stipulate that France will pay a refund of less than 1.2 billion euro ($1.32 billion at current exchange rates), French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday.
France Transfers Compensation for Mistral Non-Delivery in 'Utmost Secrecy' Sputnik 06 Aug 2015 -- Paris transferred over 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to a Russian bank as compensation for terminating the deal to deliver two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to the Russian Navy 'in utmost secrecy,' the Kommersant newspaper reported, citing an unnamed source.
Moscow believes problem of Mistral ships fully settled, says Kremlin TASS 05 Aug 2015 -- Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Francois Hollande of France have taken a joint decision to sever the agreement on construction and supplies to the Russian Navy of two amphibious helicopter carriers of the Mistral class that was signed in June 2011, the Kremlin press service said.
Done Deal: Putin, Hollande Reach Agreement Over Mistral Cancellation Sputnik 05 Aug 2015 -- Moscow considers the issue of Mistral contract to be fully settled, according to the Kremlin's statement.
German, French Arms Enterprises Unite to Create New Weapons Giant Sputnik 29 Jul 2015 -- German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and French enterprise Nexter Systems are planning to make a merger deal and create a new weapons giant called Newco, the German newspaper Die Zeit reported.
France Eyeing to Deliver Rafale Jets to Malaysia, UAE Sputnik 29 Jul 2015 -- Since the beginning of the year, France has reached agreements to deliver Rafale jets to Egypt, Qatar and India. Now the country is in talks to sell the aircraft to Malaysia and the UAE.
Crimea Visit Spotlights Kremlin Sympathies Beyond French Fringes RFE/RL 29 Jul 2015 -- It's no secret that a tide of hearty enthusiasm for Russia has been sweeping France's right-wing parties of late.
France top court backs controversial surveillance law Press TV 24 Jul 2015 -- France's top court has lent its blessing to a broad surveillance bill that controversially increases the sphere of authority of the country's intelligence services.
French parliament approves controversial snooping act Press TV 25 Jun 2015 -- French lawmakers have passed a controversial law granting intelligence services sweeping powers to spy on citizens.
France's intelligence official due in Washington over leaked files on US spying Press TV 24 Jun 2015 -- Paris is to send the national intelligence coordinator to the United States over leaked reports showing that Washington was involved in extensive espionage activities against high-ranking French officials.
France summons US envoy over 'spying' Press TV 24 Jun 2015 -- French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has summoned the US ambassador after cable recently released by the whistleblower website WikiLeaks revealed that Washington spied on President Francois Hollande and two of his predecessors.
NSA surveillance targeted 3 French presidents: WikiLeaks Press TV 24 Jun 2015 -- The US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on the last three presidents of France from 2006 until 2012, according to newly released documents from the WikiLeaks whistleblower website.
France Vows to Retaliate Following Revelations That NSA Spied on Hollande Sputnik 24 Jun 2015 -- According to WikiLeaks, the leaked files include conversations between French officials about issues such as the international financial crisis, Greece's debt and the future of the European Union.
Obama Reassures France After 'Unacceptable' Spying VOA 24 Jun 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama reaffirmed to his French counterpart the United States' commitment to end spying tactics considered 'unacceptable' by its allies.
WikiLeaks: US wiretapped French presidents IRNA 24 Jun 2015 -- The United States has wiretapped the last three presidents of France, including current leader Francois Hollande as recently as 2012, according to WikiLeaks documents disclosed on Tuesday.
French top officials surveilled by NSA: WikiLeaks People's Daily 24 Jun 2015 -- French high-level officials, including French president Francois Hollande, ex-presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac, and French cabinet ministers, were surveilled by the National Security Agency (NSA) of the United States, said Tuesday a press release of WikiLeaks.
US Spied on 3 French Presidents, WikiLeaks Says VOA 23 Jun 2015 -- The U.S. National Security Agency spied on the last three French presidents, transparency website WikiLeaks said in a press statement Tuesday, citing top secret intelligence reports and technical documents.
French Navy Intelligence Ship Enters Black Sea - Source Sputnik 03 Jun 2015 -- A French Navy intelligence ship, the Dupuy de Lome, has passed through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to enter the Black Sea, a military-diplomatic source told RIA Novosti Wednesday.
Germany, France to Develop New Battle Tank to Catch Up With Russia's Armata Sputnik 23 May 2015 -- Germany and France are now preparing to jointly develop a new main battle tank, the Leopard 3, to replace its ageing Leopard 2 military vehicle by around 2030, which would be able to compete with Russia's next-generation Armata tank, recently showcased at the Victory Day parade commemorating the end of World War Two in Moscow.
France opens formal judicial inquiry into CAR rape accusations Press TV 07 May 2015 -- France has opened a formal judicial investigation into the reports that its army soldiers raped children during their peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR).
That Sinking Feeling: What Can France Do With Its Two Surplus Mistrals? Sputnik 06 May 2015 -- As France remains deadlocked in one of the most complicated military puzzles in its modern history, the shelved deliveries of its Mistral-class warships to Russia, French Le Figaro comes up with a list of options in case the country chooses not to deliver the helicopter carriers.
French President Inks Rafale Sale Deal During Qatar Visit Sputnik 04 May 2015 -- French President François Hollande signed with Qatari leaders a multi-billion-euro deal to sell Rafale fighter jets to the emirate shortly after he arrived in Doha at the start on Monday of a two-day tour of the Middle East.
Hollande oversees signing deal to sell fighter jets to Qatar Press TV 04 May 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande has overseen a major military deal with Qatar which will supply the Arab country with dozens of state-of-the-art fighter jets.
Qatar set to buy 36 Rafale warplanes from France Press TV 30 Apr 2015 -- Qatar is set to purchase 36 Rafale jet fighters from France's leading arms maker, Dassault Aviation, under a multi-billion-dollar deal.
France, Qatar to Sign Rafale Fighter Jet Deal May 4 Sputnik 30 Apr 2015 -- Paris will sell 24 French Rafale multirole fighter aircraft to Qatar, according to the statement of the French presidency.
France to Boost Defense Spending to Fight Terror VOA 29 Apr 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande has announced a roughly $4 billion boost in defense spending to shore up security and fight terrorism. The country remains on high alert following January's attacks in Paris.
France Probes Reports of Child Sex Abuse By Its Soldiers in CAR VOA 29 Apr 2015 -- Authorities in France are investigating allegations that French soldiers sexually abused a number of children during a peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic last year.
France Boosts Military Spending Despite Mistral Deadlock Sputnik 29 Apr 2015 -- France is set to increase its defense budget by $4.2 billion over four years from 2016, despite not yet reaching agreement over a cancelled $1.29 billion contract to supply warships to Russia.
French, US Navies Integrate Under Operation Inherent Resolve NNS 09 Apr 2015 -- Rear Adm. Eric Chaperon, French Task Force 473 commander, and Rear Adm. Chris Grady, Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group commander and Commander Task Force 50, met aboard French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle (R-91) to discuss interoperability and integration between the two navies, April 8.
India and France will jointly develop short-range surface-to-air missile - media TASS 03 Apr 2015 -- India's council on defense procurement has approved plans of developing a Maitri short-range surface-to-air missile jointly with France, The Hindu reported Friday.
China, France vow to boost military cooperation People's Daily 03 Apr 2015 -- Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Fang Fenghui and visiting French Navy Chief of Staff Bernard Rogel agreed on Friday to enhance cooperation in joint drills and training and combating maritime terrorism.
France unveils new rules on mass communication surveillance Press TV 19 Mar 2015 -- The French prime minister has unveiled a set of phone and internet spying rules against suspected terrorists, saying the country has never faced so great a terrorist threat.
French Bill Aims to Broaden Surveillance Powers VOA 19 Mar 2015 -- Two months after the Paris shootings, and a day after attacks across the Mediterranean Sea in Tunisia, France has unveiled new legislation to eavesdrop on potential jihadists and other terrorist suspects. Some groups are concerned it may threaten civil liberties.
French Submarine Sinks Entire US Aircraft Carrier Group During Drills Sputnik 06 Mar 2015 -- A series of joint naval drills between the United States and France recently didn't quite turn out the way the US, no doubt, expected. The practice scenario ended with the French nuclear submarine that was acting the part of an enemy ship 'sinking' the American aircraft carrier and most of its escort.
'French Pentagon' is Ready: Defense Ministry Moves Into New Location Sputnik 28 Feb 2015 -- The French Defense Ministry will start moving into its first new building at Balard in southwest Paris on Saturday, Le Figaro reports.
France deploys aircraft carrier to join fight against ISIL in Iraq Iran Press TV 23 Feb 2015 -- France has deployed its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf to join the so-called US-led military campaign against the ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
French Fighter Jet Sale to Egypt: Triumph and Questions VOA 15 Feb 2015 -- French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is due in Cairo Monday to sign off on a $5.9 billion purchase by Egypt of 24 French Rafale fighter jets and a frigate. The deal boosts France's struggling economy and helps bolster Egypt's military arsenal in the face of rising insecurity. Some are questioning why France is going ahead with the sale to a country with a poor human rights record.
France, Egypt agree on arms deal: Source Iran Press TV 12 Feb 2015 -- France and Egypt have reached an agreement, under which the North African country's military-backed government will receive Dassault Aviation-built Rafale fighter jets, an informed French source says.
French MPs Okay Extension of Military Campaign Against Islamic State Sputnik 14 Jan 2015 -- The vote was 488 to 1, with one lawmaker arguing that the situation on the ground was improving and warning that more bombing would bring about more extremist violence, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2015 France Special Weapons News