DefenceTalkFrance: The airborne capabilities of Thailand’s navy and air force will be significantly enhanced with the acquisition of two mission-ready Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft types: the light-utility EC645 T2 and the 11-ton-class EC725. The Royal Thai Navy signed for five EC645 T2s to be deployed on transport duties and other missions, with deliveries scheduled to begin […]https://www.defencetalk.com/thailand-to-acquire-five-ec645-t2-and-two-ec725-helicopters-60826/

DefenceTalkThe Mistral-class helicopter carrier, the Vladivostok, carrying some 200 Russian sailors on Saturday left the French port of Saint-Nazaire to pass a series of tests. The Vladivostok had left docks at 3:30 a.m. local time (1:30 GMT), but was forced to wait until the tide thus eventually sailing out to sea at 7:20 a.m. (5:20 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-mistral-class-ship-built-for-russia-sets-off-for-sea-trials-reports-60579/

DefenceTalkFrance suspended Wednesday the delivery of the first of two Mistral-class warships to Russia “until November” after fierce criticism from its allies given the crisis in Ukraine. Paris agreed in 2011 to build and sell the two advanced helicopter assault ships to Russia for a total of 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion), with the first […]https://www.defencetalk.com/france-suspends-delivery-of-warship-to-russia-over-ukraine-60529/

DefenceTalkFrance: With the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) new advanced jet trainer Alenia Aermacchi M-346, fighter pilot trainees can now train in more realistic air combat environments, handle sophisticated systems early in their training, and be better equipped for fighter operations. The RSAF marked a milestone in its transformation of flying training as it […]https://www.defencetalk.com/singapore-air-force-enhances-fighter-flying-training-with-inauguration-of-m-346-60523/

DefenceTalkFrance’s contract to sell a pair of Mistral aircraft carriers to Moscow has come under fire in recent months, as relations between the West and Russia have deteriorated over Ukraine. Last month, President Barack Obama said it would be preferable if France pushed the “pause button” on the deal. “I have expressed some concerns, and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/france-criticized-for-warships-contract-with-russia-60248/

DefenceTalkDefence co-operation between the UK and France has been strengthened following agreements signed at the Farnborough Air Show today, 15 July. Philip Hammond and Jean-Yves Le Drian agreed to bolster co-operation relating to the acquisition and support of military equipment for both the UK and French armed forces. The agreement follows on from the communique […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-and-france-strengthen-defence-co-operation-60167/

DefenceTalkA Harfang UAS belonging to the French Air Force (FAF) controlled by a crew from the French Military Flight Test Centre (Centre d’Expérience Aérienne Militaire), the UAS Squadron “Belfort” (ED 1/33) and the UAS detachment stationed in the Sahel-Sahara region has successfully undergone testing to prove that once it has taken off from its overseas […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airbus-touts-harfang-uav-performance-59985/

DefenceTalkFrench arms exports are expected to top 7 billion euros ($9.5 billion) this year after a rebound in global orders, French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday. International weapons contracts rose by 42 percent compared to the previous year in 2013 to 6.7 billion euros, he told the opening of a weapons show […]https://www.defencetalk.com/french-arms-exports-to-top-7-bn-euros-in-2014-minister-59934/

DefenceTalkIndia is closer to finally sealing the almost $20 billion MMRCA (medium multirole combat aircraft) project to acquire 126 French Rafale fighters, which IAF has identified as a top-priority for the Narendra Modi government. Defence ministry sources said the final commercial negotiations for the MMRCA project, which IAF considers “critical” to retain its air combat […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mmrca-deal-rafale-negotiations-expected-to-be-wrapped-up-in-3-months-59756/

DefenceTalkFrance has delayed plans to pull troops out of its former colony Mali after a fresh bout of clashes in a key town. France said earlier this month it was ending its “frontal war phase” in Mali after sending troops there in 2013 to free the country’s vast desert north from Islamists and Tuareg rebels […]https://www.defencetalk.com/france-defers-troop-pull-out-after-mali-clashes-59688/