The law of 16 August 2026 updates France's 2024-2030 military programming: the envelope rises from €413.3 billion to €435.7 billion, with payment appropriations reaching €75.7 billion in 2030.
European equipment makers, engine manufacturers and MRO shops operate between two export control regimes with distinct philosophies: the US ITAR and Regulation (EU) 2021/821. Confusing them carries major legal and commercial risks.
Launched in 2003 by seven nations through OCCAR, the A400M has 178 orders from ten countries. In France, the fleet of 24 aircraft is based at Orléans-Bricy, where Airbus provides on-site industrial support.
Outside EASA's remit, military airworthiness remains a national matter. Since 2008, however, the European Defence Agency has steered a common framework, the EMARs, modelled on civil rules and key to supporting multinational fleets.
With around 10,500 staff, France's Directorate General of Armaments equips the armed forces, prepares for the future and manages relations with an industrial base of more than 4,000 SMEs, mid-sized firms and start-ups. Its orders reached €20.3 billion in 2023.