The French Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has announced a significant investment in new air defense and counter-drone systems, totaling 600 million euros ($624 million). This initiative is part of the Military Programming Law for the years 2024 to 2030, which aims to comprehensively enhance France’s air defense capabilities throughout the decade with an overall budget of 5 billion euros ($5.2 billion).
In a press release, the DGA emphasized that under its leadership, these programs will focus on the continual enhancement of weapon systems’ performance, as well as the integration of new capabilities into the French Armed Forces.
The contracts for these new systems have been awarded to three prominent French defense companies: MBDA France, KNDS France, and Thales.
The first contract, granted to MBDA France, involves the provision of eight vertical launch (VL) MICA systems along with associated ammunition for deployment by the French Air and Space Force. The VL MICA system, designed for vehicle mounts, is particularly effective in defending against low-signature threats, including guided bombs and cruise missiles. It consists of a command and control system, a tri-dimensional radar mounted on a separate vehicle, and between three to six vertical launchers, also vehicle-mounted.
Another significant contract was awarded to KNDS France for the development and production of two new variants of the SERVAL multi-role armored vehicle. This includes the delivery of 30 SERVAL DSA (ground-to-air defense) vehicles, which will be equipped with the ATLAS RC turret from MBDA France, capable of firing the MISTRAL surface-to-air missile. Additionally, KNDS will deliver 24 SERVAL LAD (counter drone) vehicles, each featuring a remotely operated turret with a 30 mm cannon and advanced autonomous detection systems.
The DGA highlighted that these SERVAL vehicles will be tailored for high-intensity conflict settings, aimed at establishing an “anti-aircraft bubble” to safeguard land forces during operations.
In the naval domain, MBDA France has been awarded a contract for the acquisition of the SIMBAD-RC anti-air self-defense system, which includes the MISTRAL missile. This system will be integrated into the French Navy’s offshore patrol vessels and supply ships, enhancing their defensive capabilities against airborne threats.
Lastly, KNDS France and Thales Land & Air Systems have been tasked with developing a 40 mm anti-aircraft artillery munition to be employed on French Navy vessels, further strengthening their self-defense measures.
The DGA concluded that these developments, alongside the Franco-Italian “high layer” ground-to-air defense system SAMP-T NG from EUROSAM (a joint venture of THALES LAS and MBDA), will allow France to maintain a modern and efficient suite of surface-to-air defense and anti-drone systems that can effectively address a wide range of threats in a coordinated manner.
