The French Defense Procurement Agency has installed the STRIKE firing system on NH-90 TTH "Caïman" helicopters to improve the accuracy of the French army

 The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has officially announced the installation of the STRIKE firing system on one of the most modern multipurpose helicopters of the French Army light aviation (ALAT) — NH-90 TTH "Caïman". This solution is aimed at improving the accuracy and stability of aerial fire in difficult flight conditions. STRIKE (Stabilisateur de Tir Réglable d'Intervention Kinésique et Équilibré) is a stabilizing mechanical system that reduces vibrations and reduces the weight of the weapon on the shooter, allowing accurate shooting from a moving platform.

The system has already been integrated on Gazelle, Cougar and Fennec helicopters and has passed a technical and operational assessment with the participation of armed units. Flight tests were conducted for the NH-90 with various weapons options, including a 12.7 mm M3M machine gun, an HK 417 assault rifle, a PGM Hecate II sniper rifle, and a long-range surveillance system. STRIKE can also be equipped with a telephoto camera to support aerial reconnaissance operations.

In addition, the NH-90 Cayman Standard 2, introduced in April 2025, has improved performance, including powerful engines, increased range and payload, as well as advanced combat control and surveillance equipment. 18 such helicopters are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029 to the 4th Separate Regiment of Special Operations Helicopters (4e RHFS) in Pau.

The integration of STRIKE significantly expands the capabilities of the French airmobile forces, allowing for more efficient high-precision fire support in dynamic and unstable conditions of action.

The French Rafale F4.3 has passed the fire test: what was checked before the final approval

France has taken an important step towards officially certifying the new standard of its flagship fighter, the Dassault Rafale F4.3. The country's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) reported that the fighter had undergone a short-term but intensive test campaign designed to assess the real state of its capabilities before the final approval of the standard.

These were not just demonstration flights. The planes flew in real combat conditions, as close as possible to those faced by French aviation in the future. Special attention is paid to two key aspects: interaction within the tactical network and the effectiveness of weapons.

What does this mean in practice?  

— The operation of the new on-board computer and software was checked, which allow Rafale to exchange data faster with other aircraft, drones, ships and ground forces.  

— The integration of new missiles is being tested, including the long-range Meteor and the ASMP-A anti-ship, as well as future satellite drones ("free hunters").  

— Communication stability and protection against electronic attacks are being evaluated — a critical moment in modern warfare.

The test results will help DGA and Dassault Aviation make final adjustments before the F4.3 becomes the official standard for the entire Rafale fleet. This stage is not just a technical formality, but the last chance to identify weaknesses before large—scale implementation.

The Rafale F4.3 is not just an upgrade, but a transition to network—centric warfare, where each fighter becomes a node of an intelligent combat system. And France clearly does not want to lag behind.

The French Rafale has passed a "technical inspection" before going into production: DGA has completed tests of the F4 standard.3

 

Rafale F4.3

The General Directorate of Armaments of France (DGA) has put an important point in the development of the Rafale fighter. It has successfully completed a large—scale campaign to assess the operational capabilities of the aircraft in its future standard configuration, the F4.3. All tests took place at the DGA flight Test center in Istres, which is a key testing ground for new French military equipment.

This campaign was not just a formality. Its goal is to thoroughly test all the new features and improvements that are included in the F4.3 standard to ensure that the aircraft is fully operational. The successful completion of these tests is a critical step towards official certification of Rafale according to this new standard. After certification, all new Rafales will be produced in the F4.3 configuration, and the existing fleet aircraft will be gradually upgraded to this level.

The F4.3 standard is designed to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Dassault Aviation's flagship fighter, making it an even more deadly and technologically advanced player on the modern battlefield.

France is developing an alternative to HIMARS by mid-2026

 

France plans to test a domestic rocket-propelled artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the American highly mobile artillery missile system (HIMARS). 

This step could open up new opportunities for allies seeking to gain European capabilities.The French Directorate General of Armaments intends to identify technical solutions that will allow demonstration firing in a year.

DGA is working with the Safran and MBDA consortium, as well as the Thales and ArianeGroup consortium, to develop a tactical strike capability within a radius of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

France is running out of time to replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system. The service life of the nine remaining systems at the disposal of the army is due to end in 2027.

Lawmakers and the military leadership insist on developing a domestic version, rather than purchasing from abroad, in accordance with France's policy of ensuring autonomy in defense matters.

France has successfully tested the RHIB reset from the A400M

 

The French Civil Defense Department drops the RHIB inflatable boat for the Navy special forces from the A400M.

DGA has successfully tested the ECUME reset system (called SLE) with the A400M. The goal was to test the packaging of the new dump system developed by DGA in record time. Thanks to an operational and innovative solution developed in 6 weeks and at a lower cost, the ECUME reset system with the A400M is now certified.

ECUME RHIB could already be dropped from C130H aircraft. After the initial phase of testing and experimentation, at the end of 2024, the special forces contacted the DGA with a request to update the packaging of the system.

The goal was to improve the condition of the landing system without any major changes or impact on the performance of existing systems, while using equipment already available in the armed forces.