Latest news with #SébastienLecornu
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Support from the Ministry of the French Armed Forces for the development of Dassault Aviation's VORTEX spaceplane demonstrator
Support from the Ministry of the French Armed Forces for the development of Dassault Aviation's VORTEX spaceplane demonstrator (Saint-Cloud, June 20, 2025) – At the Paris Air Show today, Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the French Armed Forces, and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, announced the signing of an agreement to support the development of a spaceplane demonstrator. This demonstrator represents the first step in an incremental and intrinsically dual roadmap for the development of a family of spaceplanes called VORTEX (Véhicule Orbital Réutilisable de Transport et d'Exploration). In line with its key role in national aeronautical sovereignty, Dassault Aviation is building this roadmap to contribute to the development of key strategic capabilities and meet the new challenges of the space economy. It addresses multiple applications, including transport to and from orbit, and civil and military missions for an autonomous orbital platform. Drawing on Dassault Aviation's solid and recognised industrial expertise as an architect and integrator of complex airborne systems, reinforced by that acquired in the space sector on such emblematic projects as Hermès, the X-38 and the IXV, this demonstrator aims to validate the critical performances associated with the configuration of a spaceplane, in particular control of hypersonic flight, advanced thermal protection technologies and flight control. These demonstration objectives are an essential step in reducing technological uncertainties and preparing for future decisions on operational space capabilities, both military and civilian. By adopting an agile innovation approach aimed at accelerating the maturation of critical technologies and disruptive concepts, Dassault Aviation is embracing the spirit of NewSpace, optimizing industrial processes and seeking the optimum balance between technical performance, development time, risk mitigation and cost efficiency. ' Like Dassault Aviation's civil and military aircraft, the VORTEX spaceplane is designed to be highly versatile. It will contribute to transforming the uses of the space sector and opening up new fields of application . At the crossroads of aviation and space technologies, the VORTEX will undoubtedly pave the way for a new generation of space aeronautics, consolidating France's strategic position as a leading space power. Dassault Aviation is proud to take on this historic challenge and thanks the French Ministry of Armed Forces for its confidence. ' said Eric Trappier. * * ABOUT DASSAULT AVIATION: With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €6.2 billion. The company has 14,600 employees. PRESS CONTACTS: Corporate Communications Stéphane Fort: +33 (0)1 47 11 86 90 – [email protected] Mathieu Durand: +33 (0)1 47 11 85 88 – [email protected] Defense Communication Nathalie Bakhos: +33 (0)1 47 11 84 12 – [email protected] HD photos: HD videos: Attachment PR_Dassault Aviation Vortex GB Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Support from the Ministry of the French Armed Forces for the development of Dassault Aviation's VORTEX spaceplane demonstrator
Support from the Ministry of the French Armed Forces for the development of Dassault Aviation's VORTEX spaceplane demonstrator (Saint-Cloud, June 20, 2025) - At the Paris Air Show today, Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the French Armed Forces, and Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, announced the signing of an agreement to support the development of a spaceplane demonstrator. This demonstrator represents the first step in an incremental and intrinsically dual roadmap for the development of a family of spaceplanes called VORTEX (Véhicule Orbital Réutilisable de Transport et d'Exploration). In line with its key role in national aeronautical sovereignty, Dassault Aviation is building this roadmap to contribute to the development of key strategic capabilities and meet the new challenges of the space economy. It addresses multiple applications, including transport to and from orbit, and civil and military missions for an autonomous orbital platform. Drawing on Dassault Aviation's solid and recognised industrial expertise as an architect and integrator of complex airborne systems, reinforced by that acquired in the space sector on such emblematic projects as Hermès, the X-38 and the IXV, this demonstrator aims to validate the critical performances associated with the configuration of a spaceplane, in particular control of hypersonic flight, advanced thermal protection technologies and flight control. These demonstration objectives are an essential step in reducing technological uncertainties and preparing for future decisions on operational space capabilities, both military and civilian. By adopting an agile innovation approach aimed at accelerating the maturation of critical technologies and disruptive concepts, Dassault Aviation is embracing the spirit of NewSpace, optimizing industrial processes and seeking the optimum balance between technical performance, development time, risk mitigation and cost efficiency. 'Like Dassault Aviation's civil and military aircraft, the VORTEX spaceplane is designed to be highly versatile. It will contribute to transforming the uses of the space sector and opening up new fields of application. At the crossroads of aviation and space technologies, the VORTEX will undoubtedly pave the way for a new generation of space aeronautics, consolidating France's strategic position as a leading space power. Dassault Aviation is proud to take on this historic challenge and thanks the French Ministry of Armed Forces for its confidence. ' said Eric Trappier. * * ABOUT DASSAULT AVIATION: With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €6.2 billion. The company has 14,600 employees. PRESS CONTACTS: Corporate Communications Stéphane Fort: +33 (0)1 47 11 86 90 - Mathieu Durand: +33 (0)1 47 11 85 88 - Defense CommunicationNathalie Bakhos: +33 (0)1 47 11 84 12 – HD photos: HD videos: Attachment PR_Dassault Aviation Vortex GBError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
ArabGT
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Renault Could Shift Gears From Electric Vehicles to Military Drones
In a development that underscores the evolving role of automotive manufacturers in global security, Renault has been approached by the French government to assist in drone production in Ukraine. This initiative, still under discussion, signals a historic shift for the French automaker as the automotive and defense industries increasingly intersect amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The move comes as drones have become a central pillar of Ukraine's defense strategy against Russia's invasion. Last week's long-range drone strikes on Russian airfields highlighted just how critical unmanned aerial systems have become to Kyiv's military tactics. Ukraine plans to deploy more than 4.5 million drones this year, while Western nations look to bolster Ukraine's capabilities and develop more robust security guarantees. According to French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the project would involve a 'completely unprecedented partnership' between a major French car manufacturer and a smaller defense contractor. Production lines would be established inside Ukraine, close to the front lines, to rapidly supply Ukrainian forces. The collaboration is also expected to benefit the French armed forces by providing ongoing tactical and operational training that reflects the realities of modern combat. Renault confirmed it has been contacted by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and that discussions are underway. 'No decision has been made at this stage as we await further details from the ministry,' the company stated. If the plans proceed, this would mark the first time Renault has produced military equipment since World War II, when its R35 tanks were used in France's defense. This initiative also reflects broader shifts within the European automotive and defense sectors. As demand for defense equipment surges across Europe, traditional automakers face increasing challenges, from transitioning to electric vehicles to managing competition from Chinese manufacturers. Some defense contractors in Germany have even begun recruiting laid-off automotive workers or expressed interest in repurposing car plants for arms production. For Renault, participating in drone manufacturing represents both a strategic opportunity and a profound transformation of its industrial role. The project aligns with Kyiv's push to attract Western investment in its defense sector and to establish joint ventures with local arms manufacturers. Already, more than 40 foreign defense companies have launched projects in Ukraine. While it remains unclear what types of drones Renault might produce, the significance of this collaboration is clear: automakers are no longer confined to civilian mobility. In today's security landscape, the boundaries between automotive innovation and defense technology are rapidly dissolving — and Renault may soon be at the forefront of this new frontier.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault may set up drone production in Ukraine
Bloomberg has reported that French car manufacturer Renault SA has held talks with the French Ministry of Defence regarding the production of drones in Ukraine. Source: Bloomberg Details: Bloomberg stressed that discussions took place, but no decision has been made at this stage, as the company is awaiting further details from the ministry. Prior to this, France Info reported that Renault would be working with a small company to set up production lines tens or hundreds of kilometres from the line of contact. According to the report, the drones could be used by Ukraine and the French army. The French Ministry of Defence declined to comment on this information. On 6 June, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that a major French car manufacturer would join forces with a small French defence company to equip production lines in Ukraine for the manufacture of drones. However, he did not name the car manufacturer. Background: On 5 June, Ukrainian and French defence ministers discussed possibilities for joint weapons production for the needs of Ukraine's defence forces during a meeting in Brussels. Ukraine and its partner countries decided to establish a mechanism for defence production, according to an agreement reached at the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein Format) held on 4 June at NATO headquarters. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault to begin drone production in Ukraine, media reports
French automaker Renault will begin manufacturing drones in Ukraine, France Info reported, marking a significant collaboration between the automotive and defense sectors. Renault will partner with a small French defense company to equip production lines on Ukrainian territory, with the drones expected to serve both Ukrainian and French military forces. While the French Defense Ministry declined to comment on Renault specifically, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on June 6 that a major French car manufacturer would join forces with a defense SME to launch drone production in Ukraine. Speaking to Le Monde, Lecornu did not name the automaker, but praised the project as an 'unprecedented partnership.' The production will take place away from front-line areas, although the exact locations were not disclosed. Lecornu emphasized that the assembly would be handled by Ukrainians, citing their strong expertise in drone development and combat deployment strategies. Lecornu also said there is "no need" to send French citizens to work on the production line, since it will be set up in Ukraine, where Ukrainians "are better than us at designing drones and especially at developing the strategies that accompany them." This move underscores France's growing support for Ukraine's defense industry and comes as Ukraine continues to expand its own drone manufacturing capabilities. Presidential advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin recently said that Ukrainian producers have the capacity to make over 5 million FPV drones annually. Drone warfare has become a central component of the ongoing war, with both Ukraine and Russia increasingly relying on unmanned systems for reconnaissance and strikes. Recent long-range Ukrainian drone attacks, including hits on airfields deep inside Russian territory, have demonstrated the strategic value of such technology. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
