Aeronautics, Defense & Security

“The current situation in the aerospace sector is marked by a series of major challenges. While Boeing faces supply chain issues and mergers/acquisitions proliferate, the civil aviation sector has been in turmoil since 2020. With global air traffic almost restored to pre-crisis levels and Airbus producing at a sustained pace (800 aircraft in 2024), the industry is grappling with unprecedented production challenges. This significant ramp-up affects the entire industrial ecosystem, especially as the first C-919 from Comac enters the market, challenging the Boeing and Airbus duopoly (currently tilted in favor of Airbus).

The imperative to meet growing demand while navigating a changing competitive landscape underscores the crucial importance of ecological solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which are gaining popularity.

In the defense sector, France plays a central role. With a steady increase in defense budgets, companies like Dassault Aviation, Thales, and Safran (Nexter, Arquus, Texelis, MBDA) are at the heart of our defense technology and industry base (BITD) to meet the requirements of the new 2024-2030 Military Programming Law. This trend is also fueled by a flourishing innovation ecosystem, where ambitious projects like the Aarok drone and Preligens emerge.

The space sector is also undergoing a transformative era, with major players like SpaceX redefining industry standards. New Space, driven by smaller companies, is revolutionizing communication, observation, and defense capabilities.

Massive investments in Deep Tech testify to the vigor of this trend, bolstered by France’s reputation as a hub for engineers and innovative pioneers. In naval defense, the project for France’s future aircraft carrier to replace the legendary Charles de Gaulle and France’s position as a warship exporter attest to a robust industrial dynamic. The current juncture represents a significant advantage for its BITD, elevating it to the rank of the world’s second-largest exporter. This position of strength, both in the domestic market and in exports, underscores a constant concern for industrial sovereignty.

France positions itself as a key player in these domains, benefiting from a dynamic industrial value chain and a robust innovation ecosystem. As the country prepares for the major challenge of industrial revitalization, it is imperative to strengthen the ramp-up of aircraft and weapons manufacturers to maintain its position as one of the global leaders in this sector.”