France is ramping up missile production after recent operations in the Middle East revealed gaps in the country’s ammunition reserves, according to Gen. Jérôme Bellanger.
The shortage became evident during missions supporting allied partners against drone and missile threats, where French forces deployed Dassault Rafale fighter jets equipped with MICA interceptors.
Speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche, Bellanger said the operations also involved rotary-wing assets, including Eurocopter Fennec helicopters and Eurocopter Tiger gunships.
To address growing operational demands, France is now mobilizing its defense industry to increase missile output while also studying more affordable counter-drone solutions such as cannon fire and laser-guided rockets.
Bellanger emphasized that maintaining readiness for strategic missions remains essential, particularly for national air defense and the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrent. French air assets continue to face heavy operational pressure, with a significant portion of the combat fleet currently assigned to overseas deployments and readiness operations.
