France is accelerating missile production after operations in the Middle East exposed shortages in its ammunition stockpiles, according to Air and Space Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jérôme Bellanger.
The shortfall emerged during missions supporting partners against unmanned aerial systems and missile threats, where French forces used Rafale fighter jets armed with Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien (MICA) air-to-air interceptors.
The operations also included rotary-wing support, such as Fennec light utility helicopters as well as Tiger attack helicopters, Bellanger told Le Journal du Dimanche in an interview.
He highlighted that the NATO country is now “mobilizing” defense firms to boost output in response to rising demands while exploring lower-cost options, including cannon use and laser-guided rockets for counter-drone missions.
At the same time, he stressed the need to preserve readiness for core tasks, including airspace security and the airborne leg of nuclear deterrence.
French forces remain heavily tasked across multiple theaters, with a large share of the airborne combat fleet recently committed to deployments and readiness missions.
“Stockpiles naturally remain a concern,” Bellanger said. “We must safeguard those necessary for our ongoing missions.”
“Despite the difficulties in certain areas… we can make progress in these other dimensions in order to maintain an effective capacity for action.”
