Catherine Vautrin

France has selected a consortium of Safran and MBDA to supply domestically produced multiple-rocket launchers and munitions, rejecting competing offers from Thales, ArianeGroup, Lockheed Martin, and Hanwha Aerospace. The decision aims to replace aging M270-based systems by 2030, with Safran and MBDA planning to deliver the first systems in 2029, featuring a 150 km-range Thundart munition.

Cyprus and France signed an agreement for French soldiers to be stationed on the island. The deal was signed during an informal EU defense meeting in Nicosia on June 8, 2026, by France's Minister of Defense Catherine Vautrin and Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas.

Turkish forces interfered with military aircraft carrying European defense ministers to Cyprus, including radio disruptions from the Tymbou airport and F-16 jets tracking the planes. The Cypriot government plans to lodge formal complaints over the incidents.

France and Cyprus will sign a defense agreement allowing French troops to be stationed on Cyprus for humanitarian purposes, with the deal expected to cover military coordination, technology, and joint exercises. The Turkish Cypriot administration has rejected the agreement, arguing it disregards their rights and lacks authority.

US President Donald Trump rejects Iran's response to a US peace proposal, calling it 'totally unacceptable'. Tehran warns of new attacks against any new US strikes or foreign warships in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK and France will host a meeting to discuss military plans to restore trade flows.

France and Greece are set to renew their defense pact and expand cooperation. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias held a press conference at Greece's new French-built frigate in Salamina naval station near Athens on January 29.