Missile shortage? France spends bulk of fighter jet arsenal on Iranian drones
Rafale fighter jet of the French Air Force (photo: Getty Images)
France is grappling with a severe shortage of air-to-air missiles for its Rafale fighter jets. French aviation has been actively intercepting Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, rapidly depleting its limited missile stocks, La Tribune reports.
French forces have destroyed dozens of strike drones in the Middle East region. However, the intensive use of MICA air-to-air missiles has quickly exhausted available supplies.
The shortage has sparked internal tensions between the French General Staff (EMA), the Armament Directorate (DGA), and missile manufacturer MBDA. The General Staff criticized the DGA for slow efforts to source cheaper alternatives for taking down low-cost drones.
Officials, in turn, expressed concerns about procuring systems from new manufacturers due to potential quality risks. MBDA stated that while it has ramped up production, it will not deliver weapons without signed contracts and guaranteed payment.
Amid threats to national defense, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an urgent crisis meeting to identify long-term solutions to strengthen the armed forces and address the missile shortage problem.
The main challenge lies in the huge cost discrepancy: high-tech missiles costing hundreds of thousands of euros are being used to destroy inexpensive drones, which is economically unsustainable and drains strategic reserves. France is actively seeking alternatives.
France is not alone. Israel recently informed the United States of a critical shortage of ballistic missile interception systems amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
On March 14, Israeli outlet Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly requested talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting Ukraine's extensive expertise in intercepting Iranian drones.
