France is considering quitting the €7.1B Eurodrone program due to long delays, rising costs, and design concerns. First deliveries are now expected in 2031—six years late.

French officials view the drone as oversized, vulnerable, and possibly outdated by the time it enters service. Paris is seeking a coordinated exit with Germany, Spain, and Italy to avoid damaging Europe’s defense industry.

France is also exploring alternatives like the domestic Aarok drone, which may be cheaper, more agile, and available sooner.

Delays & Cost Overruns: Conceptualized nearly two decades ago, deliveries are now delayed until 2031. Total cost has ballooned to over €7B for 20 systems.

Conflicting National Demands: Germany pushed for a twin-engine drone certified for civil airspace. France wanted a combat-focused, expeditionary drone—resulting in a costly, overcomplicated design.

Outdated Concept: The drone is large, slow, and non-stealthy—ill-suited for modern air defense threats seen in Ukraine.

Better Alternatives Emerging: France’s Aarok drone and evolving trends like loyal wingmen and attritable drones may offer cheaper, more survivable options.

No final decision yet, but the Eurodrone faces an uncertain future.

Source: La Tribune

Operated by the 23 Squadron “Panthers,” the MiG-21 played a role in every major conflict since 1965—including the Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot strikes.

Once India’s first supersonic fighter, the MiG-21 earned both fame and infamy, nicknamed the “Flying Coffin” due to over 200 pilot deaths. Its long life was extended due to delays in fielding replacements like the Tejas Mk1A.

With its retirement, the IAF’s active combat squadrons drop to 29, the lowest since the 1960s.

"I held a meeting on Ukraine’s negotiation goals.

National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reported on progress from talks with Russia in Istanbul and plans for a new round soon. Ukraine is committed to securing the release of captives, returning abducted children, stopping the killings, and preparing a leaders' summit to truly end the war."