Major general (Engineering – Armement corps)
Major general (Engineering – Armement corps) Jean-Christophe Cardamone began his career in 1984 in the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) of the Ministry of Defense.He first headed the Organic Composite Materials Laboratory at the Aeronautical Ground Test Center in Toulouse (1984-1990). From 1990 to 1995, he was Group Leader in the domain of metal materials at the Aeronautical Programs Directorate. Concurrently, he was promoted as deputy director for communication and protocol in the Aeronautical Programs Directorate from 1992 to 1995.
In 1995, he joined the cabinet of the Chief Executive of DGA, where, until 1997, he was a technical advisor in charge of projects involving research, aeronautics and quality. He was later named Deputy Chief of Staff.
From 1997 to 1998, he attended the Joint Staff College at the Military Academy of Paris (5th graduating class).
From 1998 to 1999, he was the architect of the Mid-Range Air-to-Ground Missiles Systems at the Tactical Missiles Programs Directorate. From 1999 to 2002, he was Director of the Modular Air-to-Ground Armament (AASM) and Air-to-Ground Laser-guided Missile (AS30 Laser) programs.
From 2002 to 2006, while still with the Tactical Missiles Program Directorate and working on nuclear programs and missiles, he became Director of the Sea-Ground Strategic Missile (MSBS) programs. He was particularly involved in the development of the M51 missile.
From 2006 to 2009, he was Director of the Aero-Engine Test Center in Saclay, which is part of the Defense Procurement Agency Testing Directorate.
From 2009 to 2014, he serves as Director for Tactical Missiles and Unmanned Aircraft System Management Unit at the Directorate for Operations.
From 2014 to 2017, he was Director for Export in the Africa and Middle East Zone at the International Development Directorate of DGA.
On June 1, 2017, he was named Armament and Defense Economy Advisor and Deputy Director of the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) in charge of National Activities.
Jean-Christophe Cardamone is a graduate from the Ministry of Defense’s Aeronautical Engineering Graduate school (ISAé – formerly ENSICA), and is a licensed pilot of the armament technical corps. He was also trained in general management at the ESCP School for Advanced Business Studies in Paris. He attended the 44th national session of the Center for Advanced Armament Studies (CHEAr).
Jean-Christophe Cardamone is an Officer in the order of the French Legion of Honor and a Commander in the order of the National Order of Merit. He was awarded the Aeronautics Medal of Honor.
