France's space power: assets to become a driving force once again
In a detailed report published this summer, the Institut Montaigne takes stock of the weaknesses and "exceptional expertise" of France and Europe in this area, and makes recommendations for "restoring a truly strategic ambition for space". Interview with its authors, Arthur Sauzay and Raphaël Tavanti.
General Manuel Alvarez: "To thank France, I wanted to join the army as soon as possible".
Manuel Alvarez joined the French Air Force as a private 2nd class at the age of 15, and has just left with 5 stars on his epaulettes. We take a look back at the inspiring career of this Spanish-born man, who reached the highest level thanks to the Republic's school system, military training and what he calls the "social staircase".
Digital sovereignty: the other front for the French armed forces
Defence cloud, artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain... These innovations are redefining the way in which the armed forces operate. France is therefore firmly committed to the digital transformation of its defence system, in order to preserve and assert its technological and operational sovereignty. Here's how.
French air defence: 80 years of adapting to new challenges
Driven by the rise of private players and technological innovation, new space is overturning the balance of power in space. Between ambitions for sovereignty, industrial competitiveness and a still fragile legal framework, France and Europe are seeking their place in this new orbital order.
Wargames, RADAR, novels... fiction in the service of defence
In addition to war games and the famous Red Team Defence, now RADAR, the growing use of the imaginary in defence circles is demonstrating its usefulness in training and foresight. We take a closer look at some of the key players in this major development.
1945-2025: eight decades of the French defence industry
In an instructive documentary, the French Defence Procurement Agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement) traces the reconstruction of the French industrial fabric after the Second World War, to equip what is now the largest army in the European Union. For IHEDN, the History Committee of the Confédération amicale des ingénieurs de l'armement (CAIA) looks back at the decisive choices made since the war.
Religions in the armed forces: brotherhood of arms... and of souls
With military chaplains from four faiths (Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish), the French armed forces benefit from a unique model that combines respect for the neutrality of the State and freedom of conscience. Explanations with representatives of each religion.
Mountain warfare: the most hostile battlefield
Rugged, compartmentalised terrain, the dangers of verticality, extreme climatic conditions... Focus on this very specific combat terrain, through emblematic campaigns and the insights of General Hervé de Courrèges, co-author of a reference work.
Winston Churchill: before the "old lion", the man of war
A trained officer and intrepid soldier, the British statesman fought on several fronts and headed various ministries linked to the armed forces before coming to power during the Second World War. A look back at the military aspects of his career with historian François Kersaudy.
Stealth in the deep: the saga of French submarines
A pioneer in submarine navigation, France opted for nuclear propulsion over half a century ago. A look back at the rich history and latest developments of this highly strategic fleet with Rear Admiral François Guichard, a submarine expert and practitioner.
