Bordeaux: aeronautics and deterrence issues take centre stage for auditors at the national session

Published on :

4 February 2025
On 16 and 17 January, students in the "Armaments and the Defence Economy" major at the IHEDN national session visited the Bordeaux aeronautics centre for an in-depth look at the challenges of nuclear deterrence and the issues facing the defence industry in the face of the new imperatives of the war economy.

The programme included a number of visits to key sites, providing an insight into the strategic importance of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Of particular interest was the Laser Megajoule (LMJ), a cutting-edge technological infrastructure developed by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). This device plays a crucial role in the simulation programme of the CEA's Military Applications Division, a vital programme since the end of nuclear testing. The LMJ is also a unique scientific tool, serving researchers specialising in the field of high energy.

The audience then discovered ALSYMEX, a pioneer in the design and manufacture of high-precision mechanical equipment for strategic sectors such as space, energy and defence.

The mission continued with a visit to the Safran Ceramics site and the Safran Additive Manufacturing Campus, two Safran group entities where technological innovation is at the heart of the group's competitiveness.

Finally, listeners had the opportunity to observe the Rafale and Falcon aircraft assembly lines at Dassault Aviation, a major player in the aeronautics industry. These facilities are true centres of excellence, demonstrating French know-how and the Group's industrial expertise.

In an uncertain global strategic context, these visits highlighted the importance of innovation and competitiveness in preserving national sovereignty.