French armed forces

France's armed forces minister has insisted that a French military deployment to Saudi Arabia is strictly defensive in nature. The statement comes as tensions in the Gulf keep regional powers on alert, and Paris has moved to reassure both its partners and the public that the mission carries no offensive purpose. French officials say the deployment is intended to protect personnel and interests, not to prepare for combat operations.

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are joining forces to develop software for quantum computers, in a project linked to the French armed forces. The collaboration ties major French industry and research players together around quantum technology with defence applications, and is drawing attention in French tech circles.

Thales, Bull and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) are working on software for quantum computers intended for the French armed forces, according to a report by Clubic. The collaboration points to growing defence interest in quantum computing in France, with the three organisations combining industrial and research expertise on the technology.