Director Defence industrial programmes @EU_Commission, Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space │ DG DEFIS @defis_eu Views personal, RT ≠ endorsement

Brussels
Joined January 2012
François Arbault retweeted
We will bring together the best of our drone ecosystems underpinned by a drone deal. Ukrainian ingenuity, tested every day on the battlefield. And EU industrial strength, able to produce at speed and at scale. We will reproduce the same with missiles. xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1nJOLLqYg…
710
262
41
1,045
67,196
François Arbault retweeted
It’s a deal on #AGILE! New ultra-fast defence innovation programme agreed at ultra-fast speed. Four months max for grants to reach 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇳🇴 SMEs&start-ups, for super-fast delivery of disruptive defence products to our armed forces. Speed is vital to defend and deter!
4
20
1
58
7,223
François Arbault retweeted
Just arrived in Kyiv for my 11th visit to Ukraine in wartime. It’s a special moment. Ukraine has built a strong military momentum. The tide is turning. I will announce new initiatives to integrate our defence industries. So we can produce more, and faster. We will also discuss accession and preparations for this winter.
3,557
1,373
303
7,527
394,682
François Arbault retweeted
Aujourd’hui sur les Champs-Élysées, nous célébrons la liberté, héritage chéri de la France. Nous le savons ; il n’y pas de liberté sans défense. Pas de paix durable sans force de la préserver. Je remercie la France pour son engagement. Car l'armée française fait la force de l’Europe. Et protège la liberté de notre Union tout entière.
3,400
1,125
275
6,860
355,475
The outcome of my talks with Emmanuel and the work of our teams is an important agreement between Ukraine and France – a step that reflects France’s true leadership in defense cooperation with Ukraine, in the interest of all of Europe. The key points: Ukraine will receive licenses to produce very powerful weapons – SCALP missiles, AASM bombs, and Aster 30 missiles in cooperation with Italy. France will also work with us and with other partners on the FREYJA anti-ballistic program – our unique future strength. Ukraine will be the first to receive the new enhanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. These are highly effective anti-ballistic systems. France will also provide two SAMP/T batteries to strengthen our defenses already this year. France and Italy will also accelerate deliveries of Aster 30 missiles by October this year. Additionally, Ukraine will procure the first 16 Rafale fighter jets for our combat aviation, along with their weapons package. Training for our pilots and maintenance crews in France is set to begin already this year. After that, the first four Rafale aircraft will be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are systematically developing Ukraine's combat capabilities. Thank you, Emmanuel! Thank you, France! Glory to Ukraine! @EmmanuelMacron
400
1,065
40
7,047
274,823
François Arbault retweeted
Fier de voir les militaires ukrainiens défiler aux côtés de nos forces. Un symbole de fraternité, de courage et de destin partagé. Pensées au peuple ukrainien qui lutte pour sa liberté et, avec elle, pour celle de tous les Européens.
4,697
6,290
562
43,236
1,318,035
Our steady efforts coming to fruition! #BraveTechEU delivering first results; #UkraineSupportInstrument calls published; agreements signed for 🇺🇦 players to fully onboard the #EuropeanDefenceFund. And more. Check it out! defence-industry-space.ec.eu…
6 EU🇪🇺 defence startups from 🇨🇵🇱🇻🇫🇮🇪🇪🇸🇪🇵🇱 were awarded grants from the EU program #BraveTechEU 🇪🇺. These 6 companies will further test & develop their defence technologies & products in Ukraine. With small steps 🇺🇦-🇪🇺 create a forward looking industrial alliance.
1
1
5
291
Back from 3rd 🇪🇺🇺🇦 Def Industry Forum, Kiev (13-14 July). Def innovation thriving through partnerships, powered by new EU tools. All actors joining forces to defend 🇺🇦, reinforce 🇪🇺 Readiness, building the single, innovative industrial ecosystem that will keep us all safe tmrw!
My Kyiv visit started with opening 3rd EU🇪🇺-Ukraine🇺🇦 Defence Industry Forum. Hundreds of UA and EU companies working together to develop new military capabilities & innovate. 🇺🇦 has the strongest army and with EU will have the most technologically advanced defence industry.
2
4
1,125
François Arbault retweeted
⚓ A major milestone for the EUROGUARD project with €65M in #EDF-funding! The Critical Design Review has validated the modular, semi-autonomous maritime platform, alongside the unveiling the vessel hull. 🔗 Full story: navalnews.com/naval-news/202…
1
7
1
18
2,258
François Arbault retweeted
2/2 - 140 bln for 🇺🇦 in 2026-2027; - no nuclear to Iran and freedom of navigation in Hormuz. Also a lot of interesting initiatives on defence industry and procurement, complementary to what the EU is doing. NATO+the EU=military might+industrial power! nato.int/en/about-us/officia…
2
6
38
1,348
François Arbault retweeted
NATO Summit was a success. Clear Declaration: - ironclad commitment to Article 5; - Russia is the long-term threat. Big-bang of European investments into defence; - Support to “NATO 3.0” concept. Stronger European pillar will strengthen the whole NATO; 1/2
6
36
195
11,278
François Arbault retweeted
🇪🇺🇺🇦 More drones for UA bring victory closer.   The @EU_Commission has disbursed today €3.9 bn through the Ukraine Support Loans to support this urgent procurement & defence against Russia's war of aggression.   Next payment coming soon. ➡️🔗 ec.europa.eu/commission/pres…
5
22
78
2,468
François Arbault retweeted
A major step forward in boosting defence capabilities of EU MSs is here! 
#EDPCIs are new, ambitious, long-term initiatives designed to enhance #EUDefence readiness & strengthen our strategic autonomy 🇪🇺   Together, they will help keep Europeans safe. 🔗 link.europa.eu/GrK84R
2
32
2
55
3,373
François Arbault retweeted
Last week we signed #SAFE defence loan agreement with Latvia 🇱🇻. €3.5 bln to close critical capability gaps and provide necessary military equipment for 🇱🇻. Another milestone for European defence achieved! #ProtectWhatMatters #EUDefence
3
14
1
66
3,753
François Arbault retweeted
🏆 The EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 EU-wide winners have been selected! 🥇 @TiepointNorway 🇳🇴 🥈 Rubicon 🇫🇷 🥉 Arqus 🇳🇱 After winning locally & receiving mentoring, they are heading to major #EUDefence & innovation events. Autumn 2026 registrations open soon.
1
2
231
François Arbault retweeted
A historic step for #EUDefence today in Paris! 🇪🇺🇫🇷 The €15.09bn SAFE Loan Agreement will help France close critical capability gaps and secure key military equipment by 2030. We are raising EU armament cooperation to a new level. 👇
Today at #Eurosatory2026, EU & France signed #SAFE agreement. Happy to see that 🇫🇷 France is benefiting from 🇪🇺 EU instruments. SAFE brings ambition, scale, interoperability, innovation to European & Ukrainian defence industry.
1
5
1
9
1,345
Starting by listening to the keynote speech by Commissioner Kubilius.
31
ILA - already last week ! - was a great opportunity to touch base with EU and UA defence innovators: EU-funded projects like FACT or EPIIC but also many others. With a focus on Germany and Ukraine (Airbus, Quantum Frontlines, ERC Systems etc.) as we were in Berlin.
36