Latest news with #SébastienLecornu
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
New threats in cyber, space and sea require fresh rules and greater cooperation, say New Zealand, France and Finland
(From left) New Zealand Minister for Defence Judith Collins, International Institute for Strategic Studies director-general and chief executive Bastian Giegerich, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 New threats in cyber, space and sea require fresh rules and greater cooperation, say New Zealand, France and Finland SINGAPORE – The evolving nature of warfare, including challenges in cyberspace, outer space and to undersea infrastructure, demands that countries work together to set new rules and coordinate their responses, said defence ministers from New Zealand, France and Finland at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31. Speaking during a plenary session on these frontier domains, the ministers said these areas are increasingly contested and blurred between military and civilian uses, making them vulnerable to misuse. They emphasised how closer cooperation and updated rules are more crucial than ever, to ensure that those who do not respect international norms cannot destabilise regional and global security. New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins noted that cyber intrusions are now 'an ever present threat', and that like many other countries its growing connectivity in devices and networks and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has made defence of its cyberspace more complex. The response to increasing contestation in the space, cyberspace and undersea domains has to be centred on an effective and robust system of international agreements, rules and norms of behaviour, she said. On its own, New Zealand has made it a point to identify perpetrators behind the major attacks on its cyberspace wherever possible, so that there is greater transparency and accountability on who is behind such attacks, said Ms Collins. French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, who spoke at the same session, echoed the importance of pinpointing and attributing the origin of cyberattacks. He noted that while domains such as cyberspace are today key to economic development and sovereignty, international law governing them are either ineffective or still nascent. 'If I had to summarise our dilemma today, you can be defeated without being invaded, and you can lose the war without ever having been at war,' he said. 'So that's really a brutal, new strategic deal compared with the situation we used to know.' He said that 'pioneer countries' must lead efforts to create clearer rules, even if some major powers are reluctant to participate. 'We should not give up the ambition to regulate,' he said, stressing that nations working together can overcome gaps in international law and deter provocations. Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said during the discussion that the defence challenges in domains like cyber and undersea infrastructure are examples of the interconnected nature of today's world, and how threats have become more diverse. But Finland's example shows that such threats can be successfully countered, he said. For instance, Finland taps on the resources of the state, but also private industry and its research community to ensure a whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity. Sensors and other new technologies have also made it easier to detect bad actors who may attempt to sabotage undersea cables or breach computer networks, added Mr Häkkänen, who said countries should not only identify attackers, but should put in place 'clear deterrence lines' to dissuade attacks. Establishing clear thresholds - that if breached could lead to retaliation - would benefit all parties, including potential adversaries, by discouraging cyber operations, he said. Their remarks built on discussions in an earlier plenary session on managing proliferation risks in the Asia-Pacific, where Dutch Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans warned that technology is evolving faster than rules and ethics can keep up. He cited the risk of AI battlefield algorithms misreading intent, and military command systems being hacked or deceived. Countries can choose to let technological progress outpace responsibility, or rise to the challenge to innovate, regulate, and safeguard them, added Mr Brekelmans. The Netherlands chose the latter option, which was why in 2023 it organised the first global summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain that took place at The Hague, he noted. 'I would encourage as many countries as possible to also participate in this, and to make sure that we make further progress on these international norms in these new domains that are evolving so quickly,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
France resumes aviation fuel supply for Ukraine's fighter jets
France has resumed supplying aviation fuel for the fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence Details: France has resumed the supply of high-quality aviation fuel, with volumes sufficient to support Ukrainian fighters for an extended period. A recent batch, valued at US$2 million, has already crossed the border. Quote from the Defence Ministry: "This is facilitated by Polish partners, who have covered part of the logistics costs and other organisational issues." Background: In February 2025, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that France had delivered the first Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
French government urges EU for long-term support of Ukrainian forces
Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, has stated that it is important for Europe to strengthen Ukrainian forces in the medium and long term, especially against the backdrop of Russia's statements regarding the need to "demilitarise" Ukraine. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Lecornu following a meeting with his counterparts from Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom held in Rome, as reported by European Pravda Details: Lecornu said that Europe is beginning to "spend a lot of time planning further actions in Ukraine". "Obviously, there is great uncertainty about whether Russia will agree to a ceasefire. However, we also understand very well the need to hold strong positions and take responsibility for them [Ukraine]," he said. Lecornu noted that a clear plan for aid and strengthening of Ukraine's defence forces in the long term amid "Russia's demands" should be developed. "As you know, one of Russia's demands essentially involves the demilitarisation of Ukraine, which is obviously part of the discussions being conducted by Moscow. Therefore, it is important for us not only to continue helping Ukraine in the short term but also to do so in the medium and long term," he emphasised. Lecornu explained that such assistance requires the mobilisation of all possible financial instruments, including combining efforts not only at the country level but also involving the EU capabilities. Background: On 16 May, talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations took place in Istanbul. According to reports, the Russian side put forward tough territorial demands, including that Ukraine must "adopt a neutral status, without the presence of foreign troops or weapons of mass destruction on its territory" and "recognise the annexation of Crimea and four other oblasts". On 16 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland, held a joint phone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Following that conversation, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that "very difficult days" might lie ahead. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
France is making more of the devastating Hammer bombs that are proving hard for Russia to intercept in Ukraine
French defense company Safran is boosting its production of Hammer bombs. They've been used by Ukraine to hit Russian targets, and have proved difficult to take out. The company told BI it could further double production over a few years if it gets enough orders. France is ramping up its production of Hammer bombs, which Ukraine has used to take out Russian military targets. French company Safran Electronics & Defense told Business Insider that it is increasing production of AASM Hammer bombs by more than 40% this year. A company spokeswoman told BI that it expects to make 1,200 AASMs in 2025, up from 830 in 2024. And the company plans on going further. The spokeswoman added that "we plan to double this rate over the next few years, if the orders are there." It's unclear how many of the bombs will go to Ukraine's military. The spokesperson said she couldn't give details on that, but added, "I can confirm that AASMs are combat-proven and used in Ukraine." The Hammer is an air-to-surface weapon with a guidance and propulsion kit that turns munitions into precision-guided bombs capable of deep strikes and close-air-support missions. They have been fitted to Ukraine's older, Soviet-era jets, and footage has shown them allegedly striking Russian troops and drone hubs. Ukraine also said it used them to hit a control center in Russia. Safran said the Hammer has a range of more than 43 miles. Hammer bombs are a type of glide bomb, a piece of weaponry that Ukraine has increasingly adopted throughout the war, after Russia used them to devastating effect. Glide bombs are typically older munitions that have been converted into precision-guided weapons that are hard to intercept. They're also significantly cheaper than many other types of weaponry, which means they can be easily mass-produced. Ukraine has increasingly used glide bombs, including domestically made ones. Safran has adapted the Hammer bombs so they could be used with Ukraine's MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft. It's not clear how many Hammer bombs Ukraine has received to date, but France's defense minister, Sébastien Lecornu, said in January 2024 that France would be delivering 50 to Ukraine every month. Safran's jump in production comes as European defense companies increasingly look to boost their production, as European nations increase their aid to Ukraine and their own defense spending. Europe's overall defense spending has soared since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with many countries fearful that Russia may attack elsewhere on the continent. European leaders have warned that much more needs to be done, including countries placing larger orders and changing rules that may be preventing defense-related industries from ramping up production. Some European defense companies have said that they need larger orders to give them the confidence to make sizable investments, like new production facilities, that would allow them to grow their output over many years. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
France is making more of the devastating Hammer bombs that are proving hard for Russia to intercept in Ukraine
France is ramping up its production of Hammer bombs, which Ukraine has used to take out Russian military targets. French company Safran Electronics & Defense told Business Insider that it is increasing production of AASM Hammer bombs by more than 40% this year. A company spokeswoman told BI that it expects to make 1,200 AASMs in 2025, up from 830 in 2024. And the company plans on going further. The spokeswoman added that "we plan to double this rate over the next few years, if the orders are there." It's unclear how many of the bombs will go to Ukraine's military. The spokesperson said she couldn't give details on that, but added, "I can confirm that AASMs are combat-proven and used in Ukraine." The Hammer is an air-to-surface weapon with a guidance and propulsion kit that turns munitions into precision-guided bombs capable of deep strikes and close-air-support missions. They have been fitted to Ukraine's older, Soviet-era jets, and footage has shown them allegedly striking Russian troops and drone hubs. Ukraine also said it used them to hit a control center in Russia. Safran said the Hammer has a range of more than 43 miles. Hammer bombs are a type of glide bomb, a piece of weaponry that Ukraine has increasingly adopted throughout the war, after Russia used them to devastating effect. Glide bombs are typically older munitions that have been converted into precision-guided weapons that are hard to intercept. They're also significantly cheaper than many other types of weaponry, which means they can be easily mass-produced. Ukraine has increasingly used glide bombs, including domestically made ones. Safran has adapted the Hammer bombs so they could be used with Ukraine's MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft. It's not clear how many Hammer bombs Ukraine has received to date, but France's defense minister, Sébastien Lecornu, said in January 2024 that France would be delivering 50 to Ukraine every month. Safran's jump in production comes as European defense companies increasingly look to boost their production, as European nations increase their aid to Ukraine and their own defense spending. Europe's overall defense spending has soared since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with many countries fearful that Russia may attack elsewhere on the continent. European leaders have warned that much more needs to be done, including countries placing larger orders and changing rules that may be preventing defense-related industries from ramping up production. Some European defense companies have said that they need larger orders to give them the confidence to make sizable investments, like new production facilities, that would allow them to grow their output over many years.
