France investigates sabotage at Dassault Aviation facility

French authorities are investigating acts of sabotage and malicious damage at sensitive defense and nuclear sites. At a Dassault Aviation facility in Cergy, components and cable systems for the Rafale fighter jet were reportedly damaged. An employee was arrested in connection with the incident in mid-September, though the individual is presumed innocent.

The security concerns extend beyond Cergy. Reports indicate material damage at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport and thefts of hafnium from a Framatome nuclear technology site in Jarrie. In Jarrie, approximately 30 barrels were reportedly stolen during a break-in, with five such thefts recorded since 2019.

The French government is treating these threats with high priority due to the strategic importance of the defense industry and increasing international tensions. The incidents have prompted discussions regarding the protection of specialized manufacturers and suppliers essential to national security.