Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA)

The Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) is France's premier defense procurement and technology agency, established in 1961 by General de Gaulle as part of the French Ministry of Armed Forces. Headquartered at the Hexagone Balard complex in Paris, the DGA serves as the cornerstone of French defense capabilities, managing over 100 armament operations annually across all technological domains necessary for the French Armed Forces. As the state's largest investor with €20 billion in commitments in 2023, the DGA oversees comprehensive defense programs spanning research, development, procurement, and international cooperation. The agency employs 10,500 personnel across 18 sites throughout France, with 60% being executives, engineers, and experts, and 20% military personnel. The DGA's mission encompasses preparing the future of French defense systems, equipping the French Armed Forces with cutting-edge technology, and promoting French defense industry exports globally. Operating as an expertise, trial, and engineering force, the DGA leads the design of defense systems and conducts armament operations through specialized centers for trials and technical validation. The agency supervises prestigious engineering schools including École Polytechnique, ENSTA ParisTech, Supaéro, ENSTA Bretagne, and ENSICA, ensuring a continuous pipeline of highly qualified defense engineers. Under the leadership of the Délégué Général pour l'Armement, typically an Ingénieur Général de classe exceptionnelle, the DGA coordinates international armament projects with industry partners across France, Europe, and global customers for defense exports. The agency promotes European defense cooperation through fifteen cooperative armament projects and contributes to the development of the European Defence Agency. In 2022, the DGA allocated €1.1 billion specifically to innovation and defense technology projects, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining France's technological edge in defense capabilities. The organization continues to undergo transformation to adapt to changing threats, international relations, and emerging technologies while maintaining its position as a global leader in defense procurement and technological advancement.