Americas

Kourou,French Guiana: The most powerful version of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket Thursday carried 32 satellites into space for the Amazon Leo network, which aims to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. The launch from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on the northeastern coast of South America, is a first for Amazon Leo. The largest number of satellites ever carried by an Ariane rocket successfully separated and set off toward their final orbit to applause from those following the event live at the control centre. "What a day, what a launch!" exclaimed Arianespace CEO David Cavailloles, who said the operation proved the launcher's ability to "carry out the most complex missions". "Amazon, your package has been delivered," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, speaking of a "European success". US firm Amazon, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is the main commercial partner for the Ariane 6 despite the latter being touted as a symbol of European sovereignty in the sector. To take on the 32 satellites, the Ariane 6 was upgraded with four strap-on boosters, instead of the two used on the first five flights. The increased number marks "our largest payload that we have launched to date," Martijn Van Delden, head of commercial development for Europe at Amazon Leo, told AFP. With 175 satellites already in orbit, Amazon Leo aims to expand its constellation to 3,200. Rival Starlink, meanwhile, has nearly 9,400 satellites. "We're looking to then increase the payload every time we have a new mission, especially as more powerful boosters come online on Ariane 6," Van Delden said. "Ariane 6 is a perfect launcher for constellations" of satellites, said Arianespace CEO Cavailloles during a press briefing. He said the Amazon launches would help in training for a flagship multi-orbital constellation project of the European Union aimed at ensuring secure and sovereign connectivity, with deployment slated to begin in 2029. 'Build market confidence' Ludwig Moeller, director of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), warned that "over time a sovereign European launcher cannot be primarily dependent on foreign markets". Foreign partners "may negotiate priority handling backed by economic power or which may become unpredictable or inaccessible without notice, given the current geopolitical environment and trade wars," he told AFP. But in the absence of European commercial customers, many of whom work with Musk's SpaceX, the Amazon partnership is crucial. Four out of five anticipated launches took place in 2025 following Ariane's inaugural 2024 flight, unprecedented for a new launcher, according to ArianeGroup president Marc Sion. Although Ariane 6 is eventually expected to carry out 10 launches per year, Pierre Lionnet, Eurospace research director, noted that at this stage this would not be possible without commercial customers like Amazon. Long-term investment is expected to amount to billions of euros to the European space sector. "If things go well here, it will help build market confidence," said Philippe Clar, ArianeGroup's head of launchers.

Europe

Paris: The French Presidency Thursday welcomed India's decision to give its initial approval to a proposal to purchase 114 French Rafale fighter jets, describing the move as an important milestone on the path to concluding a potentially historic contract between the two countries. According to a press release by the French Presidency, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council approved the aircraft acquisition project, considering the decision a strong signal and a significant step forward in military cooperation between Paris and New Delhi. The statement added that technical and commercial discussions between the French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation and the Indian Air Force are ongoing and described them as positive, emphasising the French side's optimism for progress in the coming period. This development comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's scheduled visit to India from February17 to 19, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, and at a time when New Delhi is seeking to modernise its air force and bolster its defense capabilities. India had already ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets for its air force in 2015 and another 26 for its navy by 2025.

Africa

Khartoum: Sudanese authorities announced Thursday that more than 20 people drowned in the north of the country after a boat they were traveling on capsized while crossing the River Nile. The Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan mourned the loss of 21 people, including women and children, from the areas of Deim Al Quray and Tayba Al Khawad, about 200 kilometers north of the capital, Khartoum. The Council confirmed that civil defence teams and local committees are continuing their efforts to search for the missing. The River Nile State government also announced the recovery of 21 bodies, while the search continues for the remaining missing persons who were on board the boat. The Sudanese Doctors Network announced, Wednesday, that 15 people died after a boat carrying more than 27 people capsized in the River Nile in the north of the country. The search for the missing continues, and the network added that six passengers survived.