Defense, Aeronautics and Space
The defense, aeronautics, and space industry faces numerous and complex challenges related to regulation, competition, innovation, security, and technological exchanges. It is regularly at the heart of national sovereignty issues.
These challenges require an experienced team of lawyers and tailored legal solutions adapted to the specific needs of each sector player, whether public authorities, regulators, international organisations, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, or financial institutions.
We have lawyers specialised in handling legal issues related to the defense, aeronautics and space sectors, and we provide our clients with professionals who, in addition to their legal expertise, possess excellent technical knowledge of the fields, and the ability to work on international cases and complex programmes.
We are involved at every stage of a project:
Structuring strategic projects and complex programmes.
Implementation of industrial and technological partnerships (including through joint subsidiaries or business groupings), both in France and internationally, for the development of national and export programmes.
Protecting, structuring and commercialising intellectual property rights and organisation of technology transfer projects.
Drafting and negotiating project contracts for the development, design, and construction of complex equipment, systems, or installations (e.g., “pilot projects,” “first of a kind” projects, etc.).
Advising on regulatory matters in the defense, aeronautics, and space sectors (legal audits, analysis of applicable regulations, export control, technical certifications), structuring projects developed within the framework of extraterritorial U.S. regulations such as ITAR and EAR regulations.
We have acquired a wealth of experience by working alongside French and European industrialists on some of the largest industrial programmes in the sector: military aircraft assembly in India, design and supply of submarines to the Australian and Brazilian navies, development of military aircraft programs in Europe, and the development of launch vehicles and spacecraft in Europe. Our team is also involved in the international development of the civil nuclear EPR program in India, China, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
Our strong relationships with the authorities and the European Commission strengthen our ability to leverage the firm’s cross-disciplinary skills.
Areas of intervention
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We advise our clients on structuring, negotiating and implementing complex contracts. This includes the design, construction, supply, assembly, maintenance, operational readiness and R&D of equipment and infrastructure in the defence, aeronautics and space sectors, both civil and military.
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We help our clients to protect, structure and commercialise their intellectual property rights and with the implementation of licensing and technology transfer agreements.
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We support our clients to ensure compliance with the regulations applicable to their activities. This includes competition law, public procurement law, aviation and space law, environmental law, export control and certification and accreditation. We appear before the competent authorities in the event of audits and controls, sanctions or disputes.
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We provide expertise in acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and restructuring. We consider the specific nature of the market, regulatory constraints, intellectual property issues, tax and employment matters and litigation risks. We help our clients to obtain the necessary authorisations, including in relation to foreign investment, and manage issues of foreign influence, ownership or control.
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We defend the interests of our clients in disputes or arbitration relating to their activities in the defence, aeronautics and space sectors. We help them to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts with a pragmatic and effective approach.
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We advise our clients on the drafting of insurance contracts and the management of disputes relating to insurance coverage.
Awards
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Chambers Global/Europe - France 2024
Projects & Energy: International
Band 2
Gide's well regarded department has strong global activity, with a particular presence in Africa. The team represents states, corporates and lenders. The lawyers are regularly appointed on projects in a variety of sectors including natural resources, transport infrastructure and renewable energy.
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Chambers Europe - France 2024
Projects & Energy: Domestic
Band 2
Gide's well-regarded department has strong domestic activity. The team's expertise includes PPPs and project financing, with additional experience in contractual and M&A matters representing states, corporates and lenders." “Gide has been very proficient in handling complex energy-related files.”
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Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024
Project Finance
Tier 1
Gide regularly acts for public institutions, manufacturers, investment funds and lenders, and is known for its expertise in the structuring and financing of projects. The group is particularly adept at advising on projects across the construction, oil-and-gas, nuclear energy and logistics industries.