France Plans to Quadruple Missile and Drone Stockpiles by 2030 – Reports

France is embarking on an ambitious plan to significantly bolster its military capabilities, with a goal to increase its stockpiles of missiles and drones by a staggering 400% by the year 2030. This initiative will be supported by a substantial investment of €8.5 billion, as revealed in a recent report by the Financial Times. The report highlights the details of a new military planning bill that aims to enhance the defense capabilities of the nation in response to escalating global threats.

According to the proposed legislation, France's defense spending is projected to rise dramatically, reaching €63.3 billion by 2027, €68.3 billion by 2028, €72.8 billion by 2029, and culminating at €76.3 billion by 2030. These figures underscore the government's serious intentions to modernize and strengthen the military power of the country, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the increasing threats in the international arena.

Among the key objectives outlined in the new plan is a substantial increase in the stockpiles of loitering munitions, commonly referred to as kamikaze drones, by 400%. Additionally, the plan includes a 240% increase in the stock of AASM Hammer guided bombs, manufactured by Safran, as well as a 30% increase in the stock of Aster and Mica missiles produced by MBDA. This indicates that the French military is keen to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare, where drones and precision munitions are playing an increasingly critical role.

It is important to note that the proposed bill does not include plans to expand the size of the armed forces or to procure additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets and frigates. However, there is consideration for the development of a new tank to replace the aging Leclerc models. This highlights France's commitment to innovation and modernization of its armored vehicles, which is a vital component of contemporary military strategy.

Furthermore, the Eurodrone program, which is being implemented by France in collaboration with Germany, Italy, and Spain, will not be funded under this military planning bill. This raises questions about the future development of drone technologies in France, given the crucial role that drones play in modern conflicts.

Reports indicate that following the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, most European countries have begun to actively enhance their defense capabilities, investing billions of euros in armaments. This shift signifies a transformation in approaches to national security across Europe, as nations strive to adapt to new challenges and threats that have emerged in the contemporary world.