France Accelerates Rearmament Citing Threat from Russia
France has announced its intention to expedite the rearmament of its armed forces, citing what it perceives as a growing threat from Russia. This revelation came as part of new military legislation introduced on Wednesday.
France has declared its commitment to accelerate the rearmament of its military forces, responding to what it considers an escalating threat from Russia. This announcement was made during the unveiling of new military legislation on Wednesday. Under this legislation, the country plans to allocate an additional €36 billion ($42 billion) to its defense spending in the coming years.
The military expenditure bill was presented following statements from senior French officials who emphasized the necessity for the nation to be prepared to confront Russia, while NATO must adapt to a faster production of armaments. According to the new plans, France's total defense spending is projected to rise to €76.3 billion ($89 billion) by 2030, representing approximately 2.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to €57.1 billion ($67 billion) this year.
According to information provided by the AFP agency, the new defense plan includes an additional €36 billion ($42 billion) in spending between 2024 and 2030, on top of the already allocated €413 billion ($482 billion). This increase also encompasses an extra €8.5 billion ($9.9 billion) for ammunition, raising the total to €26 billion ($30 billion) from 2026 to 2030.
French officials have highlighted that the plan emphasizes ammunition, missiles, and drone stockpiles. Specifically, it includes a 400% increase in the production of remotely piloted munitions, such as explosive drones, as well as a 30% increase in surface-to-air missiles. French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna stressed the importance of military readiness, stating, "Our armed forces must be capable of responding to significant commitments within timelines that none of us can foresee."
France stands out as one of the few European countries pursuing a policy of self-sufficiency in defense, prioritizing domestic production and development to reduce external dependence. Key programs in this context include the Rafale fighter jets and the joint Italian-French SAMP/T air defense system. These measures reflect France's serious intentions to bolster its defense capabilities amid a deteriorating international situation.