France boosts defense spending to record levels as security fears grow
Photo: French Army (Getty Images)
The French Parliament has finally approved the country’s record-breaking defense budget of 436 billion euros through 2030. Investments in missiles, artillery shells, and drones will be the top priority, according to Le Monde.
Both chambers of parliament supported the revised version of the Military Programming Act. 375 members of the National Assembly voted in favor of the bill, while only 113 voted against it.
French authorities attribute this generosity to a radical shift in the global security landscape. French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin stated that the state owed this step to its citizens.
"High-intensity warfare has returned to Europe. The balance of power is becoming more precarious, and hybrid, cyber, space, and information threats are multiplying," the Minister emphasizes.
Paris is closely analyzing the experience of combat operations in Ukraine and the Middle East. That is why the focus is on weapons that have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Priority areas for funding include:
- Large-scale procurement of artillery shells
- Replenishing stocks of modern missiles
- Development and production of military drones
- Strengthening cybersecurity and space reconnaissance.
New state of emergency and rules
The law introduces a special mechanism, a state of national security emergency. It will be declared in the event of a serious threat to the country. This state of emergency also grants the government extraordinary powers.
Authorities will be able to disregard certain environmental or urban planning regulations. This is necessary for the rapid construction of strategic facilities. For example, to quickly build shelters for Rafale fighter jets.
The law also allows airports and other private operators to use anti-drone systems.
They also want to prepare the country’s citizens for potential threats. The traditional Defense Day will now become Mobilization Day. The main goal is to introduce young people to the military and teach them the basics of military affairs.
In addition, the law establishes a new voluntary national service. This will allow French citizens to voluntarily participate in defense initiatives.
More important information about France’s defense industry
Ukraine is currently trying to reach an agreement with France regarding a license to produce SCALP missiles. The first results of the negotiations are already in.
France is also developing the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile. The new weapon is capable of maneuvering at extreme speeds and will be nearly impossible to shoot down.
