France has announced a new plan to accelerate its rearmament, citing what it views as an increasing threat from Russia and the need to strengthen both national and NATO defense capabilities.
Under the updated defense legislation, Paris aims to add €36 billion (approximately $42 billion) to its defense budget for the upcoming period, on top of the previously planned €413 billion for 2024–2030. French officials say the increase responds to global security shifts and lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
According to the plan, France’s annual defense spending is projected to reach €76.3 billion by 2030, or roughly 2.5% of GDP, up from €57.1 billion this year. The package also includes an additional €8.5 billion for munitions, bringing the total to €26 billion for 2026–2030.
Key priorities include boosting capabilities for munitions and weapons systems, such as:
- 400% increase in remotely operated munitions (explosive drones)
- 85% increase in SCALP missiles
- 230% increase in torpedoes
- 30% increase in surface-to-air missiles
Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the need for the armed forces to be ready for large-scale military engagement at any time. “Our armed forces must be capable of responding to a major operation within a timeframe that no one can predict,” she said after a meeting with senior security officials.
France, one of the European Union’s leading military powers, continues to pursue self-reliance in defense, developing domestic industries including the Rafale fighter jets and the SAMP/T air defense system.
The increase in military spending coincides with broader European efforts to strengthen defense capacities, increase support for Ukraine, and reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. France remains a key ally of Kyiv, providing military and political assistance, while President Emmanuel Macron has previously stated that France has become one of Ukraine’s primary intelligence suppliers.
