French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to enhance the country’s military capabilities in response to security threats arising from the war in Ukraine.
Lecornu stated that President Emmanuel Macron has tasked him with accelerating France’s rearmament efforts, including expanding the navy, increasing the number of Rafale fighter jets, and ramping up drone production.
France’s current military budget for 2024-2030 allocates €413 billion for defense, with an annual increase of over €3 billion to meet rising international security demands. Lecornu suggested that the French Navy could expand its fleet from 15 to 18 frigates to better monitor maritime regions, from the Red Sea to the Indo-Pacific, the Baltic, and the Mediterranean. Additionally, he proposed adding 20 to 30 Rafale jets and accelerating the development of unmanned aerial systems for the army.
As tensions in Europe persist, France aims to bolster its defense strategy to address growing geopolitical challenges.
