France adopts record defense budget
The French government adopts a new seven-year defense budget with a record amount of EUR413 billion. The French Le Figaro reported this. On June 7, the National Assembly of France successfully voted to approve a new 7-year budget for the country's defense department in the amount of EUR413 billion.
The document presents a gradual increase in the defense budget from EUR44 billion in 2023 to EUR69 billion in 2030. Thus, over the next seven years, defense spending will increase by 3 to 4 billion annually. The final approval of the draft law will take place at the session of the upper house of the parliament, scheduled for July 14, after which it must be signed by the president.
Transition from one world to another
The increase in France's defense ministry funding symbolizes a shift from routine support to the military's gradual preparation for potential war.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu cites the threat of terrorism, the war in Ukraine, the militarization of space, and the growing complexity of cyberattacks as the reason to increase expenditures.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on the Suffren submarine of the French Navy. June 2022. Photo credits: French Ministry of Defense
In less than fifteen years, the army's budget will more than double.
From EUR32 billion in 2017, it should reach EUR69 billion in 2030. Over the entire period, the new defense budget should accumulate EUR413 billion, compared to EUR295 billion in the previous defense budget for 2019-2025. Within the defense capability strengthening by 2030, the country's Ministry of Defense plans to increase the number of personnel from 206,000 to 275,000.
Almost 100 billion euros will be directed to human resources and the creation of over 6,300 new positions. The operational reserve of the country will also be expanded. The Ministry of Defense plans to increase the number of reservists to 105,000 no later than 2035, that is, to achieve a ratio of one reserve soldier to two active soldiers.
This decision should provide the country with a significant potential for military deployment in the event of war. As part of its rearmament by 2030, the French Ministry of Defense plans to receive up to 150 Jaguar armored vehicles and three additional frigates.
Jaguar armored reconnaissance vehicle of France. Photo credits: Nexter
The budget also suggests active financing of the construction of the next-generation aircraft carrier until 2038, which should replace the current Charles de Gaulle (R91) nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The budget document foresees the deployment of a new generation military surveillance satellite called "Iris" by 2030.
The military budget of France does not include resources aimed at military support of Ukraine, which will be funded under the laws on finance.