France's War Economy Policy: Preparing for High-Intensity Conflict
France has implemented a strategic "war economy" policy to rapidly adapt its economic and industrial capacities in support of military readiness amid growing concerns about future high-intensity conflicts in Europe.
- • The term 'war economy' was introduced by the French president in May 2022 at the Eurosatory exhibition.
- • France has been implementing war economy policies for three years to support fast military supply replenishment.
- • The French National Strategic Review of 2025 emphasizes 'preparation for war' as a critical objective.
- • The concept reflects a broader European intention to strengthen defense against possible high-intensity wars, despite debate on its peacetime relevance.
Key details
The concept of "war economy" was introduced by the French president at the Eurosatory exhibition on May 13, 2022, marking a significant shift in France's national strategy to support military readiness and national defense. The idea entails a rapid adaptation of the economy—accelerating production rhythms and margins—to swiftly replenish essential military supplies and coordinate supply lines for both the armed forces and allied nations.
Although the term "war economy" is uncommon in other European countries, it reflects a growing consensus among European nations on the need to reinforce defense capabilities in anticipation of potential high-intensity warfare scenarios. France has actively pursued policies aligned with this concept for the past three years, as outlined in the French National Strategic Review of 2025, which emphasizes "preparation for war" as a crucial step.
This framework involves both public and private sector policies designed to ensure readiness and resilience, fostering greater synchronization between economic activity and defense requirements. The approach also prompts debate about the appropriateness of invoking war-related economic terminology in peacetime, signaling a search for concepts that better capture the political and strategic realities faced today.
France's experience underscores the urgency of adapting national economic structures and industrial capacity to respond promptly and effectively to potential future conflicts, making the "war economy" not just a theoretical construct but an operational imperative for the nation's defense posture.