Macron Unveils Historic Military Budget Hike Amid Global Tensions
Macron announces a major military budget increase of €7 billion by 2027 to address modern warfare challenges and national security.
Key Points
- • Military budget to rise by €7 billion by 2027, reaching €64 billion annually.
- • Macron identifies Russia as a primary threat amid rising global tensions.
- • Nationwide mobilization called for, emphasizing defense involvement from all citizens.
- • Revamped voluntary military service aimed at training young people.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has announced a significant increase to the nation’s military budget, reflecting rising global tensions and the evolving nature of warfare. On July 13, Macron revealed plans for a €7 billion boost in military expenditure by 2027, with €3.5 billion allocated for the upcoming year alone. This increase will elevate France’s military budget to an annual total of €64 billion by the end of his term, essentially doubling the spending levels compared to 2017.
Macron addressed military strategies in light of what he characterized as unprecedented threats to France's freedom, particularly citing Russia as a central concern amidst its aggressive hybrid warfare tactics. He noted, "We must prepare for what may happen," underscoring the reality of the contemporary geopolitical landscape where the U.S. can no longer be deemed a predictable ally.
The president highlighted the urgent need for France to address gaps in military capabilities, especially in air and naval forces, acknowledging that France's military spending still lags behind Russia's approximately €100 billion budget. Macron stated, "Never since 1945 has the freedom of the French been so threatened," and emphasized that modern warfare now extends beyond traditional combat to include cyber warfare, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.
In a push for a nationwide defense effort, President Macron proposed a comprehensive mobilization involving all citizens and enterprises, describing it as a necessity for national security. This includes a revamped voluntary military service (SMV) designed to provide military training to young people, while Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu highlighted the emphasis on professional reserves to bolster active military forces. He indicated that the army of 2030 will combine both active and reserve personnel with specialized capabilities.
Despite these ambitious plans, questions remain about the practical execution of these initiatives, particularly in light of past difficulties related to logistics and budget management. As Macron prepares France for modern warfare challenges, the geopolitical landscape continues to grow increasingly complex.