France plans to increase its stock of drones by 400% by 2030, according to a draft law on military planning, Politico reports.
According to the document, France also intends to increase its stock of AASM Hammer guided bombs by 240% and Aster and Mica missiles by 30%.
The document allocates 8.5 billion euros for new weapons and shows the country's preparation for a possible high-intensity conflict against the backdrop of fighting in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The draft law also proposes a significant increase in military spending: up to 63.3 billion euros in 2027, 68.3 billion euros in 2028, 72.8 billion euros in 2029 and 76.3 billion euros in 2030.
The text emphasizes that these measures are aimed at preparing the economy for a “war regime“. “This is reflected in an increase in orders and supplies and in the adaptation of the industrial infrastructure“, the draft says.
The acceleration of military programs is linked to growing concerns in Europe about a possible conflict with Russia by the end of the decade, as well as uncertainty about US policy after Donald Trump's return to power, the article states.
However, France does not plan to expand its armament with new fighters or frigates. Instead, Paris is considering the development of a new tank to replace the Leclerc by the end of the 21st century. The draft also mentions possible delays in the Franco-German program to develop a next-generation tank and the de facto withdrawal from the European Eurodrone drone project, for which funding is not provided in the document. The final version of the law is expected to be presented by the government on April 8.
Earlier, the deputy commander of the French Air Force, General Dominique Tardif, said that his duties include preparing French military aviation for a potential Russian attack on NATO by 2029. The French general noted that the air forces on NATO's eastern flank, in particular the Baltic states and Romania, cannot provide sufficient security for the bloc.
Last year, the Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces, Fabien Mandon, called on the military to prepare for a “collision in three to four years“ with Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said that the alliance would be Russia's next target. In the context of the Russian threat, he called on NATO countries to increase defense spending and weapons production.