The French Minister Delegate to Europe, Benjamin Haddad, has called for strengthening European defense capabilities following a visit to the MBDA group’s site, a major player in the defense industry in Europe.

In a message published on Thursday on platform X, the minister highlighted the strategic role of the company, emphasizing that its missile systems contribute to the security of the European Union and the resilience of Ukraine.

This visit took place in the presence of the French Minister Delegate to the Armed Forces and Veterans, Alice Rufo, and Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defense and Space, in a context marked by increasing security challenges in Europe.

Emphasizing the need for greater strategic autonomy, Benjamin Haddad stated that “Europe must assume its own defense,” advocating for increased European funding, a boost in industrial capacities, and a clear European preference in armament policies.

The minister also mentioned the SAFE program, specifying that €15.09 billion allocated to France will finance strategic capacities, particularly in the field of missile systems.

These statements come as European countries intensify efforts to strengthen their defense industrial and technological base in an international environment marked by the war in Ukraine and ongoing geopolitical tensions.