Defense: these decisions that the 2027 presidential election will no longer be able to postpone

Are the French aware of the dangers that await them? Already very real, in the form of foreign interference and manipulation of information and data, cyber attacks and “Star Wars” in space. Or more possible, like a high-intensity war on their soil, with drones and tanks… Whatever their degree of concern, would they be ready to make the necessary efforts, both financial and human, to strengthen the defense apparatus?

The next president, following the 2027 presidential election, will not escape these questions or the delicate decisions to be made. Because today, despite the multiple pressures, “There is a lack of a general strategy for our security,” regrets Hélène Conway-Mouret, senator (from the Socialist, Ecologist and Republican Group) representing French people established outside France and vice-president of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces. During parliamentary debates, we are asked to accept a list of objects, without any real vision. HAS”

Hence a consensus, on the part of the guests at a round table, on the need to develop a military programming law which would be based on a new white paper on defense and national security. This document sets the strategic directions for the next 15 years. “One of the previous white papers, in 2012, turned out to be obsolete in 2015! HAS”insists Bastien Lachaux, France Insoumise MP for Seine-Saint-Denis Aubervilliers and member of the Defense Commission. Indeed, the technical and geopolitical environment continues to evolve – and requires ever more investment… In this period of debt and deficit, “We will have to make courageous choices”notes Frank Giletti, deputy (National Rally) of Var and vice-president of the Commission on National Defense and Armed Forces at the National Assembly.

But what is the ideal amount for a rearmament budget? Some 100 billion euros, or 3.5% of French GDP, as requested by President Trump, which Bastien Lachaux did not fail to emphasize? In any case, since LFI wants France to leave NATO, “our country must be able to act alone, even if it can also join forces with others”continues this MP, who is also in favor of national, civil and military conscription for young people.

With or without NATO, “We must develop the spirit of defense within the population, which is difficult in times of peace…”believes Natalia Pouzyreff. The Member of Parliament (Renaissance) for Yvelines and Secretary of the Commission for National Defense and Armed Forces is in favor of the amount of 100 billion euros for the French military budget. “We must start from existing threats and plan ahead. That said, if Russia becomes more aggressive, more quickly, we will have to increase our power before 2030.”she continues. In such a context, France would obviously act in concert with the rest of the Europeans. Which now involves thinking about connectivity and interoperability. Without forgetting a production capacity that meets needs.

But before talking about financial means – “The figure of 100 billion euros is just a slogan, like the expression ‘war economy’.”decides General Christophe Gomart, European deputy Les Républicains – “It would be better to first ask the question: money for what? HAS”. Listening to the experts, it seems that we have to do everything: defend the territory, act in space, strengthen the stock of machines and munitions (with how many aircraft carriers, battle tanks…), increase deterrence, work on artificial intelligence…

The choices are complex and the questions are numerous. “What exactly do we want to do with our army? Bring it into play everywhere in the world? HAS”asks the general. In this case or in a more restricted framework, what about the staff? Should we increase recruitment to strengthen the army? Give a greater role to reservists? Christophe Gomart, who also thinks that « Otan goes if it déliter »focuses in particular on these two options.

As for Natalia Pouzyreff, she advocates the Europeanization of NATO and the development of innovation and industrial production capacities (to be able to produce 10,000 small drones per month at the slightest alert, for example). While “No one is happy at the moment”observes Senator Hélène Conway-Mouret, would a new military programming law, which would embody an updated strategic vision and an up-to-date format for the armies, succeed in satisfying all defense stakeholders? Faced with new threats, it must above all succeed in protecting the French.