In Ukraine, in the Middle East, major geopolitical instabilities – the issue of national defense has never been as central in decades. In a new program called “Question d’argent,” aired on France 5 on Tuesday, April 7th, journalist Julian Bugier, known for the 13 Heures on France 2, delves into defense economics. From exclusive access – such as aboard a frigate during an aircraft carrier maneuver like the Charles-de-Gaulle, to the cost of each defense position, the documentary immerses the viewer in the heart of national defense.
“Introduce us to this documentary dedicated to defense in a few words for this first issue.” It’s 70 minutes immersing in the armed forces: army, air force, and navy. In a context where the country faces a characterized threat. We wanted to explain in a very pedagogical way how public money for national defense is spent. It was important to have an economic positioning on France Télévisions’ channels at a time when people are paying a lot of attention to the concepts of money and public funds. For this first issue, defense seemed obvious to us: in a particular international and budgetary context.
“What are the peculiarities of this documentary?” We started in July, it is a considerable work. It is the first time in a documentary that we have so much access to so many worlds related to national defense: the armed forces but also the industry players who are generally confidential and classified.
“It’s about teaching ‘where does the French people’s money go’?” We see how the money is allocated in an impressive budget like that of defense. The entry point for the topic is not so much about preparing for war but rather about how much it costs and how the money is spent to prepare for it. It’s important.
“What struck you in this documentary?” The ability of the armies to adapt according to the threat. Today, investments are not allocated in the same way as a few years ago. The place taken by drones: a few years ago, the army invested massively. There is also the seriousness that I could feel in the headquarters and among the military personnel I met. The threat is characterized and real danger. Today, France’s engagement capacity is real, and we are training for it. We really feel a change in mindset.
“The mindset of the military as well as the adaptability of the army are noticeable in the documentary.” The dedication and determination of the soldiers of the French army are striking. Sometimes we have very young soldiers who commit. At 22, this soldier on the frigate “Chevalier Paul” is in charge of controlling the fire on one of the largest frigates of the French navy. It’s impressive. And adaptability, the example is the Caesar cannon. For years, the army was equipped with the Charles Leclerc, the flagship of the army. We stopped production: it is no longer suitable for the battlefield if we had to engage with an enemy country tomorrow. The adaptability of the Caesar cannon means that today it is exported worldwide.
At the Onera (National Office for Aerospace Studies and Research) in Paris, did you face more constraints? Not really. In Paris, it is a component of national defense: anticipating the threat of tomorrow and how to adapt.
The documentary will be broadcast on France 5 on Tuesday, April 9th (9:05 PM).
