Main information
- France will increase its defense spending by 36 billion euros over five years to address program delays.
- To bridge the gap before its next-generation tank is ready, France is looking for a temporary solution that prioritizes connectivity.
- The modernization of the French army focuses on long-range strike capabilities, hypersonic missiles, and advanced air defenses.
France’s defense spending is set to rise by 36 billion euros over the next five years. At the same time, the country faces delays in its major military programs, Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin told lawmakers last Wednesday.
Interim solution for tanks
One of the key challenges is to replace the aging Leclerc tank, which is expected to reach the end of its service life in 2038. The Franco-German next-generation combat system (MGCS) project has faced numerous setbacks. Additionally, it is not expected until the early 2040s.
To address this gap, France is exploring an interim solution: a tank that would serve as the basis for the MGCS rather than just a temporary measure. This “first next-generation tank” would focus on connectivity. It could potentially use a German KNDS platform combined with a French-designed turret. Discussions are currently underway between the French Defense Procurement Agency and various manufacturers.
Air programs
Another struggling program is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a trilateral initiative involving France, Germany, and Spain to develop a new generation of combat aircraft. This project is at a standstill due to disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus regarding direction and task allocation. Mediation efforts are underway to reach an agreement by the end of April.
The Eurodrone program, an Airbus initiative long delayed, aims to develop a drone capable of flying at medium altitude with long endurance. This project has been removed from the revised budget due to lack of progress. France has also abandoned its plan to acquire the Safran MALE Patroller drone.
France plans to accelerate the acquisition of long-range air defense systems SAMP/T NG, aiming to acquire ten by 2030 instead of the initially planned eight. The goal remains twelve systems by 2035. The government is committed to maintaining a fleet of 225 Rafale combat aircraft by 2035. Instead of acquiring additional Rafale fighters of the F4 standard, the focus will be on the future F5 standard, capable of carrying the hypersonic nuclear missile ASN4G.
Modernization of combat aviation
An investment of 3.5 billion euros is earmarked to modernize combat aviation capabilities through a combination of long-range missiles, escort drones, and improved connectivity. The aim is to ensure the competitiveness of the Rafale on export markets.
The supplementary budget also includes funding for the acquisition of 30 rocket launcher systems by 2030. The initial target was 16 systems. This year, France will test two internally developed artillery rocket systems. This is to determine if a “sovereign” solution is feasible or if a commercially available system is preferable.
Additionally, the budget allocates 1 billion euros to develop a long-range conventional ballistic strike capability. The Ministry of Armed Forces will also order 10,000 combat drones, 43 Proteus anti-drone cannons, and four SAMP/T NG air defense systems in 2023.
