The Russian threat remains a top military concern for the French. Paris is strengthening its defense budget to €36 billion to counter Moscow’s army projected to reach 1.9 million soldiers by 2030.
The possibility of an “open war” with Russia is a major concern for General Fabien Mandon, the French Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He warned of a potential conflict within the next three to four years.
General Mandon emphasized the ongoing Russian threat in Europe and the need to prepare the military accordingly during a defense commission hearing. He highlighted Russia’s projected military strength of 1.3 million soldiers in 2025, increasing to 1.9 million by 2030.
The number of Russian heavy tanks is expected to rise from 4,000 in 2025 to 7,000 in 2030, with the navy maintaining around 230-240 combat ships. General Mandon stressed the importance of reinforcing French defense capabilities based on intelligence assessments.
He stated that the Military Planning Law (LPM) is crucial for national defense and urged for increased defense investments in response to the current period of danger and uncertainty.
The proposed update to the LPM includes an additional €36 billion for the military, on top of the €413 billion allocated for 2024-2030. The need to address the threat of terrorism and the diminishing level of trust in American security commitments were also cited as reasons for the increased defense budget.
General Mandon pointed out that the U.S. priorities may not align with those of France and Europe, highlighting the need for self-reliance and readiness amidst multiple crises around the world. The U.S. has been advising France to enhance its defense capabilities given the unpredictable nature of future security challenges.
