The Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Fabien Mandon, expressed concerns about the possibility of an “open war” with Russia during a meeting on Thursday. He emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Russia and the need to strengthen France’s defense capabilities in response to potential future conflicts.
General Mandon highlighted projections showing a significant increase in Russia’s military strength by 2030, including a rise in the number of soldiers and heavy tanks. He underscored the importance of updating France’s military programming law to adequately address these evolving security challenges.
In response to these remarks, the Kremlin dismissed the fears raised by General Mandon as unfounded, stating that Russia does not pose a threat to any country and is committed to maintaining regional security.
The proposed updates to France’s military programming law include a substantial increase in defense spending over the next few years, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing national security. General Mandon stressed the need for continued vigilance and investment in defense capabilities, citing ongoing security threats such as terrorism and the need for self-reliance in defense strategies amid shifting global priorities.
Amid concerns about waning American support for European security, General Mandon called for a renewed focus on strengthening French defense capabilities to address the complex and evolving security landscape.
