Main information
- France will increase its defense spending by 36 billion euros over five years to address program delays.
- To fill the gap before its new generation tank is ready, France is seeking an interim solution that prioritizes connectivity.
- The modernization of the French army prioritizes long-range strike capabilities, hypersonic missiles, and advanced air defenses.
France’s defense spending is set to increase by 36 billion euros over the next five years. At the same time, the country is facing delays in its major military programs, as stated by Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin to lawmakers last Wednesday.
Interim solution for tanks
One of the main challenges is replacing the aging Leclerc tank, which is expected to reach the end of its life in 2038. The Franco-German program for the next-generation combat system (MGCS) has faced several 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 also utilize a German KNDS platform paired 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. The FCAS aims to develop a new generation of combat aircraft. This project is currently stalled due to differences 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 a 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 to have twelve systems by 2035. The government is committed to maintaining a fleet of 225 Rafale combat aircraft by 2035. Instead of acquiring additional Rafale F4 standard aircraft, 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 planned 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 revised 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. The goal is to determine if a “sovereign” solution is feasible or if a market-available system is preferable.
Additionally, the budget allocates 1 billion euros to launch the development of a long-range conventional ballistic strike capability. The Ministry of Defense will also order 10,000 combat drones, 43 Proteus anti-drone cannons, and four SAMP/T NG air defense systems in 2023.
