According to Macron, the budget boost is necessary to complete the transformation of the French military. This would also prepare the French military for high-intensity conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.
“France has and will have armies in the future to meet challenges,” Macron said during a speech at France’s Mont-de-Marsan air base. In the same speech, the French president said defense would invest heavily in drones and military intelligence.
‘New era’
Macron called the budget increase part of a “new era” in which threats are becoming more common. “Whether it’s old wars or unprecedented conflicts,” he said. ‘Right between sophistication and brutal simplicity.’
In addition, Macron said he wants to increase France’s cyber capacity to be able to respond faster to cyber attacks.