France increases its defense spending in response to significant delays in its programs

Key Information

• France will increase its defense spending by 36 billion euros over five years to address program delays.
• To bridge the gap before its new generation tank is ready, France is looking for a temporary solution to enhance 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, said Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin to lawmakers last Wednesday.

Interim Solution for Tanks

One of the main challenges is to replace the aging Leclerc tank, which is expected to reach the end of its life in 2038. The Franco-German next-generation combat system (MGCS) project has faced several setbacks and is not expected until the early 2040s.

To fill 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 new generation tank” would focus on connectivity and could potentially use a German platform linked to a French-designed turret. Discussions are currently ongoing between the French Defense Procurement Agency and various manufacturers.

Air Programs

Another program facing difficulties is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a trilateral initiative involving France, Germany, and Spain to develop a new generation of combat aircraft. The project is currently 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 that has long been delayed, aims to develop a drone capable of medium-altitude flights with long endurance. This project was 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 expedite 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 Rafales of the F4 standard, focus will shift to the future F5 standard, capable of carrying the hypersonic nuclear missile ASN4G.

Combat Aviation Modernization

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. This is intended to ensure the competitiveness of the Rafale in export markets.

The revised budget also includes funds for the acquisition of 30 rocket launcher systems by 2030, up from the initial goal of 16 systems. This year, France will test two internally developed artillery rocket systems to determine whether a “sovereign” solution is feasible or if a commercially available system is preferable.

Additionally, the budget allocates 1 billion euros to develop a conventional long-range 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.

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