The French Army wants to prepare for a possible open war with Russia.

France Boosts Defense Budget Amid Rising Threats By: [Author Name]

An important meeting on military defense took place at the Elysée on March 1, 2026.

Mission: Be prepared for battle. In light of the US diplomatic disengagement from Europe and the increasing number of theaters of war, France aims to be ready. Particularly concerning is the threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom the possibility of an “open war” remains the “primary concern” of French Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces General Fabien Mandon.

“The ongoing Russian threat to our continent, with an open war… remains my primary concern in terms of military preparedness,” he told lawmakers on Thursday, April 9 during a hearing on updating the military programming law to strengthen the defense budget by 2030. In the fall of 2025, the highest-ranking officer in the French army had already warned of a “shock in three, four years.”

Each country has the freedom to evolve, but projections show that Russia will have 1.3 million soldiers in 2025, projected to rise to 1.9 million by 2030, along with a significant increase in heavy tanks and combat ships. This warranted the need to reinforce the French defense capabilities, according to General Mandon.

A Revised Military Program Law to Accelerate Rearmament In January, President Emmanuel Macron called for an update to the military programming law, which included an additional 36 billion euros to accelerate rearmament on top of the 413 billion euros allocated for 2024-2030. “To remain free, one must be feared; to be feared, one must be powerful. To be powerful in this brutal world, we must act faster and stronger,” stated the head of state.

The updated law presented in the Council of Ministers on Wednesday includes expanding ammunition stocks, increased funding for drones, and improved air defense systems to intercept ballistic missiles. It also allows the president to establish a state of alert and national security in case of a serious and current threat to facilitate decision-making for strategic projects.

Prior to Anxiety, the Need to Encourage Vigilance For the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, this revised military program law is crucial for the defense of citizens, the country, and its interests. He emphasized the need to promote vigilance rather than fear, citing the importance of defending the country in a period of danger. Additionally, the threat of terrorism remains significant in various regions, justifying the defense investment required from the French people.

Moreover, there is growing uncertainty about American commitment to European security, despite the strong dialogue with US military authorities. The simultaneous crises and differing priorities between the US and France highlight the importance of national defense readiness.

The updated programming law is expected to be brought before Parliament for approval, with President Macron aiming for adoption before July 14, 2026, his last military parade as head of state and the armed forces.