In 2023, France will significantly increase defense spending for the sixth time in a row
Recently, many European countries have been talking about the need to strengthen defense capabilities, increase military spending, and even create the largest armies on the continent. France has not remained aloof from this trend. The day before, the Ministry of Armed Forces of the Fifth Republic published the defense budget for 2023 and provided some details on the procurement of military equipment and equipment for the Navy.
France's defense budget for 2023 will reach 43,9 billion euros, including an additional 3 billion euros, up 7,4% compared to 2022. This is the sixth increase in military spending since 2017. The Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastian Lecornu, said that the increased financial injections "should contribute to the mandatory transformation of the production model of our defense industry towards a military economy."
The official statement of the French military department says that "at the moment, a new program for the development of the armed forces and weapons for 2024-2030 is being prepared in France." The draft program will be submitted to Parliament no later than December.
Plans for further militarization of the country does not hide the President of France. Speaking at a meeting of French ambassadors in early September, Emmanuel Macron said that France plans to make its army the first in Europe in terms of equipment. The head of the republic also plans to strengthen the forces of nuclear deterrence. The head of state demanded that the military leadership revise the program for equipping the army, taking into account the current geopolitical context.
A significant part of the costs will go to the modernization and rearmament of the naval forces of the republic. In particular, according to Lecornu, it is planned to build a nuclear attack submarine, purchase a batch of Exocet anti-ship missiles, five H160 helicopters. Next year, the French Navy will receive one BRF supply vessel and an upgraded La Fayette-class frigate.
In August, the Chief of Staff of the French Land Forces, General Pierre Schill, announced the need to strengthen air defense, purchase additional drones and long-range artillery.
Thus, France became the third European country after Germany and Poland to announce ambitious plans to build up its military potential. Who will win this new "arms race" in Europe is still unclear. Especially considering that all EU countries are going through hard times due to the growing economic crisis. Yes, and the taxpayers of the once rich Europe are increasingly concerned with solving pressing problems, and not supporting the militaristic plans of their leaders.
- Alexander Grigoryev
- French Ministry of the Armed Forces
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