The French army is one of the strongest in Europe, despite the absence of external threats.

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The French army is one of the strongest in Europe, despite the absence of external threats.


Its military industrial complex almost completely provides the armed forces of the country with weapons and equipment. Nevertheless, the geopolitical ambitions of Paris significantly exceed its military capabilities.

Having suffered a heavy defeat from Germany at the beginning of World War II, France, following the results of this war, was artificially returned to the number of not only winners, but great powers. For seven decades, Paris is trying in every way to maintain this status, demonstrating the huge ambitions that are generally characteristic of this country. France is one of the founders of NATO, while from 1966 to 2009, it was not part of the military structure of the alliance, demonstrating increased independence in military and international affairs. France is a nuclear power, ranks fourth or fifth in the world in terms of charges (after the United States, Russia, China and, possibly, Israel).

Geographically, France is a continental country, but militarily behaves more like an ocean power, actively developing Aviation and the fleet. Like almost all NATO countries, after the end of the Cold War, it switched from conscription to the hired principle of manning and significantly reduced its armed forces (armed forces), remaining, however, one of the strongest in the alliance and generally in Europe.

France has a powerful military-industrial complex, which almost completely provides the Armed Forces of the country with weapons and equipment. The exceptions are the American MLRS multi-launch rocket system (MLRS), the Javelin anti-tank missile system (ATGM), the E-3 and E-2 early warning radar aircraft (ARLO), some C-130 transport aircraft and some aircraft armaments. France develops and manufactures part of aviation equipment together with other European countries, primarily with Great Britain, Germany and Italy.

The ground forces have the headquarters of the rapid reaction forces and two divisions, but in peacetime the combat forces do not obey these headquarters. The ground forces are formed by 13 brigades: 1-I, 3-I mechanized, 2-I, 7-I armored, 6-I light armored, 9-I light armored "marin" (marines, which in France is organizationally part of ground forces, not naval forces), 11-I parachute, 27-I mining, reconnaissance, communications, transport, French-German, special forces. There is also the 3 Army Aviation Regiment, the 6 MTO Regiment, the 3 Marine Regiment in the overseas territories and abroad (Djibouti, Guiana, Reunion).

The composition of the land forces also includes the famous Foreign Legion, which is staffed mainly from citizens of other countries. The Legion includes the 1 Regiment, the 2 Infantry Regiment, the 3 Infantry Regiment (in Guiana), the 4 Regiment, the 1 Cavalry Regiment, the 1 and 2 th Regiment of Engineers, the 2 Parachute Regiment (13) in Corsica), XNUMX-I brigade group (in the UAE).

The gendarmerie can act together with the ground forces, although in peacetime it usually performs police functions.

In service is 254 modern tank Leclerc (considered the most expensive tank in the world, worth up to 10 million euros). In storage is another 152 Leclerc, as well as 177 obsolete AMX-30V2 tanks.

The tank fleet is complemented by a significant number of wheeled vehicles with heavy weapons - 256 AMX-10RC with a 105-mm gun (still 81 in storage), 160 ERC-90F4 and 28 VBC-90 with a 90-mm gun (VBC-90-1610-11 with 500-mm gun (VBC-10-VN-158 with 450-mm gun (VBC-5-VN-3,5 with 27-mm gun (VBC-206-VN-10 with 1133-mm gun (VBC-153-VN-170 with XNUMX-mm cannon (VBC-XNUMX-VN-XNUMX with XNUMX-mm cannon) . In addition, there are XNUMX VBL M-XNUMX armored vehicles. In service is more than XNUMX newest BMP VBCI (their production continues), they replace the old BMX AMX-XNUMXP / PC, which XNUMX remains in service (even before XNUMX is in storage). There are almost XNUMX thousands of armored personnel carriers and armored vehicles - up to XNUMX thousands of VAB, at least XNUMX Swedish Bv-XNUMXS and BvS-XNUMX, XNUMX PVP, XNUMX VBRG-XNUMX (in the gendarmerie).

37 self-propelled artillery mounts (SAU) AU-F-1 (still 216 in storage), 77 newest wheeled SAU "Caesar", 43 towed guns TR-F-1 (still 62 in storage) are in service. They all have a caliber 155 mm. There are X-NUMX mortar RT-F192 (1 mm), as well as 120 mortar caliber 157 mm and 60 mm in gendarmerie. The most powerful artillery system of the French army are 81 US MLRS (55 mm).

In service are more than 1 thousands of ATGM - 660 "Milan" (including 110 self-propelled BTR VAB), 492 "Eriks" (including 185 on VAB), 76 "Javelin".


Refueling the Rafale fighter in the air. Photo: Patrick Aventurier / Getty Images


Troop defense consists of 882 MANPADS "Mistral" and a certain number of anti-aircraft guns.

As part of the Army Aviation has 8 light transport aircraft TBM-700, 5 Swiss PC-6 training aircraft until 300 combat helicopters (40 latest ES665 "Tiger" (will 80) 168 SA342M to 74 SA341F «Gazelle"), more than 150 multi-purpose and transport helicopters (18 AS555, 7 EC725AP, 22 AS532UL, 93 SA330, 11 NH90). Army aviation complement gendarmerie helicopters - 20 EC135, 15 EC145.

Air Force organizationally divided into 7 commands. The strategic command is designed to deliver nuclear strikes, there are about 20 of the Rafale aircraft, all of the Mirage-2000N and all the C-135 tankers on its armament. On arms of the Joint Command are all other combat aircraft, as well as reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. The command of air defense and air operations has DRLO airplanes and all air defense systems. Auxiliary planes and helicopters are in other commands: communications, information and intelligence; educational; support

The most modern fighter aircraft of the French Air Force - "Rafale". It is supposed to purchase more 130 of such machines, now there is 85 (44 C, 41 training and combat B). The main combat aircraft is still "Mirage-2000". In the ranks is 170 machines of this type are five modifications (23 older fighters C, 32 upgraded fighter 5F, 29 intended for nuclear strikes N, 8 combat training in, 78 most modern drum D; else 27 C, 2 5F, 24 N, 9 B are in storage). The 3 generation Mirage-F3 fighter 1 (1 CT, 2 B; another 13 C, 13 B, 3 C-200, 39 CT in storage) remain in service. In addition, 17 Mirage-4 medium-range bombers and up to the Jaguars 67 attack aircraft are in storage. The Strategic Command is armed with 84 ASMP cruise missiles (can be used with Mirage-2000N and Rafale), for which there are 58 — 60 nuclear warheads TN-81.

As a combat, 8 reconnaissance aircraft Mirage-F1CR (still 29 in storage) and 110 training-combat Alfa Jet (still 41 in storage) can also be used.

The arsenal consists of X-NUMX E-4F early warning aircraft, X-NUMX C-3G electronic reconnaissance aircraft, 2 tankers (X-NUMX C-160FR, 14 KC-11R).

There are more 150 transport aircraft. 2 C-400R (still 50 in storage), 34 C-160H, 21 Spanish CN-14M, 130 Brazilian EMB-27 (still 235), 24 Brazilian EMB-121 (still 9), and 15 Brazilian EMB-50 (still 100), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (more XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX), and XNUMX Brazilian EMB-XNUMX (still XNUMX); VIP passengers transportation. In service is the XNUMX training aircraft (except for the aforementioned Alpha Jets) and about XNUMX helicopters.

Ground defense make up 5 squadrons of the newest air defense system "Mamba" (SAMP / T). Each squadron has 2 batteries, the battery has 4 — 6 PUs for 8 SAMs. They are designed to defend the air bases of the Air Force itself.

The naval forces in France carry the bulk of the country's nuclear potential. The 4 submarine nuclear-guided ballistic-missile nuclear-powered submarines of the Triumfan type are based on the Atlantic coast of the country. Each submarine carries 16 ballistic missiles (SLBMs). In total, the 48 SLXX M45 is in service; more advanced SLXNXX SLBMs, which the 51 is supposed to acquire, are being put into service. Both the M60 and the M45 can carry up to 51 nuclear warheads, with a total of available for these 6 SLBMs TN-290 YaBCh.

In addition, as part of the underwater fleet there are 6 Rubis-class submarines (all based on the country's Mediterranean coast); instead, it is planned to purchase a similar number of Barracuda-class submarines.

The only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is also based on the Mediterranean. Most of the time this not very successful ship is under repair. In France, the possibility of building an aircraft carrier with a conventional power plant instead is being seriously discussed.

Formally, there are no destroyers in the French Navy, ships of this class are called "1 rank frigates." These include 2 modern ship Forbin type, built on a joint project with Italy, 9 older ships (2 type Kassar, 7 type Georges Leghi), as well as 1 type Aquitaine. The latter are built according to the FREMM project, also jointly with Italy, in total they are supposed to build 11 (instead of “Kassarov” and “Legs”). In Italy, similar ships are considered frigates.

There are also 23 "classic" frigate - 5 type "Lafayette", 6 type "Floreal", 9 type "D'Estin D'Or".

For the protection of the economic zone of the country, including overseas territories, 14 patrol ships are used, having a long cruising range with purely symbolic weapons.

The Navy has 18 minesweepers: Eridan type 11, Vulcan type 4, Antares type 3.

The basis of the landing forces are 3 universal landing craft of the type "Mistral" (similar now for some reason being built for the Russian Navy). There is also an amphibious transport dock "Sirokko" and 2 amphibious assault ships of the type "Batral".

Naval aviation has 60 deck combat aircraft - 25 newest Rafale-M (still 9 in storage pending modernization, will be built before 20 machines), 35 of old Super Etandar (3 in storage). Also available is a 3 decked-off plane for early warning of the E-2C. At the same time, as mentioned above, the only aircraft carrier from which these aircraft can be used is more often under repair than at sea.

Naval aviation is also equipped with 26 basic Atlantic-2 patrol aircraft (2 is still in storage), 24 transport aircraft, 16 training aircraft, 26 anti-submarine helicopters Lynx МК4 (4 in storage), 54 multi-purpose and transport helicopter 13 AS365F, 17 AS565SA, 14 SA319B, 7 NH90, 3 EC225).

There are no foreign troops in the country, while France itself has contingents in its own overseas territories (Guiana, Polynesia, Reunion), as well as in former African colonies (Djibouti, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, CAR, Gabon, Mali, Senegal) . However, these contingents are very small and, rather, symbolize the French presence. As recent events in Mali and the Central African Republic have shown, France seeks to use the troops of African countries as infantry, if necessary, because their soldiers don’t feel sorry for anyone. As a last resort, from the French side, the Foreign Legion is used, since no one’s own, and especially foreign felons, also feel sorry for themselves. Basically, the French are limited to technical and aviation support.

Given the geographical location and the complete absence of external threats, the capacity of the French Armed Forces is more than enough to ensure the country's defense. They can also be used for limited intervention. However, the geopolitical ambitions of Paris are much greater than its real military capabilities. After the completion of the Rafale production program, a quick reduction in the number of combat aircraft will begin (due to the release of the Mirage-2000), and a serious crisis threatens the aviation industry of the country, since the export prospects of Rafale are not obvious (it is very expensive) and no new programs simply no. In a very foreseeable future, the French Armed Forces will lose the ability to conduct even very limited independent operations. This is what explains the country's return to the military structure of NATO. However, the capabilities of the alliance as a whole are also rapidly declining.
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  1. +39
    21 May 2014 14: 50
    A super army that in two days during the great Patriotic war surrendered the whole country. And now, something is not heard of anything about their army. No military successes other than the construction of Misrali, which did not lie to anyone. Except for the former mine defense.
    1. +10
      21 May 2014 14: 51
      Torn off the tongue .. wassat
      1. +11
        21 May 2014 15: 02
        Do not forget about the Greater French Legion, which is rightfully considered the most technically equipped mobile unit in the world. Of course, he won’t be able to pull long military actions, but just for carrying out lightning-bearing operations. And the Americans are sharpening their teeth on him that during the exercises the legion outfitted their marines like kittens.
        1. +6
          21 May 2014 15: 25
          What is the percentage of paddling in the legion?
          1. +12
            21 May 2014 15: 34
            that’s why he and the Legion, so that there were no paddlers there.
            1. +4
              21 May 2014 16: 50
              and what percentage of Russians?
        2. Ataman
          +15
          21 May 2014 15: 31
          And why did this pseudo-expert of the temple girl scare China before everyone else, and now has switched to France?
          And the Military Review should be ashamed to publish on its website all sorts of balabol like zhurchchikhin and korotchenko
      2. +22
        21 May 2014 15: 07
        We know their strength. In 1940, in early May, they were also strong. As a result, we have what we have. No, I do not adhere to hatred, but I should not exaggerate. The French were strong under Napoleon, and the last strong Frenchman died on April 28, 1969, and his name was Charles de Gaulle. That's it, the French are over. And we don’t have to take us to fear.
      3. +9
        21 May 2014 16: 03
        Join us!
        But it’s not a weapon that fights, but people. Our aces on I-16 performed miracles against the Luftwaffe ...

        Damn, what do I have with the flag ??? angry
        1. +1
          21 May 2014 17: 35
          what kind of geyrope you have it is :), then a flag. Iceland is a country of debt, ice and volcanoes. A FRENCH WE ARE, they are very few.
          1. +1
            21 May 2014 18: 28
            Iceland sent the EU with their loans tries, said to whom should, I forgive, and nothing, they swallowed there ...
      4. The comment was deleted.
      5. +2
        21 May 2014 18: 56
        I misunderstood! Do they need to recall every two hundred years? laughing
    2. +8
      21 May 2014 15: 28
      Quote: REDBLUE
      Yes, and now, something is not heard of anything about their army
      - why? Just recently they won the Papuans in Mali! laughing
      1. +5
        21 May 2014 15: 46
        Well, this is a serious bid for world domination)))
        1. avg
          +2
          21 May 2014 19: 15
          Quote: REDBLUE
          Well, this is a serious bid for world domination)))

          And if you take into account the "fighting cockerels" such as Sarkozy and Hollande, then very good. serious laughing
          1. 0
            22 May 2014 10: 09
            yeah, 13 brigades and 400 tanks :) It is clear why they have an "ocean" fleet - they will only have enough strength to drive frogs to underdeveloped Asian countries :) I wonder, I don't remember, but how many tanks are in Israel? :))
            In general, I was 20 years ago in France - in some ways a great country, with rich military traditions and memory of history, but alas, today I must admit that it was :(
    3. GRANATE-19
      +5
      21 May 2014 16: 27
      Quote: REDBLUE
      A super army that in two days during the great Patriotic war surrendered the whole country. And now, something is not heard of anything about their army. No military successes other than the construction of Misrali, which did not lie to anyone. Except for the former mine defense.

      Okay (during World War 2), and most importantly half of the French were on the side of the Germans, so that the people n @ gany. The winners took her for political reasons, because you need an ally in Europe, if you look at the map you will immediately understand everything (without France there’s a big gap), it’s too big a territory.
      And the legion takes part in the hostilities, it also prepares the ground and militants for color revolutions, secretly, of course, and for all kinds of Africa there it fights with militants, Islamists, and so on ...
      They seem to have normal aviation, but the people are awkward and they haven’t met with our pilots, who will probably land them, the tanks are also the most expensive, but let them fight the last Russian ...
      As a result, the most militant unit is the legion, well, for this we have VOLUME FIRE SYSTEMS, and it will mess up his pants ...
      LIVE WITH RUSSIA FRIENDLY AND WE WILL NOT COME AGAIN TO YOU IN PARIS!
      Sincerely, I express my humble opinion.
    4. The comment was deleted.
    5. +6
      21 May 2014 16: 48
      Look at the website for a selection of photos about the occupation of Paris by the Germans in World War II. Compare with Stalingrad or any others from the "Eastern Front". But even then they were not eating cabbage soup with bast shoes. What is the strength in, brother ..?
    6. +5
      21 May 2014 18: 07
      Quote: REDBLUE
      an army that surrendered the whole country in two days during the Great Patriotic War.

      One German general signing the surrender
      when he saw France on the list of winners, he said, "We lost that too?"
      In general, French prostitutes massively infected the valiant fighters of the Reich with a tripper, so Adolf lost the war ..
    7. The comment was deleted.
    8. postman
      0
      22 May 2014 03: 19
      Quote: REDBLUE
      Super army which in two days

      Remind about Louis-Nicolas Davout (Louis-Nicolas Davout or D'Avout, Davous)

      "Iron Marshal" -The only Marshal of Napoleon, who did not lose a single battle?

      Or Murat ("king" of Naples),

      how he carried cavalry with his personal courage, was surrounded by redoubts and fought off the Russians with a saber, until the attack of the French infantry helped him out. While most of the time in the center of the battle under fire, Murat happily survived the battle, in which the French army lost more than 40 generals killed and wounded.

      Or the old (iron) guard of Napoleon?

      "Brave French, give up!" - the English Colonel Helkett shouted fascinated in a square, whose name only because of these words went down in history. “Merde,” answered the heroes of France and Napoleon, “ the guard is dying, but not giving up!»Through the murderous execution of a guard square, leaving a wide bloody trail followed, in even rows passed through battled and greatly reduced English wall.
      Quote: REDBLUE
      No military successes other than the construction of Misral

      1.Africa 1956-1965: only the 3rd and 8th parachute regiments of the Marine Corps, as well as the 2nd parachute regiment of the Foreign Legion (Only small arms, mortars and anti-tank missile systems and light armored vehicles. )
      45 million people in Nigeria alone
      2. Intervention debuts
      3.First battle for Shaba
      4. The second battle for Shaba
      5. The Legion lands in Kolwezi.
      6. Operation Manta
      7. Operation Épervier
      8. Rwandan failure
      9. Operations Licorne
      10. The war in Libya
      11. Operation Serval
      12. Intervention in Mali
      FEW?
      1. GRANATE-19
        -2
        22 May 2014 21: 03
        You are not in the legion of tea studied this story?
        1. postman
          0
          22 May 2014 21: 46
          Quote: GRANATE-19
          You tea

          I studied "tea" at school, as expected, and "I will throw a hat"
          And met with the legionnaires.
          Then what?
          Are the French "cowardly and worthless"? So the visitor pupkin decided?
          Oh well. I wonder who was in Moscow, and whom did Kutuzov beat?
          1. The comment was deleted.
          2. GRANATE-19
            -1
            23 May 2014 22: 09
            Quote: Postman
            Quote: GRANATE-19
            You tea

            I studied "tea" at school, as expected, and "I will throw a hat"
            And met with the legionnaires.
            Then what?
            Are the French "cowardly and worthless"? So the visitor pupkin decided?
            Oh well. I wonder who was in Moscow, and whom did Kutuzov beat?

            No need to whistle that such "dates" in school fall:


            (1.Africa 1956-1965: only the 3rd and 8th parachute regiments of the Marine Corps, as well as the 2nd parachute regiment of the Foreign Legion (Only small arms, mortars and anti-tank missile systems and light armored vehicles.)
            45 million people in Nigeria alone
            2. Intervention debuts
            3.First battle for Shaba
            4. The second battle for Shaba
            5. The Legion lands in Kolwezi.
            6. Operation Manta
            7. Operation Épervier
            8. Rwandan failure
            9. Operations Licorne
            10. The war in Libya
            11. Operation Serval
            12. Intervention in Mali)


            Not xena not confused? You must answer for your words!
            What are the dates at ... school?
            Remember once and for all RUSSIA MOTHER ALWAYS ONE!
            Well, you can kiss your frogs in all places ...
            They were for me, are and always will be collaborators, and nothing more and in the SECOND WORLD they crap and that's it ...

            My great-grandfather fought
            Grandfather fought (three wars 9,5 years)
            FATHER was a military man (died on duty)
            I fought (in the mountains twice)
            Well, you, dear opponent, do not tell me in MY COUNTRY who is considered a HERO and who to read!

            I don’t need to write an answer, since you are a reader and listener of "g @ vnoehomoskvy" ...
            1. The comment was deleted.
            2. The comment was deleted.
              1. GRANATE-19
                0
                25 May 2014 13: 04
                By themselves, others are not judged.
                Please do not write me anymore.
                1. postman
                  -1
                  27 May 2014 12: 46
                  Quote: GRANATE-19
                  By themselves, others are not judged.

                  1. correctly said grenade-19 about grenade -19
                  2. It is enough just to read what stink grenade-19 wrote
                  GRANATE-19 RU May 23, 2014 22:09 ↑
                  and don’t even have to take Helminth tests
                  Quote: GRANATE-19
                  Convincing request

                  1.Not I wrote nonsense and rudeness ("do not sew a sleeve to n ** de"), butting in where they were not invited.
                  2. I really need it, I'm afraid the smell will not be washed off later.
              2. The comment was deleted.
      2. The comment was deleted.
    9. +1
      22 May 2014 09: 59
      I will add that they are also with the Bedouins in Mali, recently crap in a couple of days, Meri-braids had to connect their aircraft.
  2. +5
    21 May 2014 14: 53
    France is forced to maintain a powerful army, because does not participate in the NATO military program, and in addition, actively pursues a colonial policy with the use of troops (Chad, the Central African Republic, Mali, etc.)
    1. The comment was deleted.
    2. +3
      21 May 2014 19: 08
      essay on the topic "How I Will Save France"
  3. Arh
    +17
    21 May 2014 14: 55
    And I Love Russia !!!
    1. miraculous
      +3
      21 May 2014 16: 09
      who doesn’t love her? (of those who have brains, of course)
    2. GRANATE-19
      +2
      21 May 2014 18: 42
      Quote: Arh
      And I Love Russia !!!

      Believe me, I love RUSSIA no less than yours.


      Each sanctuary should be like that of the FATHER,
      And the FATHER OF SYNTHES should have - Fatherland!

      Sincerely, I express my humble opinion.
    3. The comment was deleted.
  4. +4
    21 May 2014 14: 55
    As far as I remember from the events of recent years, France, apart from the Foreign Legion, seems to have nothing! It is clear that all the "dirty work" abroad is done by mercenaries! Where are the successes of the MOST ARMY OF FRANCE ?! It's a mystery!
    1. +2
      21 May 2014 15: 33
      the army of France itself is needed to defend France. Legion - for the colonies.
    2. +1
      21 May 2014 15: 42
      The French in Libya, 600 commandos lost in one assault, here you have all their achievements.
    3. +2
      21 May 2014 17: 23
      Where are the successes of the MOST FRANCE ARMY ?!
      Ended in the winter of 1812. hi
    4. The comment was deleted.
    5. GRANATE-19
      0
      21 May 2014 18: 48
      Quote: asar
      As far as I remember from the events of recent years, France, apart from the Foreign Legion, seems to have nothing! It is clear that all the "dirty work" abroad is done by mercenaries! Where are the successes of the MOST ARMY OF FRANCE ?! It's a mystery!

      They had success in the First World War, but then their taxi drivers were transported, just watching the program on "ZVEZDA" ...
    6. The comment was deleted.
  5. +4
    21 May 2014 14: 57
    The main thing is not in quality and quantity, but in the SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE, WHICH RUSSIA HAS PLEASED ...
  6. +5
    21 May 2014 15: 02
    In 1942, the French army was also one of the strongest in Europe, but ... not half-strong at war ... wink
  7. 0
    21 May 2014 15: 03
    My acquaintance served in their foreign legion
  8. 0
    21 May 2014 15: 04
    not strong and impressive
  9. +1
    21 May 2014 15: 06
    And in 1812, Napoleon's army was not the weakest am
  10. +2
    21 May 2014 15: 07
    A strong spirit, nevertheless, is somehow more confident in fighting on good and abundant equipment.
    Which reduces the level of own losses, very significantly!
    And yes! Nobody is able to cancel the military spirit, nobody! How to grow a pill.
  11. +4
    21 May 2014 15: 13
    The victories of the French arms ended after Borodin, no matter how hard he tried, but he could not recall their exploits in recent history. The start of World War II and the surrender of the country in record time generally causes bewilderment and persistent rejection.
  12. melnik
    +4
    21 May 2014 15: 18
    Oh, I’ve been waiting for a long time! When the Arabs burned cars in the cities, the brave people scrambled mussel in the morning in the precinct, and, in turn, they held beloved faces with mournful faces. They burned the car! The second wife .. and for whom the first. I’ll weld a shurpa for my swallow, I’ll cook them, heh .. they were checked for spirituality, they were both fucked up, so there’s at least a million tanks, SHNIKI !!
  13. Dbnfkmtdbx
    +1
    21 May 2014 15: 21
    Why the hell have you forgotten the words of the song "The Red Army is Strongest of All" who wants to check? We have a snack in sandals without weapons !!!!!!!! No.
  14. +4
    21 May 2014 15: 28
    The French were often our allies! Marine Le Pen will come, will again!
  15. +2
    21 May 2014 15: 28
    The technical potential of the paddling pool, of course, is not bad. But people should sit at the controls of all this technology. And with fighting spirit these people are not doing very well. The decomposition of the entire personnel of all Western European countries is in full swing, soon they will already be in command of the armies.
    1. +1
      21 May 2014 15: 46
      They already have pregnant women and women, gynecologists, defense ministers, where to decompose further ?????
    2. +2
      21 May 2014 16: 08
      So already command! Just type in the search engine ...
  16. Nikolav
    +2
    21 May 2014 15: 29
    Libya took an active part in the bombing, small-scale peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic in Chad. There is a little experience. It would be curious to find out, but there are a lot of blacks and Arabs in the sun itself? Not in the Foreign Legion, but in the Armed Forces?
  17. +2
    21 May 2014 15: 31
    Quote: Arh
    And I Love Russia !!!

    So do I. Spit on the paddling pools.
    1. 0
      21 May 2014 15: 47
      And I support.
  18. Orc-xnumx
    +1
    21 May 2014 15: 35
    Export prospects for Rafale no longer exist after the events in Libya!
  19. 0
    21 May 2014 15: 37
    It is a pity that Sarkozy returned the country to NATO .... I hope Madame Le Pen will correct his mistake and we will have a strong ally in Europe! France is the only one in the 90 years who supplied us with thermal imagers and various electronics, due to which we were able to study their device and technology and began to produce Russian counterparts
  20. Ptaha
    +1
    21 May 2014 15: 51
    American joke:
    The first phrase in the French language tutorial in the French army:
    -I give up!
  21. 0
    21 May 2014 15: 57
    From the age of five, in close formation with the United States and the entire defense industry will rise, the United States does not even need the kurkurents.
  22. 0
    21 May 2014 16: 09
    There is a lot of iron in service, but the spirit of a soldier is not very great, well, unless in Africa blacks are chased unarmed. 1812 and 1940 clearly showed the true state of things!
  23. +6
    21 May 2014 16: 10
    I read comments and wonder. It feels like many fasting almost personally and well, just yesterday crossed the Alps with Suvorov, smashed these very Frenchmen to the smithereens and all the wretched people know about them.
    France today has effective professional forces with a high level of discipline and a well-trained officer corps. It is a self-confident army, and with fighting spirit everything is in order there.
    About the military-industrial complex - in general, a separate conversation. So show a little respect. They should not be underestimated.
  24. s77
    s77
    +1
    21 May 2014 16: 23
    The French play a key role in the opposition war in Syria. They are responsible for the blood in this country. They became obedient dogs of the USA. Hollande, having less than 13% of popularity, is trying to isolate Russia with Laurent Fabius, whose grandfather got rich on the trade of Obama's ancestors
  25. -1
    21 May 2014 16: 34
    "... In a very foreseeable future, the French Armed Forces will lose the ability to conduct even very limited independent operations."

    Especially as the personnel of these aircraft will become more and more blue.
  26. melnik
    0
    21 May 2014 16: 36
    Well, do not create foreign legions in the presence of fighting spirit! No one says that the French army is weak, tea is the second economy in Europe. But the darling is checked in everyday life, in life. If you are not able to stand up for your own at the entrance, then you shouldn’t do anything in war.
  27. 0
    21 May 2014 16: 51
    The French have long fought back. Demographic problems after the Napoleonic Wars and after the First World War led them to the conclusion that it was better to surrender and wait for liberation from the outside. And the show-off remained the same. Their army is focused on bringing order to the former colonies. "Fight to the death", "The guard dies, but does not give up" - this is no longer about them.
  28. buser
    +2
    21 May 2014 16: 55
    "don't say gop until you jump over" before World War II, they were also considered the strongest in Europe ...
  29. -1
    21 May 2014 17: 03
    the French needed the Eiffel Tower in the form of a giant frog to do wassat the army may be strong, but as the French fighters do not stand close to the Germans, they may remember the true story that they would never go to Russia better, otherwise the hour will be uneven on the Arc de Triomphe, did it reach you that we came?
    1. 0
      21 May 2014 17: 18
      Eiffel built the symbol of France. What does the frog have to do with it? Osman built Paris. What does the frog have to do with it?
  30. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 12
    We pumped the Second World War, pumped the colonies in Asia, pumped the colonies in Africa. They got Negro-Tajik to such an extent that you won’t understand where you wander - either along the Seine, or along Limpopo.
    M. Le Pen - respect. And she’s not scary. Not P - ssaki.
  31. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 13
    Just three words - peacetime army.
    Put her gallant legions in the brutal drum of the washing machine of war and turn it on at low speed .... how many fighters will die, suffocating and breaking up in the conditions of a mess and a chatterbox? Moreover - FROM YOUR SAME.
    We pat greenhouse plants.
  32. +1
    21 May 2014 17: 21
    It’s dangerous with them, they can dance, kiss, throw wigs and strongly douse the shompan ...

    Well, if seriously, except for the Foreign Legion, everything else is window dressing. Even if they have modern technology, the human factor will cross out everything. In the modern world there are few countries that have human resources that can be effectively used in hostilities. Russian spirit and not to break not to win! I have not heard about the French spirit, only about the French perfume ...
  33. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 28
    You can sometimes have croissants with a coffee pot, and their army is beaten up.
  34. Bormental
    0
    21 May 2014 17: 37
    The French degenerated after the revolution of 1848, turning into a nation of shopkeepers, preoccupied exclusively with personal well-being. Much hotter - the Foreign Legion is sent, they themselves prefer to sit out. Hence the plums in all wars with the Germans, starting in 1870.
  35. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 42
    No, well, French tanks can fight cars (the movie "Taxi"). In general, there were few hrentsov in Napoleon's army. The only guard ... There was again a national team of European hodgepodge ... well, they ate it ...
  36. +3
    21 May 2014 17: 46
    During the war of 1812, the French proved themselves to be bold and competent fighters. This is evidenced by the numerous recollections of Russian officers - of the French, not forgetting that they - the opponents, responded with respect! Then the concepts of noble honor and war, by the rules, have not yet died.
    In Spain, which many are turning to now, as for example the participation of volunteers, the main volunteer contingent was made up of the French.
    So do not blasphemously and unprovenly blaspheme an alien army - we don’t know how it will behave in real combat conditions. And the fact that she is well equipped, dressed, shod, fed is a big plus for the French!
    They have two real powers: the Gendarmerie, and the Foreign Legion. The second has considerable combat experience, and in the event of a conflict, will represent a serious enemy. In the Gendarmerie, tough selection and brutal training, plus the prestige of this service, supported by the state. There are very serious "pros" who have high-quality training for conducting a database in the cramped conditions of the city .. In general, it is better to overestimate the enemy, it will be easier to get rid of Yes
    1. 0
      21 May 2014 18: 17
      FOREIGN LEGION has a lot of experience, but only you are new to its history))))) it’s stupidly cannon fodder, in almost all military companies legionnaires have perished by the head for thousands)))))))))) meat, meat and meat again . And besides, more recently, the legion has been included in the French army, inveterate criminals and other rabble are no longer taken there. Another point - under the terms of the contract, the legionnaire has the right not to participate in the war against the country where he came from, and since there are so many Russians and people from the former USSR in the legion, using the legion against, for example, Russia will obviously not be effective. Yes and no need to remember the year 1812, because in the 1940s the French really showed themselves to be uncles in tights, because the Germans treated them like warriors very contemptuously)))
  37. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 54
    Americans call the French army, feilo-French, I often encounter in Amer’s articles a dismissive attitude towards the French military, where does such love come from, something historical?
  38. 0
    21 May 2014 17: 56
    In order to fight this army, and even successfully, Napoleon is needed at the head of it. But it is not there. And the Franks have long forgotten how to fight.
  39. 0
    21 May 2014 18: 12
    It is incorrect to speak about the honor as a whole in the Napoleonic wars on the part of the Khrenets people and their allies. In war, all means are good ... what does it have to do with honor. But the attitude of the troops towards the local population is an indicator. And he is not in favor of the horseradish. In general, if you look from the point of view of all the wars that were waged against Russia, sooner or later we would beat everyone and that alone and that went in hurt. But European cockerels whipped among themselves, let them figure it out themselves who are cooler than boiled eggs. I have before my eyes my Country, which has, in general, unchanged our values, including Slavic ones - honor, duty, justice, patriotism, and disinterested love for the Motherland. There are no legions.
  40. 0
    21 May 2014 18: 12
    to the respected author of the PR article about the cool army of frog-eaters, I have only ONE square question - IF IN THE FRENCH MIC AND THE ARMY EVERYTHING IS SO TURBLE WHEN NIKOLA SRAZAZI NEEDED TO WRITING OUT ITS DEBT BEFORE KOUDOJURIYURA BOGUODAJOURAJOURA BOGUODAJOURAJOURA BOGUODAJOURA BOGUODAJOURA BOGUODAJOURA BOGUODAJOURA BUDGARIUMA GERMANY FOR WHAT TO LIKE LIVIA ?? CAN ALL SUCH NOT EVERYTHING SO GOOD IN THE FRENCH EMPIRE ???
  41. Alf
    0
    21 May 2014 18: 22
    Tanks, guns, planes, frigates are all good. BUT! To use all this you need a SOLDIER! And France has a lot of tension with this. A soldier, in order to be a SOLDIER (with a capital letter), must have the motivation to fight and readiness to die for his country or, at least, help an enemy soldier die for his country, but there are big problems with this in the geyrop.
  42. Leshka
    0
    21 May 2014 18: 26
    their preparation is good but darling is small
  43. 0
    21 May 2014 19: 24
    Indeed, the author printed some garbage, what did he want to say with this article that the French are cool fighters? We know what kind of warriors they are. An unclear article.
  44. 0
    21 May 2014 21: 08
    they darling enough Toko blacks to drive on leklerkah.

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