PARIS — France's parliament has given final approval to a major increase in military spending, adding 36 billion euros ($39 billion) to the country's 2024-2030 defence programme as the government cited lessons from the war in Ukraine, growing security threats in Europe and the need to strengthen national military capabilities.
The legislation, approved by the National Assembly after lawmakers endorsed a compromise text agreed with the Senate, raises the total value of France's military programming law to 436 billion euros through 2030 from the 400 billion euros adopted in 2023.
The revised plan accelerates investment in ammunition production, missile stockpiles, drones, air defence systems and nuclear deterrence, while expanding funding for intelligence, cyber capabilities and military readiness. The government has said the additional spending is intended to prepare France's armed forces for a deteriorating international security environment shaped by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East.
Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin told lawmakers during parliamentary debates that France needed to "go harder and faster" in adapting its armed forces to evolving threats, according to the government's summary of the legislation. The defence ministry said the updated programme reflects "new and profound changes" in the geopolitical balance and the return of high-intensity conflict as a major security risk.
The revised military programme includes 8.5 billion euros in additional funding for munitions, increased investment in missile defence, expanded drone and robotic capabilities, and measures to reinforce France's nuclear deterrent and long-term strategic autonomy. Annual defence spending is projected to reach more than 76 billion euros by 2030, equivalent to about 2.5% of gross domestic product, according to the government.
The measure received broad support in parliament but was opposed by some lawmakers from left-wing parties, who questioned the scale of military spending at a time when France continues to face pressure to reduce its budget deficit. Government officials argued that the deteriorating security environment required accelerated investment despite fiscal constraints.
President Emmanuel Macron has made strengthening France's armed forces a central priority since 2017, arguing that Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security while remaining a key member of NATO. French officials have also pointed to uncertainty over future U.S. security commitments and the continuing war in Ukraine as factors underpinning the revised spending programme.
