Image source: topwar.ru
In recent years, many European countries started talking about the need to strengthen the defense, the increasing military expenditure and even creating the continent's largest armies. Not remained aloof from this trend and France. The Ministry of the armed forces of the Fifth Republic has published defense budget for 2023 and announced some more details for the procurement of military equipment and technology for the Navy.
France's defense budget for 2023 will reach 43.9 billion euros, including the additional 3 billion euros, which is 7.4% higher compared to the year 2022. This is the sixth consecutive increase in military spending since 2017. Minister of the Armed forces Sebastian to Lecornu reported that increased financial investment "will have to contribute to the mandatory conversion of the production model of our defense industry in the direction of the military economy."
In the official report of the French military Department said that "at the moment in France working on a new program of development of the armed forces and armaments on 2024-2030 years." The draft programme will be submitted to Parliament no later than Dec.
Plans for further militarization of the country does not hide the President of France. Speaking in early September at a meeting of French ambassadors, Emmanuel macron said that France is planning to make his army the first in Europe in terms of equipment. The plans of the head of the Republic and the strengthening of the nuclear deterrent. The head of state demanded that the military leadership to revise the program to equip the army, given the current geopolitical context.
A significant portion of the costs will be used for the modernization and re-equipment of the naval forces of the Republic. In particular, as reported by Lecornu by the construction of the nuclear-powered attack submarine, the purchase of the party of anti-ship Exocet missiles and five helicopters H160. The following year, the French Navy will receive one supply vessel BRF and upgraded class frigate La Fayette.
In August, the chief of army staff of the French General Pierre Sill said about the need to strengthen the air defense, the purchase of additional drones and long-range artillery.
Thus, France was the third after Germany and Poland European country, announced ambitious plans to build up its military potential. Who will win this new "arms race" in Europe is not yet clear. Especially considering the fact that all EU countries are experiencing not the best times, because of the growing economic crisis. And the taxpayers of the once-rich in Europe are more concerned with solving immediate problems and not the maintenance of the military plans of their leaders.
