PARIS – In a landmark national security address, French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to accelerate a massive increase in defense spending, committing to a budget of €64 billion ($75 billion) by 2027. The move, which doubles the country's 2017 military budget three years ahead of schedule, signals a profound strategic shift for France and a new era for European security policy in what Macron termed an "age of predators."
Speaking to the nation's top military officials on the eve of the Bastille Day parade, President Macron described the commitment as a "new, historic, and proportionate effort" to contend with a world where "freedom has never been so threatened since 1945."
"To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful," Macron declared, outlining the stark geopolitical reality underpinning the decision.
The accelerated spending will add an extra €3.5 billion to the 2026 budget and a further €3 billion in 2027 on top of previously planned increases. This significant financial injection is a direct response to the war in Ukraine, the growing assertiveness of Russia—which French military leaders have called a "durable threat"—and broader global instability.
This policy shift is aimed at transforming the French armed forces into a more robust, high-intensity combat-ready force. The key areas targeted for investment include:
Replenishing Ammunition Stocks: Addressing critical shortages highlighted by the high consumption rates in the Ukraine conflict.
Expanding Unmanned Systems: Massively increasing the inventory of drones, especially loitering munitions (suicide drones).
Bolstering Air Defense: Modernizing and expanding ground-based air defense systems.
Investing in Future Capabilities: Enhancing capabilities in cyber warfare, space, and intelligence gathering.
This move is widely seen as a cornerstone of Macron's vision for greater "strategic autonomy" for Europe. By significantly strengthening its own military, France aims to solidify its position as the leading military power within the European Union and to create a more formidable "European pillar" within the NATO alliance. The decision sends a clear signal to both allies and adversaries that France is prepared to take on a greater share of the responsibility for European security in an increasingly uncertain world.
This news report discusses French President Macron's pledge to significantly increase defense spending.
