France Bolsters Defense with Increased Spending, Production, and Return of Voluntary Military Service Amid European Strategic Shift

France Commits to Major Defense Buildup

France has embarked on a comprehensive military buildup, marked by a substantial increase in defense spending, a push to accelerate domestic weapons production, and the reintroduction of a voluntary military service. These strategic shifts are outlined in the Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM) 2024-2030, adopted in July 2023 and promulgated in August 2023. The initiatives reflect a broader European effort to strengthen defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States for security.

The new LPM allocates a total of €413.3 billion for defense over the seven-year period, a 40% increase compared to the previous LPM (2019-2025). This budget is set to rise annually, with an increase of €3.1 billion in 2024, followed by an additional €3 billion annually from 2025 to 2027, and then €4.3 billion annually from 2028, ultimately reaching €68.9 billion in 2030. France aims to meet the NATO target of spending 2% of its GDP on defense between 2025 and 2027, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing a goal to double the army's budget compared to 2017 by 2027.

Accelerated Weapons Production and Key Investments

Under President Macron's declared intention to create a 'war economy,' France is significantly ramping up its domestic weapons production. French defense companies have shown a steady increase in output throughout 2023 and 2024, particularly in areas such as artillery systems, medium and large-caliber ammunition, powders, explosives, and missile systems.

• Radar production at Thales has reportedly tripled in the last four years.
• The production of Caesar cannons by KNDS France has increased from approximately two units per month to up to twelve.
• Factories are being retooled, with a Thales facility converting from SIM card production to manufacturing circuit boards for fighter jets, and a Renault factory shifting from car dashboards to military aircraft calculators.

Significant investments are planned across various military domains, including $17.9 billion for the international FCAS New Generation Fighter program, $17.3 billion for SNLE 3G nuclear submarines, and $12.9 billion for upgrades to the Rafale fighter jet program. Additionally, over €1 billion is allocated for 530 Serval Appui SCORPION armored vehicles, and €600 million will be invested in enhancing national air defense capabilities between 2024 and 2030. The military space budget will also see an additional €4.2 billion ($4.9 billion) by 2030, marking a 70% increase.

Reinstatement of Voluntary Military Service

In a move to strengthen the link between the nation and its armed forces, President Macron announced on November 27 the reintroduction of a voluntary military service. This new 'national service' is primarily aimed at young people aged 18 and 19, offering a 10-month program. Participants will receive a minimum payment of €800 per month, along with food, accommodation, and a 75% discount on rail travel, and will be deployed exclusively on national soil.

The program, estimated to cost €2 billion, aims to attract 3,000 volunteers in 2026, increasing to 10,000 by 2030, with an ambitious target of 50,000 by 2036. This initiative is distinct from the previously abandoned civilian Service national universel (SNU) and comes nearly three decades after France phased out compulsory conscription.

Pursuit of European Strategic Autonomy

These defense enhancements are set against a backdrop of France's strong advocacy for greater European strategic autonomy and reduced dependence on the United States. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has explicitly stated that France 'will not delegate its security to the United States' and urged European nations to prioritize a 'European autonomy framework' over purchasing more US weapons. President Macron has repeatedly called on European counterparts to 'wake up' and increase their defense spending, emphasizing the need for 'sovereignty and strategic autonomy' in light of evolving global threats and potential shifts in US foreign policy.

The push for European-led defense is gaining traction, with EU member states and European NATO allies collectively spending €150 billion more per year on defense than in 2014. France is actively encouraging European nations to favor homegrown defense products over American imports, positioning its own industry to supply allies.