Macron Speeds Up France Defence Budget to €64 Billion by 2027

Photo: WAM

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will increase its national defence budget much faster than planned earlier. This announcement came on Sunday evening during his yearly speech to the armed forces, a day before Bastille Day, which is France’s national day celebrated on July 14.

Why Did Macron Make This Decision?

President Macron said that the world is becoming more dangerous and uncertain. He called the current global situation “deeply concerning.” Because of the wars happening in different parts of the world and growing tensions between countries, Macron believes France needs to be strong and ready to protect itself.

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Previously, France had planned to increase its defence budget to €64 billion by the year 2030. But now, Macron wants to reach this amount by 2027, which is three years earlier. This shows that the French government is giving very high importance to the country’s security and military strength.

Where Will The Extra Money Go?

President Macron explained that the extra money will not come from taking loans or borrowing. Instead, it will come from the national economy. He said that if the economy is strong, the country will have enough money to spend on defence without increasing its debt.

Here is how the extra money will be added:

• In 2026, an extra €3.5 billion will be spent.

• In 2027, an extra €3 billion will be spent.

This increase in money will almost double France’s defence spending compared to how much it spent in 2017.

What Will The Money Be Used For?

The President said that this money will be used to fix many important problems in the French military. For example, the French army currently does not have enough ammunition for emergencies. Macron wants to solve this issue quickly so that the army always has enough ammunition if needed.

The increased budget will also help the military buy and develop:

• Smart and precision weapons: These are modern weapons that can hit targets very accurately and reduce mistakes during attacks.

• Unmanned aerial systems: These are drones used for surveillance, attacks, and other military purposes without risking the lives of pilots.

• Space defence capabilities: Macron wants France to be ready to protect its satellites and space interests from attacks or dangers coming from other countries.

• Electronic warfare: This includes technologies to protect communication systems from being hacked or disturbed by enemies.

• Better air defence systems: The budget will help modernise France’s ground-based air defence so that the country can protect itself from enemy missiles and aircraft more effectively.

Why Is This Important For France?

Macron believes that if France has a strong military with the latest technology, it will be ready to face any threats in the future. A strong defence also means that France can help its allies and play an important role in keeping peace in Europe and the world.

He said that the world has changed a lot since 2017, and there are new types of threats that the country must be ready for. By investing in modern weapons and defence systems, France will remain a powerful country that can protect its people.

Focus On Nuclear Deterrence

Apart from increasing the defence budget, Macron also talked about France’s nuclear weapons. He said that he has asked the Minister of the Armed Forces to start discussing with other European countries about what role France’s nuclear weapons should play in the future.

This discussion will be called a strategic dialogue, and the results will be shared by the end of this year. Macron believes it is important to have these talks because nuclear weapons are a big part of keeping peace and avoiding wars, especially when global tensions are rising.

When Did Macron Make This Announcement?

Macron made this announcement during his traditional address to the armed forces. Every year, on the day before Bastille Day, the President speaks to the military to thank them for their service and to talk about the future plans for national defence. This year, he used the occasion to make this big announcement about speeding up the budget increase.

What Is Bastille Day?

For students who may not know, Bastille Day is celebrated every year on July 14 in France. It marks the day in 1789 when people of France attacked the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution. It is a symbol of freedom and the fight for justice. Every year, there is a big military parade in Paris, and the President gives an important speech to the nation.

How Will This Change Affect Other Countries?

Macron’s decision shows that France wants to take a leading role in European defence. By increasing its military strength, France can support its allies in Europe and NATO. It also sends a message to countries that may think of harming France that the country is ready and strong.

Final Words By The President

At the end of his speech, President Macron told the armed forces that he trusts them and believes in their ability to protect France. He promised that the government will provide everything they need to keep the country safe. He said that a strong military is not just about weapons and money, but also about courage, intelligence, and unity.

In simple words, President Macron wants to make France’s military stronger faster than planned earlier. He is increasing the defence budget to €64 billion by 2027 to buy modern weapons, improve defence systems, and keep the country safe from all types of threats. He also wants to discuss with European partners about the future of France’s nuclear weapons.

This shows that France is getting ready for the challenges of today’s world and wants to make sure that its people are always protected. Macron’s speech was a clear reminder that in today’s uncertain world, a country must always be strong and prepared to face any danger.