PARIS (Realist English). On April 9, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin presented to lawmakers an updated military budget for 2026–2030, providing an additional €36 billion (approximately $42 billion) on top of the originally planned €400 billion for the 2024–2030 period. The main topic was the delay in the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project, which was intended to replace the aging Leclerc tanks.
MGCS delay: Germany chose Leopard 3
According to Vautrin, the MGCS project is roughly a decade behind schedule. The reason is Germany’s decision to launch its own program to develop new Leopard 3 tanks. As a result, France needs to bridge the gap between the end of the Leclerc’s service life (2038) and the arrival of MGCS, which in any case was not expected before the early 2040s.
“The interim tank will become the first building block of MGCS.”
Vautrin stressed that the interim vehicle should not be “the last tank of the old generation.” The goal is to create “the first tank of a new generation” with a focus on network-centricity and connectivity. According to her, a likely solution is a German KNDS Deutschland chassis with a French KNDS France turret. “The turret will be French in any case,” the minister said. Negotiations between France’s Directorate General for Armament and manufacturers are just beginning.
FCAS: mediation until the end of April
Vautrin also reported that mediation is underway between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, the companies developing the next-generation fighter jet under the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. Work on the aircraft has stalled due to disputes over leadership and work share. Two “qualified, external individuals” are negotiating intellectual property, work share, and airworthiness certification, with talks expected to conclude by the end of April.
On April 1, Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier stated that he is “not a man of co-management” and that Airbus has been unwilling to accept Dassault’s originally agreed lead.
Eurodrone excluded from the budget
Lawmakers noted that the Eurodrone project (a medium-altitude long-endurance drone led by Airbus) is no longer included in the updated budget. Vautrin confirmed that “as of now, the project is not progressing satisfactorily.” The government also scrapped plans to buy Safran’s Patroller reconnaissance drone.
Accelerated air defense and missile systems
France intends to accelerate orders for the SAMP/T NG long-range air-defense system: ten systems are planned by 2030 instead of eight, while maintaining the goal of 12 systems by 2035. This year, orders will include four SAMP/T NG systems, 10,000 combat drones, 43 Proteus anti-drone cannons, and €4 billion worth of air-defense systems to counter drones. Deliveries in 2026 will include 5,000 combat drones, three anti-drone lasers, and two Airbus A400M transport aircraft.
Rocket systems and hypersonics
Vautrin said that two domestically developed rocket-artillery systems (from Safran/MBDA and Thales/ArianeGroup) will be tested in April. Based on the results, a decision will be made on whether a “sovereign” solution can be adopted or whether to buy an off-the-shelf system. An additional €1 billion has been allocated to develop a conventional ballistic long-range strike capability.
Rafale F5 and the hypersonic missile
The government maintains the plan to have 225 Rafale fighters by 2035 (split between the Air Force and Navy). Priority is given to purchasing the future F5 standard, which will be capable of carrying the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile (under development). €3.5 billion has been allocated to upgrade combat aviation. Vautrin called the F5 standard “truly a mid-life upgrade,” necessary to keep the Rafale competitive in export markets.
MLRS and production ramp-up
The plan provides for 30 multiple launch rocket systems by 2030 (up from a previous plan for 16). Vautrin also noted progress by French arms manufacturers: MBDA will increase production of Mistral 3 short-range air-defense missiles fourfold to 800 per year by 2028, and increase production of Scalp cruise missiles to 360 in 2027 (up from 240 in 2025).
Priority spending areas
Over the past year, France has radically revised its defense priorities. While the 2025 budget was €50.5 billion, by 2027 it will reach €64 billion, doubling compared to 2017 (€32.3 billion). This surge is a response to the war in Ukraine, the escalation in the Middle East, and growing doubts about US reliability as a guarantor of European security. Originally, doubling was planned only by 2030, but President Emmanuel Macron announced an acceleration. An additional €3.5 billion will arrive in 2026, and another €3 billion in 2027.
Key budget parameters: from 2025 to 2027 and 2030
The 2030 plan foresees further growth to €76.3 billion, reaching 2.5% of GDP (compared to the current 2%). The 2025 budget was €50.5 billion, up 7% from 2024. The 2026 budget will rise to €57.1 billion (an increase of €6.7 billion in one year). The 2027 target is €64 billion, achieving the goal three years ahead of schedule.
Spending on the nuclear triad — submarines, aviation, and missiles — remains untouchable and accounts for about 13% of the military budget (€6.1 billion in 2026). Under the updated LPM, not only modernization but also an increase in the number of nuclear warheads is planned (in 2025, their number was about 290). President Macron also put forward the idea of “extended deterrence” to protect EU allies. Key projects include the development of the ASN4G hypersonic missile for Rafale F5 fighters and the construction of third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLE 3G).
France has one of the highest budget deficits in the EU
Public debt stands at about 110% of GDP. According to Reuters estimates, raising military spending to Macron’s desired 3–3.5% of GDP would require annual additional injections of around €30 billion. The financial crisis has already led to a delay in the adoption of the 2026 budget and has called into question the implementation of some programs.
Since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, France has allocated €6 billion in military aid to Kyiv. This includes Caesar self-propelled howitzers, air defense systems, ammunition, as well as training of pilots and technicians for Mirage 2000-5F fighters capable of using SCALP-EG cruise missiles. In 2026, Paris additionally allocated €200 million to a support fund for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
