France allocates €36 billion to bolster its military arsenal until 2030

PARIS, Aug. 18 (YPA) – France has approved an additional €36 billion for the military for the period 2026-2030 as part of an update to the Military Programming Law to accelerate armament and strengthen defense capabilities, according to Agence France-Presse.

 

President Emmanuel Macron signed the law on Tuesday, and it was published in the Official Journal, raising the total defense budget for 2024-2030 to €436 billion from €400 billion.

 

Annual spending will reach €75.7 billion by 2030, representing at least 2.5% of GDP.

 

Investments will be directed towards 14 key sectors, including nuclear deterrence, munitions, drones, air defense, electronic warfare, and space, with increased missile production and expanded use of air, land, and sea drones by 2030.

 

The law also provides for 10 months of voluntary military service for young people aged 18 to 25, starting with 3,000 volunteers in 2026 and reaching 10,000 annually in 2030. 

 

The plan includes creating 9,550 military and civilian jobs and strengthening the reserve with a budget of at least 550 million euros.