[Discussion] France Amplifies Defense Budget, Seeks Investment to Fuel Rearmament

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France Boosts Defense Budget and Accelerates Rearmament Plan

In the aftermath of several global conflicts, France is heightening its defense production and seeking additional financial investment for its rearmament plan. This announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, France's Armed Forces Minister, in an interview with newspaper, Le Parisien. The initiative comes within the context of the Ukrainian conflict and other issues in the Middle East which have pushed France to rethink its defense stance.

Seeking Investors for the Future of Defense

To meet the monetary demands of these ambitious plans, the French government is scheduling a conference for March 20. The event, which will take place in Bercy, is expected to gather key figures from private banking institutions, investment funds, and defense companies. This meeting aims to pool financial resources to fulfill France's rearmament commitment. Lecornu is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Economy to ensure the success of this event.

The Minister acknowledged the immense costs of rearmament efforts in light of recent global conflicts. However, he emphasized the urgent need for such investment in the defense sector. To this end, Lecornu hopes to communicate the extent of these necessities not just to the French public, but also to the wider European audience.

Enhancing France's Military Economy

Lecornu revealed that, apart from state financing, new private funds are undergoing creation in support of this rearmament effort. Further, he discussed plans to invite French civilians to contribute to the defense budget voluntarily. Lecornu assured potential investors of considerable returns, stating that a 1-euro investment can become 2 euros in a decade, considering the durable lifespan of military equipment and ongoing increase in arms exports.

The Minister also commented on the notable progress already made in France's military economy. Ground weapon and ammunition manufacturing such as Caesar guns and 155-millimeter shells have amplified significantly. Lecornu stressed that the focus should not solely rest on the strategic guidelines of France's military planning law, but also on the pace of its implementation.

Expansion of Naval and Aerial Assets

In terms of specific upgrades, Lecornu highlighted the essence of enhancing its naval and air capabilities. The French government intends to extend its fleet of frigates from 15 to 18, enabling control over multiple sea zones including the Baltic Sea. Additionally, the French forces look to augment their aerial prowess with the creation of 20 to 30 additional Rafale fighters.

The ground forces will also benefit from this heightened focus on defense, with plans to equip them with drones and advanced electronic warfare equipment. These advancements are driven by the necessity to accommodate changing warfare strategies and to strengthen France's global defense positioning.

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