France's Macron Announces $3.5 bln Extra Military Budget for 2026, $3 bln for 2027

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a supplementary effort of 3.5 billion euros in 2026 and 3 billion euros in 2027 for the military budget, doubling it to 2017 levels by 2027, two years ahead of schedule. Macron cited "rapidly evolving global circumstances" for the increased funding.

Title: Macron Announces Major Military Budget Boosts in Response to Global Threats

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced significant increases in military spending, with a supplementary effort of 3.5 billion euros in 2026 and 3 billion euros in 2027, doubling the military budget to 2017 levels by 2027, two years ahead of schedule. Macron cited "rapidly evolving global circumstances" as the rationale for the increased funding.

The announcement comes amidst growing concerns about global threats, including a menacing Russia and potential US disengagement from Europe. Defense Chief of Staff Chief Thierry Burkhard has warned that Russia poses a "durable" threat to Europe, with the "rank of European countries in tomorrow's world" being decided in Ukraine, invaded by Russia in 2022. Additionally, Burkhard highlighted the consequences of a diminished US commitment to Europe, along with cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and the risk of terror attacks.

Despite France's difficult budgetary situation, Macron's announcements are expected to be "major," according to Élysée officials. The French defense budget has already increased sharply since Macron took power, rising from 32.2 billion euros in 2017 to 50.5 billion currently, and is projected to reach 67 billion euros in 2030.

The increased funding will be used to address urgent needs for the French armed forces, including ground-to-air defenses, ammunition, electronic warfare, and space capabilities. Additionally, France is concerned about falling behind in "disruptive technologies" such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Macron is also expected to outline a potential mobilization drive for young people, aiming to give them an opportunity to serve and boost national cohesion in the face of global crises.

The increased military spending could threaten French efforts to cut deficits and reduce its debt mountain, as the servicing of France's debt alone will cost the Treasury 62 billion euros this year. However, Prime Minister François Bayrou has declared the defense budget to be "sacrosanct" and exempt from budgetary cuts.

Several NATO countries are boosting their military spending, with Britain aiming to increase its defense budget to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 and to 3.0 percent after 2029. Germany plans to reach a defense budget of 162 billion euros by 2029, equivalent to 3.5 percent of its GDP, while Poland already dedicates 4.7 percent of GDP to defense.

References:
1. [1] https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/07/13/macron-to-raise-french-defense-targets-citing-russia-threat-
2. [2] https://www.france24.com/en/france/20250713-macron-to-announce-major-french-defence-targets-citing-russian-threat