2026 will be “a year of challenges” for national defence, French President Emmanuel Macron told armed forces on Thursday at the Istres Air Base in southern France, against a backdrop of escalating international tensions.
Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, tensions are escalating amid violent protests in Iran, and a new source of concern has emerged with US President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in taking over Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Paris has viewed this development as strategically sensitive, given the Arctic region’s growing geopolitical importance.
“We are ready,” Macron declared. “This decade of French rearmament is bearing fruit.”
‘To remain free, one must be feared’
Macron reaffirmed his “determination to give our armed forces the means to ensure our defence” in a world he described as increasingly unstable.
“To remain free, one must be feared, and to be feared, one must be powerful. To be powerful in this brutal world, we must act faster and stronger,” he said.
Macron outlined three strategic priorities: increasing ammunition stockpiles, strengthening operational readiness, and safeguarding France’s sovereignty.
On the financial front, Macron confirmed his intention to significantly increase military funding, calling for a €36bn rise over the 2026-2030 period, including €3.5bn as early as 2026.
He had previously pledged in 2017 to raise France’s defence spending to 2% of GDP, a target that has been reached.
Acknowledging drone capability gaps
The French president also recognised gaps in certain areas, particularly in drone capabilities, which have been heavily used in the war in Ukraine.
“We are behind,” he admitted, calling for a rapid and forceful response. Highlighting the Russian threat, he warned: “We are within firing range of Russia.”
Macron announced that France would strengthen its military presence in Greenland.
Around 15 French soldiers are already deployed in Nuuk for exercises, and the contingent will be “reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and naval assets.” He emphasised that “Europeans have a particular responsibility” in the area.
Earlier on Thursday, Macron convened an emergency defence council to assess the strategic implications, while several allied countries, including Germany, Norway, and Sweden, have begun deploying troops to the Arctic in a show of support.
Another key initiative for the coming years is the reintroduction of a voluntary, paid national service for young people.
Announced last November, the program is designed to bolster military personnel numbers and meet growing staffing needs.
The government and the French armed forces launched a recruitment campaign this week for the new 10-month program.
The army aims to enlist 3,000 young people this year, 4,000 in 2027, and 10,000 by 2030, with the long-term goal of reaching 42,500 volunteers by 2035.