“We could fall behind. If Germany continues at this pace, in five years, the argument that we have operational experience and a certain culture will no longer hold water,” the French general said. “For the Americans, Germany is gradually becoming the European benchmark.”
By 2029, Germany is expected to spend €153 billion a year on defense. That’s about 3.5 percent of GDP, the country’s most ambitious military expansion since reunification. France, by comparison, plans to reach about €76.3 billion by 2030.
Mandon was speaking during hearings about France’s updated military planning law, which earmarks an extra €36 billion for defense by 2030, but doesn’t foresee Paris purchasing additional aircraft or naval vessels.
While the lower house National Assembly has broadly endorsed the government’s text, the Senate is pushing for more money and more military equipment. Senators are voting on the bill this week.
“The updated military planning law represents a move toward greater rigor, depth and consistency, but we have not yet arrived at the right model,” the French chief of defense staff told the Senate’s foreign affairs and defense committee. “To achieve it, the decision must be a political one.”
Mandon laid out the challenges facing France. Eight months ago, he told MPs he was preparing the French military for a “shock” with Russia in the next three to four years.