France had aimed to double its defence budget from 2017 levels by 2030. However, Macron pledged to reach the target by 2027. A military budget that stood at 32 billion euros ($37.40 billion) in 2017 will rise to 64 billion euros by 2027, with an additional 3.5 billion euros allocated for next year and another 3 billion euros in 2027.

Freedom has never been so threatened, President Emmanuel Macron said, preparing France for an era in which it may no longer be able to count on the U.S.

President Emmanuel Macron defended a 6.5 billion euro budget increase in defense spending through 2027 to strengthen national security.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that France would increase its defence budget more quickly than originally planned, announcing additional spending of €3. 5 billion ($4 billion) for 2026 and €3 billion for 2027 amid military threats from Russia.

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday announced 6.5 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in extra military spending in the next two years because of new and unprecedented threats, ranging from Russia to nuclear proliferation, terrorists and online attacks.

Macron made it clear that old alliances, especially with the United States under President Trump, have weakened. He said the threat from Russia is very serious and that the world is now more willing to use force.

These days, French military pigeon number 193-529 is no longer needed to carry tiny messages during war-time communication blackouts. But the racing bird serves as a reminder of the brave service of its predecessors in World Wars I and II,

During a rare news conference on Friday, the head of the French military, Thierry Burkhard, said Russia remains a “lasting, close” threat.