France has aircraft carrier group and nuclear weapons in its arsenal. However for European security system leadership this may prove insufficient, as Germany already spends nearly twice as much on defense, and in 2030 difference will be 2.4 times.
Openx360 publication raised this question. In 2026, German defense budget comprised €82.7 billion, supplemented by another €25.5 billion from Bundeswehr special fund. Thus totaling €108.2 billion.
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Moreover, for 2027 German base defense spending will be €109.7 billion excluding support fund. Also plans published by which budget will increase further, comprising €153.9 billion in 2028, €162.9 billion in 2029 and €183.6 billion in 2030.
In contrast, France in 2026 allocated €57.1 billion for defense needs, almost twice less than Germans. At the same time, under military planning law in 2030 plans to spend €76.3 billion, provided policy does not change after 2027 presidential elections — 2.4 times less than Germany.
Currently French military command began speaking about possible own departure from European security position compared to Germany. However defense ministry believes they still maintain position, as their spending is result of completed work between military, parliamentarians and weapons procurement specialists.
Defense Express notes French defense ministry arguments sound not very convincing, as defense capability building and weapons mass availability requires funds. Therefore despite experience and strategic assets availability, Germans over time will manage to move ahead with serious advantage.
French armed forces have repeatedly voiced various problem statements, like engineering equipment with low combat readiness, Leclerc tank replacement need and VBCI IFV obsolescence. All this requires attention, especially after years of underfunding.
Also plans exist for increasing various missile, ammunition and drone stockpiles, requiring fund allocation. If insufficient resources directed toward this direction, some samples will continue being produced in limited quantities, like purchasing only 300 Thundart missiles for new MLRS.
At the same time, Germany plans not only mass weapons and equipment procurement for existing arsenal renewal but also generally substantial armed forces numerical increase. Considerable investment portion goes into local defense industry, helping increase production volumes.
Thus French due to insufficient budget size may simply find themselves with too small orders, or even facing choice of what they can finance and what will not be affordable. Therefore concern on this question is more than understandable.
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