French defence ambitions unveiled: From missile plans to Rafales
The newspaper "Le Figaro" assessed that the French army has almost all the necessary resources, but their quantities are insufficient. Experts cited by the newspaper suggest that additional defence funds should be allocated, among other things, to increase ammunition supplies and strengthen rocket artillery systems.
According to the newspaper, the first additional financial resources will enable the acceleration of already planned deliveries, which include ammunition, vehicles under the Scorpion program (concerning universal wheeled vehicles for the military), and optoelectronic systems for naval frigates. However, the French army's list of needs is much more extensive. It is worth mentioning that, according to French analysts, the precision aerial ammunition would only last Paris for three days of fighting.
The French army needs to strengthen its artillery
In "Le Figaro," it was emphasized that France faces the urgent necessity of strengthening its long-range rocket artillery. In this context, the newspaper highlighted the need to address the modernization of rocket systems, while also noting that the LCM cruise missile produced by MBDA will not be available soon. Its range could reach even 1,000 kilometres. Shortages of key weapons, however, are not just a French problem. Military expert Carlo Masala stated in an interview with ZDF station's journalist that in the event of war, German Patriots would only manage to defend Berlin.
Paris indeed considered the possibility of purchasing ready-made weapons, including American HIMARS systems, but "Le Figaro" noted that the geopolitical situation has changed, and it does not seem as attractive as it did several dozen months ago.
The flagship product of the French defence industry is the CAESAR (CAmion Équipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) howitzer, using 155 mm calibre shells. Due to its 52-calibre length barrel, it provides a range greater than competing NATO artillery. However, the issue is the scale of production. In 2024, the French company Nexter aims to reach a production level of 12 such howitzers per month (in previous years, it was only a few units per year).
Ambitious plans of the French army in several important areas
Another element important for France will be financing the ELSA program, which concerns European land-based weapons with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometres. "Le Figaro" also noted that if the French and other Europeans plan to deploy their troops in Ukraine, they will have to equip themselves with ground-to-air defence systems, which are currently available in limited quantities.
- The next priority areas are "reconnaissance and space," said Elie Tenenbaum, head of the Ifri think tank, to the newspaper.
"In the short term, the armies would like to increase their capabilities in the digital sphere, necessary for the command process, or in the area of electronic warfare - more than ordering large objects, like additional aircraft carriers, which would take years to deliver. Nevertheless, the navy and air forces hope to benefit from increasing the armed forces' potential. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu opened the debate on expanding the fighter fleet. The issue of increasing the number of first-rank frigates from the current 15 to 18 was also raised," "Le Figaro" detailed.
New fighters and mysterious frigates
Lecornu mentioned plans to acquire 20-30 Rafale aircraft and three frigates of an unknown type for the navy.
The Rafale has the reputation of being one of the best combat aircraft in the world. Due to its design, it provides, among other things, very good manoeuvrability both at lower and higher speeds. It is armed with a 30 mm calibre gun, but it can also carry over 10 tonnes of heavy armament in the form of various missiles and bombs.
