Overview
- Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said on TF1 the update will be presented in the first quarter of 2026, citing the time required for budget legislation.
- The seven‑year plan allocates €413 billion through 2030, with presidential top‑ups of €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027 to accelerate readiness.
- The proposed 2026 defence budget totals €57.1 billion, a 13% increase framed as a response to a deteriorating security environment in Europe.
- Funding priorities include a 10% rise for maintenance to €6.5 billion, a 37% jump for acquisitions to €22.9 billion, and 800 new posts bringing staffing to about 272,300 FTEs.
- Lawmakers will hold an Article 50‑1 thematic debate in the National Assembly with a non‑binding vote on the defence budget on December 10.