My priorities for our armed forces

We are living through a pivotal moment for the security of our continent: the unleashing of violence and the ambitions of territorial expansion have become the new reality of international relations. We, the French and Europeans, must fully absorb the lessons of the National Strategic Review and prepare for a high-intensity conflict, while also defending ourselves in the hybrid war already under way, with its attacks, sabotage and intrusions into our airspace. It is therefore urgent to define the priorities of our national defence, not as a catalogue of expenditures, but as a comprehensive and coherent strategic vision.

By Hélène Conway-Mouret, French Senator

Choosing our model of armed forces

This question is fundamental: what missions do we entrust to our armed forces, and do we truly give them the means to carry them out? Defence funding is indispensable, and I will defend its growth. But for too long we have avoided the central question: what model and what format of armed forces do we want? Which missions do we consider priorities? Until we have answered this clearly, our budgetary choices will remain scattered and our capabilities insufficiently concentrated where they are needed.

Defining a model of armed forces means setting priorities. This exercise is certainly difficult politically, but it is an essential condition for a truly effective defence, one that fits within the European framework. We must also stop being in denial: the threats facing Europe are here to stay and demand a profound transformation of our defence capabilities by 2030.

Giving our armed forces the means to fulfil their missions

I believe that innovation, research and development — together with the appeal of the relevant training programmes and industries — must be at the heart of our priorities. A modern army is not built through its equipment alone; it is built with women and men capable of designing, improving and rapidly adapting that equipment. Yet we face a challenge we have been slow to acknowledge: many of our best researchers and engineers are leaving France for foreign laboratories that are better funded or more attractive. Retaining these talents at home is a strategic priority — socio-economic as much as industrial.

Understanding today's war to prepare tomorrow's peace

Recent conflicts teach us valuable lessons. In Ukraine as in the Middle East, we see that modern warfare demands two seemingly contradictory but complementary capabilities: equipment produced in large quantities, quickly and at controlled cost — drones, munitions, vehicles — but also highly sophisticated systems capable of making the difference. It is up to us not to give in to the myth of the “absolute weapon,” such as the drones that are revolutionising the battlefield without rendering obsolete other needs, whether on the front line or in terms of deep strike.

These same conflicts highlight the central importance of defensive and offensive control of airspace, as well as of intelligence — satellite, digital, image and data processing — which now underpins every military decision. These capabilities lie at the heart of any serious military strategy, but also of our sovereign ability to wage war at a time when the American hegemon is casting doubt on its commitment to support its allies.

Preparing society as a whole

Finally, national defence is everyone's business, not only that of professional soldiers. It is nations that confront one another through their armies. A resilient nation is one whose population understands what is at stake, is prepared for crises, and can recognise attempts at destabilisation. Disinformation, foreign interference in our information space, and the manipulation of public opinion are all real threats designed to weaken our collective capacity to defend ourselves and to remain masters of our own destiny.

Educating citizens about defence issues, strengthening their critical thinking in the face of false information, and developing a culture of resilience are integral parts of any national security policy worthy of the name.

I am convinced that France can rise to these challenges. This requires clarity in our choices, consistency in our efforts, and a firm political will. That is my commitment, and it is what I am currently advancing in the parliamentary debates on the updating of the military programming law.