France favours air force in 2023 defence budget
The French Air and Space Force and French Navy will receive the AASM Hammer in 2023; an example is pictured on display in July at Istres Airbase. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
Galvanised by the Russia-Ukraine war, French military spending plans for 2023 focus on fixed-wing aviation.
France intends to raise annual defence spending in 2023 by €3 billion ($2.91 billion) to €43.9 billion.
This increase aligns with the 2019-2025 Military Programming Law (LPM) but before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February, many parliamentarians believed it would be difficult to implement.
At €8.5 billion, major equipment procurement programmes account for a big slice of planned 2023 spending but they still lag behind salaries (€12.9 billion).
The French nuclear deterrent accounts for €5.6 billion.
The big winner among the services in 2023 will be the French Air and Space Force, which will receive 13
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons]()
Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
-
![UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms]()
UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
