France threatens to impose authority on defence firms Amid urgency for Ukraine support

France has issued a stern warning to its defence industry, urging acceleration in the production of crucial equipment in a move to bolster support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.

Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized the gravity of the situation, indicating that the government might resort to drastic measures if necessary, Bloomberg reports.

“For the first time, I’m not ruling out using what the law allows,” Lecornu announced during a press briefing on March 26. “This means, if there are production delays, using requisitions or a right to prioritize orders.”

Lecornu clarified that requisitions, a measure permitted under France’s military planning, could entail the government assuming control over a company’s assets or making decisions in place of the firm’s management. This statement comes in light of delays in the production of 200 Aster missiles, ordered by the state and manufactured by the MBDA consortium in France and Italy. The missiles, valued at around €900 million ($976 million), are crucial for defence capabilities and are slated for delivery by 2026.

With Ukraine facing a renewed Russian offensive and dwindling ammunition supplies, the urgency for support has reached critical levels. Despite US funding worth over $60 billion being held up in Congress and delays in European Union plans to deliver essential shells to Kyiv, France is stepping up its efforts to aid Ukraine.

“Given the situation on the front line in Ukraine, no one would understand why the Minister of the Armed Forces would not use his police powers to increase production of 155 mm bullets, if need be,” Lecornu stressed.

Highlighting the growing threat posed by Russia, Lecornu emphasized the necessity of French intervention to prevent a potential Russian victory. France has committed to producing missiles, howitzers, and ammunition to support Ukraine, with pending orders to MBDA amounting to €3 billion.

While President Emmanuel Macron has rallied European allies in support of Ukraine, criticism has been directed at France for not supplying as much equipment as other nations such as Germany. Nonetheless, France has backed a Czech-led initiative aimed at procuring 800,000 shells from sources outside the EU, although the extent of France’s financial contribution to the plan remains undisclosed.