Paris targets 400% surge in drone, missile stockpiles by 2030 Amid war fears in Europe

France is set to sharply expand its missile and drone stockpiles under a multibillion-euro defence plan, while also examining the potential development of a new main battle tank, according to a draft military planning law.

The proposals come as Paris responds to lessons from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have highlighted the rapid consumption of munitions in high-intensity warfare and prompted a broader European push to bolster defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Under the draft, France plans to increase missile and drone stocks by up to 400 per cent by 2030, backed by €8.5 billion in allocated spending for these systems. The measures form part of a wider multi-year framework that sets out procurement and capability targets for the armed forces.

“The urgent need, of course, is for munitions,” French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu recently told lawmakers, as concerns grow across Europe about a potential confrontation with Russia later in the decade.

The plan outlines stepped increases across several weapons categories, including a 400 per cent rise in loitering munitions, a 240 per cent increase in Safran-made guided bombs, and a 30 per cent boost in missiles produced by MBDA. The document also anticipates expanding industrial capacity through co-financing arrangements aimed at accelerating production.

France’s defence spending trajectory is set to rise steadily over the coming years, reaching €63.3 billion in 2027, €68.3 billion in 2028, €72.8 billion in 2029 and €76.3 billion in 2030, according to the draft.

“The effort is reflected in an increase in orders and deliveries and in the adaptation of industrial infrastructure through co-financing of priority production capacities,” the 64-page document states. “It is being carried out with a view to preparing for a ‘war economy.'”

Since 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, European governments have accelerated defence investment, a trend that has intensified amid uncertainty over long-term US security guarantees following the re-election of Donald Trump.

While the plan focuses heavily on munitions, it does not include immediate orders for additional Rafale fighter jets or frigates. However, it signals potential future investment in armoured vehicles, with Paris considering studies into a successor to the Leclerc main battle tank.

French lawmakers have raised concerns about potential delays in the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme, jointly developed with Germany, and the need for an interim solution as existing Leclerc tanks approach the end of their service life in the late 2030s.

“We must not let 2026 go to waste,” said François Cormier-Bouligeon.

The draft also appears to sideline the Eurodrone programme, a joint initiative involving France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as no funding has been allocated to the long-delayed project.

Industrial groups have long called for clearer signals from the government on orders, while officials have urged manufacturers to scale up production capacity in anticipation of sustained demand. Eric Béranger has indicated the company plans to raise output significantly, including doubling production of Aster missiles.

The planning law is expected to be formally presented on April 8 and will require annual budget approvals in parliament. While it sets strategic targets through 2030, industry and political observers expect any successor administration following the 2027 presidential election to draft a new framework.

Among potential contenders, far-right leader Jordan Bardella has argued that defence spending should reach 3.5 per cent of GDP in line with NATO objectives.