France is planning to quadruple its stockpile of kamikaze drones by 2030 as part of a strategic pivot toward a “war economy,” according to a 64-page draft military planning law seen by Politico.
The proposal, which is scheduled for government presentation next week, outlines a shift in procurement priorities that favors the mass accumulation of munitions over the acquisition of new high-cost military platforms. Under the plan, stocks of loitering munitions—commonly known as kamikaze drones—are set to increase by 400%. Other guided munitions will also see significant growth, with Safran-produced AASM Hammer guided bombs projected to rise by 240% and Aster and Mica missile inventories by 30% by the end of the decade.
This reallocation of resources reflects lessons drawn from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where the high rate of attrition has rapidly depleted Western arms reserves. The draft document explicitly states that these measures are intended to prepare the nation for a “war economy,” with financial resources directed toward the co-financing of priority production capacities.
Defense Spending and Procurement Shifts
To fund this expansion, the French government proposes a steady increase in total defense spending, rising from €63.3 billion ($73 billion) in 2027 to €76.3 billion by 2030. While these figures are established within the planning law, the funds will remain subject to annual parliamentary approval following the bill’s passage through the legislature.
The strategy marks a departure from traditional procurement cycles. The draft indicates that Paris does not intend to increase the overall size of its armed forces or purchase additional major equipment, such as further Rafale fighter jets or new frigates. Instead, the focus is on “consumables”—the missiles and drones required to sustain prolonged high-intensity combat.
As part of this streamlining, the government has apparently sidelined the Eurodrone, a joint long-range reconnaissance project involving Germany, Italy, and Spain. The draft allocates no funds to the delayed program. Conversely, the document notes that France is considering studies for a successor to the Leclerc main battle tank, which has been the cornerstone of French armored divisions since 1992.
Strategic Autonomy and Geopolitical Tension
The military buildup aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s long-standing objective of “strategic autonomy,” aimed at reducing the European Union’s reliance on American defense systems. In recent remarks, Macron cautioned against European nations becoming “vassals of two hegemonic powers,” specifically citing the unpredictability of the United States and the dominance of China.
This shift toward self-reliance and increased munitions capacity has drawn criticism from Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused NATO of preparing for a conflict against Russia, asserting that the bloc is no longer hiding its intentions. The Kremlin has simultaneously dismissed warnings from NATO members regarding a potential Russian attack on the alliance within the coming years, labeling such claims as fearmongering.
The draft law now awaits formal presentation and subsequent legislative debate in the French parliament.
