France is sharply increasing military spending. The country’s principal 2026 defence budget stands at 57.1 billion euros, up 6.7 billion from 2025.

The plan includes about 40,000 recruitments in 2026, including 14,000 reservists. Around 14 billion euros are set aside for weapons programmes and 2.4 billion for ammunition, according to the Armed Forces Ministry.

President Emmanuel Macron announced in July 2025 that France would reach 64 billion euros in defence spending by 2027 — three years ahead of schedule. That would double the budget from 32 billion in 2017.

The 2026 budget was adopted in February after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu used special constitutional powers to pass it without a parliamentary vote. The buildup reflects Europe’s push to rearm amid the war in Ukraine.

France is also launching a voluntary military service this year to train thousands of young volunteers aged 18 and 19. This year’s equipment deliveries include a new nuclear-powered attack submarine, 362 armoured vehicles for the army and updated Aster surface-to-air missiles.