This is one of the main expenditure items in the budget of the new military programming law (LPM) whose examination begins this Monday, May 22. France will dedicate 54 billion euros military deterrence, i.e. 13% of the 413.3 billion planned over the period from 2024 to 2030, to modernize and maintain nuclear weapons as well as their means of transport, whether submarine, naval or airborne.
This sum is the “amount of life insurance”, which at the same time makes it possible to have less conventional forces, estimates with AFP the president of the commission of Defense Thomas Gassilloud.
After a drop in the 1990s, spending on deterrence in France rose slightly to stabilize from the 2010s. As nuclear deterrence enters a “phase of modernization and renewal” as one wrote report information at the end of April, annual expenditure is estimated at 5.6 billion in 2023, or annually from 11% to 13% of annual defense expenditure. With a stock of a few 300 weaponsFrance’s arsenal is far behind that of Russia or the United States, but ahead of the United Kingdom, for example.
Military programming law 2024-2030 in key figures
© / the express
New missiles, planes and submarines
The credits of the LPM will enable the four French nuclear submarines to be equipped with new generation M51 ballistic missiles. In the air, the Rafales will have upgraded ASMP-A nuclear cruise missiles, and a fourth generation of missiles (ASN4G) is also in the works.
The text also promises to work on the next generations of aircraft, whether it is the standard Rafale 4 or the combat aircraft of the future, the “SCAF” – code name “Next Generation Fighter”. The third generation of ballistic missile nuclear submarines also remains in preparation, with the start of construction scheduled for 2035. The associated transmission means must also be modernized. Finally, another article of the text aims to limit the use of service providers and subcontractors in the context of nuclear defense.
A successor to the Charles-de-Gaulle
The LPM also provides for a new aircraft carrier to succeed the Charles de Gaulle, capable of carrying thirty aircraft. Its construction should begin in Saint-Nazaire in 2025 and cost 5 billion euros.
While the text is being examined this Monday before the National Assembly, the boss of the Communists Fabien Roussel has already called for the opening of a “national debate” on the subject of nuclear deterrence. “If we are attacked, we must have the means to protect ourselves”, but in this budget, “by choosing nuclear power and choosing an aircraft carrier, the Minister of Defense plans to delay the modernization of our helicopters, of our tanks, provides for there to be fewer frigates when we need them for the overseas territories”, affirmed the Communist deputy from the North, at the microphone of France Inter.