It is a comfortable vote for the majority. The National Assembly largely adopted at first reading the principle of an envelope of 413 billion euros over seven years for the budget of the Armed Forces, intended in particular to “prepare” and “modernize” the military forces, despite criticism from the opposition on “announcement effects. The Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu praised on Twitter the “ninety hours of calm, constructive debates and up to the challenges. »
In a context marked by the war in Ukraine, the 413.3 billion of this military programming law (LPM) represents an increase of 40% compared to the previous one. In particular, they must make it possible to modernize nuclear deterrence. Thirty billion must be used to cover inflation.
Postponement of material deliveries
The credits must also improve the treatment of troops and their families, and make it possible to improve the conditions of the reservists, to double the workforce (80,000 volunteers targeted for 2030). The LPM, which will be updated in 2027 by a vote of Parliament, also intends to “modernize” the military apparatus: 10 billion for innovation, 6 billion for “space”, 4 billion for “cyber”, 5 billion for drones etc.
To the chagrin of some members of the opposition, the text provides for a postponement of deliveries of equipment. The armies will thus receive over the period fewer tanks, Rafale or frigates for example than what was planned in the previous LPM, which some members of the opposition deplore. Sébastien Lecornu says “favor consistency over mass”: receive less equipment, but ensure that it is operational and that the soldiers are trained in it.
Divided on some of the defense issues (integrated command of NATO, nuclear deterrence), the left was also divided in its vote on Wednesday. “We do not find in your model of army which stems from a military strategy always at the service of NATO and the foreign policy of the United States”, launched Fabien Roussel (PCF). His group, opposed to the construction of a new aircraft carrier and new investments in deterrence, voted against. Like the Unsub. The text will now go to the Senate. The executive hopes for final adoption before July 14.