France boosts defence spending

A DRAFT of the French Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM, Military Planning Act), covering the period 2019-2025 was presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration on February 8.  This includes a proposal for a major increase in defence spending.  Total expenditure over the period is scheduled to be €295bn, of which €198bn has been budgeted for during the present five-year government term between 2019 and 2023.  With a general election due in 2023, spending beyond that date may be subject to change.  It will be considered over several months but is expected to be passed by parliament in the summer.The LPM provides for the delivery of 28 new-build Rafales to the Armée de l’Air (French Air Force) between 2022 and 2024, while 30 more of the type will be ordered in 2023 for delivery by 2030.  Efforts to further improve the Rafale’s capabilities will include developing the F4 standard, work on which is due to be launched this year.  A mid-life upgrade of the ASMPA missile will also be carried out.Additionally, the air force will benefit from the delivery of 55 refurbished and upgraded Mirage 2000Ds.  New laser designation pods will also be handed over before 2023.  Handover of A330 MRTT aircraft will be accelerated, compared with previous planning, with 12 due to arrive by 2023 and a further three now expected to be ordered, bringing the total MRTT fleet to 15 by 2025.The tactical transport fleet renewal will continue, with 11 A400Ms due to be accepted during the period, along with the final two C-130Js in 2019.  All 14 existing C-130Hs will undergo modernisation, although a programme to replace them will be initiated by 2030.In 2023, 12 helicopters will be ordered to replace the Puma.An avionics retrofit and modifications to the four E-3F AWACS aircraft will ensure full interoperability with NATO forces.  The search for a replacement will begin by 2035.The LPM will also consider a Système de Combat Aérien Futur (SCAF, Future Air Combat System), which will be a co-operative programme, with development of certain elements being launched during this time period.  The SCAF will comprise interconnected platforms and armaments, centred on a multi-role combat aircraft covering the entire spectrum of operations.  It is targeted for service entry by 2040.Intelligence capabilities will continue to be ramped up, including receipt of the final two MQ-9A Reaper systems in 2019.  Studies carried out in co-operation with Germany, Spain and Italy will be continued with a view to launching a European MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAV programme next year and delivery of the first system in 2025.  It is planned to have eight MALE UAV systems in operation by 2030.  The first three Patroller tactical UAV systems will be handed over and it is intended to have up to five in the French Army inventory by 2030.  In addition, 15 UAV systems will be ordered for the French Navy, with entry into service planned for 2028. Light tactical UAVs, with multi-sensor intelligence capabilities and a weapons option, will be acquired for the special forces in 2019.  Airborne intelligence capability will be strengthened, with orders for two more Avion Léger de Surveillance et de Reconnaissance (ALSR, Light Surveillance and Reconnaissance Aircraft) in order to have eight ALSRs in use by 2030.The navy’s 18 Atlantique 2s will be upgraded and remain in use, but a programme will begin to search for a replacement.  A decision should be made within the LPM time period.  Under the Charge Universelle de Guerre Électronique (CUGE) programme, three Dassault Falcon dedicated electronic warfare aircraft will be acquired to replace the two ageing C-160G Gabriele aircraft currently employed in the role. 

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