Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces Unveils Priorities for the Coming Years
General Fabien Mandon, Chief of the Armed Forces Staff (CEMA), has just unveiled his strategic priorities for the French military in the coming years amid a world rife with conflict. Appointed on 1 September 2025, succeeding General Thierry Burkhard, the tense international context—marked by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Sahel and Middle East, tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and hybrid threats from various actors—is forcing French military leadership to fundamentally review its strategy and priorities.In a wide-ranging interview with Esprit Défense magazine, General Mandon laid out a clear course of action, emphasizing preparation for a “harder, more violent world.”
In a world marked by rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions, General Mandon has set three major priorities for the French military: modernizing capabilities, strengthening national and operational resilience, and adapting the format and command structure of the forces. These align with the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law (LPM), which allocates €413 billion to defence, rising to €69 billion annually by 2030, while supporting France's NATO goal of 2.5% GDP on defence by 2030.
1. Modernization of Capabilities – Preparing for High-Intensity Conflict
General Mandon identifies modernization as the cornerstone: “The armed forces must have the capabilities to engage in very high-intensity operations.” This involves massive investments in next-generation systems, ammunition, drones, intelligence, and deep-strike assets, as strategic warning times shrink.Key programs include SCORPION (Griffon, Jaguar, Serval vehicles), upgraded Leclerc tanks, the Franco-German MGCS future tank, loitering munitions, counter-drone tech, and AI integration via ARTEMIS. Air and naval modernization features Rafale upgrades, FCAS (Future Combat Air System) with Germany and Spain, and the third-generation SSBN nuclear submarines.
Accelerating these incurs costs: the 2026 draft budget's “Preparation and Use of Forces” program (P178) includes €870 million in additional authorizations for external operations, with equipment credits at €18.2 billion (up 12% from 2025). This impacts short-term growth by reducing fiscal space amid inflation and energy crises, crowding out other investments.
2. Strengthening Resilience and Expanding Force Size
The second priority is resilience: “The armed forces must be ready for a conflict within three to four years,” echoing warnings of a potential "shock" with Russia by 2029. This means doubling the operational reserve to 80,000 by 2030, tripling ammunition stocks, and building logistics for sustained divisional combat.
The “Division 2030” concept targets two heavy divisions plus rapid-reaction forces. Exercises like ORION 2023 (20,000 troops) and ORION 2026 simulate corps-level ops. Infrastructure upgrades include new depots and hardened bases.
Costs are indirect: recruiting reserves, intensifying training, and infrastructure mobilize resources, limiting civilian investment and innovation. Active strength rises to 275,000, with recurring costs exceeding €3 billion annually by 2030. General Mandon stresses reinforcing "moral forces" of the nation against disinformation.
3. Strategic Adaptation and Command Reform
The third priority is adaptation: consistency between ambitions and capabilities. “The Chief of Staff must define the size of the armed forces and ensure needs and resources align.” This involves streamlining joint commands, delegating tactically, and bolstering the defence industrial base (BITD).
Equipment programs are co-managed by CEMA and DGA. Initiatives like TITAN infantry system and VULCAIN artillery highlight cooperation. Mandon advocates a sovereign European defence, strengthening NATO's European pillar and joint programs. Economically, this requires trade-offs: military spending curbs education, infrastructure, or green transition funds. Yet, the defence industry (Nexter, Thales, MBDA) employs 200,000+ and exports €12 billion yearly, offsetting burdens.
Czech context: Franco-Czech military relations and opportunities for cooperation
In the context of the Czech Republic, General Mandon’s priorities represent opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, which has been developing intensively in recent years. The French-Czech Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2024–2028 emphasizes coordination in the field of defense, consultations between staffs, and support for European projects within the framework of PESCO.
A key example is the purchase of 52 CAESAR 8x8 self-propelled howitzers on Tatra chassis, with final assembly taking place in Czechia at Excalibur Army from June 2025, with deliveries until 2026, although this project is facing delays and setbacks that have not yet been fully explained. The cooperation involves Czech companies such as Tatra Defence, Retia, and STV Group (ammunition supplier) and ensures technology transfer.
Other areas include joint exercises, the production of TITUS armored vehicles under license, and participation in European programs such as SAFE for joint purchases. As a member of NATO and the EU, Czechia benefits from France’s emphasis on European sovereignty – the possibilities range from ammunition to cyber defense to future MGCS tanks. These partnerships strengthen Czech modernization and bring economic benefits to Czech industry.
Conclusion
As the first Air Force officer in 30 years to lead as CEMA, General Mandon's vision shifts from expeditionary ops to high-intensity peer conflict readiness, including a potential Russia test. He calls for European sovereignty and national moral resilience. While bolstering autonomy and NATO/EU roles, these priorities strain economics. Balancing security and growth is the decade's challenge, with Mandon urging: “Immobilism or relativism will not be accepted.”
