French people are renowned for their romance, but they are equally formidable in military prowess.
Especially in military manufacturing, France boasts a world-class industry, with the Rafale fighter jet receiving even U.S. praise.
With such strength, the French believe that no more than three countries in the world can defeat them: the U.S., China, and Russia.
So, what gives France the confidence to be the "number two" in NATO? Next, let’s analyze this.
In October 2024, France announced a defense budget for 2025 amounting to €50.54 billion, demonstrating its determination to revive military strength.
This plan is not just rhetoric; it targets comprehensive upgrades across all domains: land, sea, air, and space.
The French navy will undergo significant reforms. The currently active Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, although renowned, has served for many years and is due for retirement.
To this end, France plans to invest €10 billion in building a new next-generation aircraft carrier, expected to start construction in 2025.
The new aircraft carrier will have a larger tonnage and more advanced technology, and will be equipped with more powerful carrier-based aircraft, moving towards the goal of a "blue water navy."
Additionally, the French navy will introduce new types of defensive and disruptive frigates, focusing on enhancing combat capability.
In 2025, France’s ammunition procurement budget will increase by 27% to €1.9 billion, with a focus on investing in Meteor air-to-air missiles and other advanced missiles to strengthen firepower for future conflicts.
In terms of air power, besides continuing to equip Rafale fighters, France will invest €500 million in developing the SAMP/TNG air defense system in collaboration with Italy, aimed at intercepting various aerial threats and constructing an air defense network covering land, sea, and air.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France has always prioritized the construction of nuclear deterrence capabilities.
In 2025, France will raise its nuclear deterrent expenditure to 14% of its defense budget, continuing the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.
At the same time, the construction of third-generation ballistic missile submarines began this year, with delivery expected by 2035.
Meanwhile, France is continuously catching up in the field of technology.
The 2025 defense budget allocates significant investments in areas such as space, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems, with the AI budget doubling to €300 million, which includes the construction of Europe's most powerful AI supercomputer.
This signifies that the French military will catch up in future intelligent and unmanned domains.
If the 2025 defense budget plan showcases France's military ambitions, then in diplomacy, France also expresses a desire for independence.
In early 2024, as the Russia-Ukraine war continued, President Macron solemnly stated in his New Year's address that Europe can no longer rely on the U.S. and must enhance its own defense.
Macron’s remarks may seem “forgetful,” as France is one of NATO's founding members, but they actually reflect France's strategic considerations.
For a long time, France has insisted on an independent foreign policy, opposing hegemony and emphasizing “my interests, my rules.”
As one of the leading countries in the EU, France plays an important role in promoting European integration.
Their vision for Europe is not to blindly follow the U.S. Discontent with NATO has deepened under Trump’s “withdrawal” threats and Biden’s “bandwagoning” strategy, as France sees this military alliance as a tool of U.S. interests, which they do not wish to be exploited.
Macron has repeatedly mentioned that Europe needs an independent defense system to project a stronger voice.
To this end, France actively promotes military cooperation with countries like Germany, attempting to establish a European army independent of NATO.
Despite this, France has not completely severed ties with the U.S., as NATO remains an indispensable platform in the face of traditional security threats like Russia.
Some may question whether the French military's practical capabilities are sufficient to support the title of "number two in NATO."
Although the French military is smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, its combat effectiveness should not be underestimated.
Currently, France has approximately 200,000 active-duty personnel and 300,000 reserve troops. While the numbers are not large, they are well-equipped and experienced.
In recent years, the French military has actively participated in international anti-terrorism and peacekeeping operations, demonstrating strong combat capabilities in Mali and Central Africa.
France has numerous overseas military bases around the world, with French troops visible from Africa to the Middle East. These bases provide not only strategic support but also enable rapid responses to global hotspots.
France's advanced weaponry, extensive combat experience, and well-established logistical support system, combined with a strong fighting spirit, make its military a force to be reckoned with. The title of "number two in NATO" is well-deserved.
After analyzing France's military plans, many may speculate whether the "big boss" of Europe is about to change.
In fact, the UK, France, and Germany, as established powers in Europe, have long been in fierce competition across economic, military, and political domains.
Although the UK is no longer the "empire on which the sun never sets," it still holds a position on the international stage due to its close ties with the U.S.
Germany, leveraging its economic strength, has become the leader of the EU. While it maintains a low profile in military affairs, its economic influence cannot be overlooked.
In the 21st century, the international situation is continuously changing, and European countries are increasingly aware of the importance of unity. In the face of global challenges such as terrorism, the refugee crisis, and climate change, cooperation is the only way forward.
The UK's decision to leave the EU has disappointed many countries and instead promoted closer cooperation between France and Germany in advancing European integration.
However, there are still differences between France and Germany. France hopes to establish a European army independent of NATO, while Germany believes NATO remains the cornerstone of European security.
In the future, whether France can become the "leader" of Europe through military strength and whether Germany can resolve its internal contradictions to lead the EU out of crisis are still uncertain issues.
This time, the French are serious; with a sufficient budget, advanced equipment, and a desire to reduce dependence on the U.S., they seek to assert their voice internationally.
Whether they can achieve these goals remains to be seen, and France's actions going forward will be crucial.
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