PARIS(National Times)- France\u2019s top general on Thursday said the possibility of a war with Russia in the next few years remained his \u201cprimary concern\u201d as he defended efforts to ramp up defence spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chief of the defence staff General Fabien Mandon spoke in parliament as he presented France\u2019s draft legislation to boost defence spending between 2024 and 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe persistence of a Russian threat on our continent, with the possibility of an open war, remains my primary concern in terms of military preparedness,\u201d Mandon told the defence committee of parliament\u2019s lower house during a hearing devoted to the updated military programming draft law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the draft legislation unveiled by the government on Wednesday, 36 billion euros ($42 billion) were to be added to France\u2019s defence spending, on top of the 413 billion euros ($483 billion) allocated for the period of 2024 to 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Dangerous period\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Citing intelligence estimates, Mandon said Russia was expected to have a bigger army and more weapons by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Russia is projected to have a 1.9 million-strong army by 2030, up from 1.3 million last year, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The number of Russian heavy tanks was set to rise from 4,000 in 2025 to 7,000 in 2030, while the number of combat vessels in the Russian navy was expected to be between 230 and 240, Mandon added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis military planning law is crucial for the defence of our fellow citizens,\u201d Mandon said. \u201cWe are in a dangerous period. We must not cause alarm, but simply raise awareness because we need this defence investment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In November, Mandon warned France must be ready to \u201close its children\u201d against the background of the threat posed by Russia, sparking an outcry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn unrestricted use of force\u201d and a \u201cterrorist threat\u201d in the Middle East, Asia and Africa also justified the ramping up of defences, Mandon said, pointing to Washington\u2019s wavering commitment to Europe. \u201cWe can no longer have the same level of confidence in the Americans\u2019 commitment to our security\u201d, he said, adding however that dialogue with US military officials remained of \u201chigh quality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n