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 welcomed on Twitter the "90 hours of serene debates, constructive and up to the stakes. "

In a context marked by the war in Ukraine, the 413.3 billion of this 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 is to be used to cover inflation.

Postponement of equipment deliveries

The appropriations should also improve the treatment of troops and their families, and improve the conditions of reservists, to double the number (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 provided for in the previous LPM, which some members of the opposition deplore. Sébastien Lecornu says "favor coherence over the mass": receive less equipment, but ensure that it is operational and that the military is trained.

Divided on some defense issues (integrated NATO command, nuclear deterrence), the left was also divided in its vote on Wednesday. "We do not find in your army model that stems from a military strategy always at the service of NATO and the foreign policy of the United States," said Fabien Roussel (PCF). His group, opposed to the construction of a new aircraft carrier and new investment in deterrence, voted against. Like the Unsubmissive. The text will now go to the Senate. The executive hopes for final adoption before 14 July.

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