France's defense spending may increase by €3B next year

France's defense spending may increase by 3 billion euros next year, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu said in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, Report informs.

"I once again confirm the government's intention to increase the military budget by 3 billion euros in 2023. It will be presented to the parliament for discussion," Lecornu said.

He noted that the ministry intends to evaluate the recent experiences and make further adjustments to the defense budget against the situation in Ukraine.

According to the French Armed Forces Ministry, in 2019-2025, it is planned to allocate 295 billion euros to finance the country's weapons modernization program. On June 13, President Emmanuel Macron ordered a review of these costs amidst the Ukraine conflict. The head of state noted that the current program was adopted without considering the possibility of a "high-intensity war".