French Defence Industry Plans €67.5 Billion Budget by 2030

The French defence industry is ramping up production as the European Union aims for strategic autonomy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Notably, the Eurenco group's new plant in Bergerac will relocate production of artillery powder from other European countries to France, reflecting a broader increase in the French defence budget, projected to reach €67.5 billion by 2030. Companies like Plubeau & Cie are adapting to meet the demands for military supplies but face challenges such as securing raw materials domestically. Concurrently, a meeting between French economy and defence ministers aims to address a capital shortfall in the defence sector, with a focus on mobilizing investment to support a network of smaller companies. The European Commission is pushing for an increase in domestic arms procurement to reduce reliance on non-EU suppliers, particularly from the U.S. These developments underscore the significant shifts in defence strategies and industrial capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine.