French Military News Thread

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Norfolk

Junior Member
VIP Professional
For those who can read French (if not, you're just out of luck, unfortunately), the Ministry of Defense has released the new White Paper:

Défense et Sécurité nationale, LE LIVRE BLANC (June, 2008) -
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Besides reducing the manpower of the French Armed Forces to a total of 225,000 by 2015 (131,000 Army, 44,000 Navy, and 50,000 Air Force), it proposes rejoining the NATO Command Structure (subject to conditions), and the closure of many bases within Metropolitan France, as well as a few in Africa. France's strategic horizons will broaden to include Asia as well as an increased emphasis upon international diplomacy and "cultural awareness"; by contrast, France's capacity for international military intervention will be substantially reduced (to some 30,000 troops, plus reinforcements) and resort to such will be lessened.
 
S

sandyj

Junior Member
France to Overhaul Military: Higher Spending to Offset Manning Cuts

France to Overhaul Military, May Rejoin NATO

(Source: Voice of America news; issued June 17, 2008)

PARIS --- French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a major overhaul of the country's defense to better meet new threats like terrorism. Mr. Sarkozy also announced France was ready to rejoin NATO's military wing, after a four-decade absence.

President Sarkozy presented France's new defense strategy in a much awaited speech, outlining a leaner military that he argued would be better equipped to respond to terrorism, missile attacks and other modern-day threats.

Mr. Sarkozy said that six or seven years from now, French forces will total 225,000. He acknowledged that amounted to a steep cut from their current level of 270,000, and that bases would be closed. But he vowed to make France even stronger militarily than it is today.

While Mr. Sarkozy said the government was looking for cost cutting measures, he also said it would spend roughly $4.6 billion more annually to equip its forces.

The French president also said France aims to soon return to NATO's military command after pulling out in 1966.

Mr. Sarkozy said those who authored the defense report saw no reason why France should not participate in NATO's defense wing. He said France would retain complete freedom on deciding whether or not to participate in military operations and officials say it would remain in control of its nuclear-defense program.

Mr. Sarkozy has also emphasized building up the EU military capabilities, and had been expected to push this when France takes over the bloc's rotating presidency next month. But he may now face a roadblock, since Ireland rejected the EU treaty that is aimed to further integrate Europe, including its defense strategy. (ends)
 
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lcortez

New Member
The head of France's armed forces has resigned over the matter,and the soldier responsible has been held in jail,pending charges for armed assault,according to the BBC.

With regard to the cuts,I would imagine this will be taken as an opportunity to bin some of the older equipment,such as the AMX30B2 tank,and possibly some of the older apc',which were due to be replaced by the VAB anyway,IMHO.
 
P

Pointblank

Senior Member
lcortez said:
The head of France's armed forces has resigned over the matter,and the soldier responsible has been held in jail,pending charges for armed assault,according to the BBC.

With regard to the cuts,I would imagine this will be taken as an opportunity to bin some of the older equipment,such as the AMX30B2 tank,and possibly some of the older apc',which were due to be replaced by the VAB anyway,IMHO.
Click to expand...

Also, there will be closure of military bases overseas, and perhaps a reorganization of military bases at home...
 
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lcortez

New Member
Have a question relating to the roll out of the FELIN system,has this system been rolled out to the Infantry?,will all of the Infantry be equiped with it?

Would appreciate an informed answer,have looked on Wiki,which states that it has already been issued,but not sure how reliable Wiki is!
Cant find much up to date elsewhere.
 
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