France: over 4 billion euro for military space systems
Photo. PBS
Speaking on the occasion of the France’s Space Command becoming fully operational, Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in the budget for military space systems. Expenditure is set to rise to over 4 billion euro.
On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, a ceremony was held in Toulouse to mark the France’s Space Command becoming fully operational, attended by Emmanuel Macron. ”We must fight to preserve this precious asset; space is no longer a sanctuary, it has become a battlefield.” - said the French president.
„Today’s war is already being fought in space, and tomorrow’s war will begin in space. Let us be ready. This will be a prerequisite for the success of military operations on land, in the air and at sea.” - he added.
Macron’s speech included specific plans for the development of military space systems. The president announced expenditure of 4.2 billion euro between 2026 and 2030. He also referred repeatedly to the National Space Strategy, which is to be implemented with the help of the aforementioned funds.
Pillars of the French strategy
The pillars of the National Space Strategy were described on the Defence24.com by Aleksander Olech, editor-in-chief of the website and head of the International Cooperation Department at the Defence24 Group. The document identifies five areas: maintaining autonomous access to space, supporting industry, developing strategic and defence capabilities, supporting science and space exploration, and strengthening European cooperation.
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‘In addition to what we have already planned in terms of active defence, we will deploy our first patrol satellites… starting in 2027 to monitor, inspect and, if necessary, counter threats in orbit,’ added President Macron, quoted by BreakingDefense.com, referring to the French TOUTATIS satellite programme.
The announced measures will also support ground-based radar projects aimed at increasing situational awareness in space and the development of international cooperation, particularly with Germany in the field of early warning.
The French are following in the footsteps of the Germans
In October, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced a comprehensive investment package for a satellite constellation, ground stations, cyber security and payload launch capabilities. By 2030, €35 billion from the state budget is to be spent on this purpose. The measures will be taken in cooperation with allies.
„This architecture is intended to become a strong pillar of Germany in NATO and for Europe, complementing existing Alliance and EU programmes. As a supporting country, Germany is strengthening exchanges with European countries and deepening partnerships and cooperation outside Europe with competent partners who share similar values.” - said Pistorius.
