France increases defense budget despite strained public finances

PARIS — France will increase its defense budget next year despite increasingly strained public finances, according to a document obtained by POLITICO. The French government will present later on Thursday a 2027 budget that earmarks €63.4 billion for military expenditures, compared with €57 billion this year. About 12% will be dedicated to nuclear deterrence and 43% to the purchase and maintenance of military equipment. That's in line with increases foreseen by the military planning law adopted over the summer. "To ensure our sovereignty, the government plans to strengthen our military capabilities through additional orders for major equipment (surface-to-air defense systems, anti-drone systems, and artificial intelligence)," the document reads.