French military chief warns of possible 'decoupling' from Germany in defense spending

French Chief of Defence Staff General Fabien Mandon warned a Senate committee on May 11 that a 'decoupling' of the French military from its European allies is possible, citing Germany's far faster defense spending growth.

Questioned by Senator Dominique de Legge, special rapporteur for the 'Mission Défense', Mandon said: 'Le décrochage est possible' (decoupling is possible). He added: 'Si l'Allemagne continue à ce rythme, dans cinq ans, l'argument selon lequel nous bénéficions d'une expérience opérationnelle et d'une certaine culture ne tiendra plus' (If Germany continues at this pace, in five years the argument that we benefit from operational experience and a certain culture will no longer hold).

Germany plans to spend 167.8 billion euros on defense and security by 2029, up 150% from 66.8 billion euros in 2024. In 2026, Germany's defense budget is 82.7 billion euros, plus 25.5 billion euros from the Bundeswehr special fund, totaling 108.2 billion euros. France's projected 2030 military budget stands at 76.3 billion euros (2.5% of GDP). The Senate committee has proposed adding 14 billion euros to reach 83.9 billion euros (2.7% of GDP) by 2030, including three additional frigates and about 30 Rafale F4 aircraft.

Mandon noted that Germany's recent strategic review does not mention France once. 'Pour les Américains, la référence européenne devient peu à peu l'Allemagne' (For the Americans, the European reference is gradually becoming Germany), he said. He warned that within five years, France's operational experience advantage would no longer offset the spending gap.

'La dissuasion nucléaire fait partie de l'équation de défense de l'Europe' (Nuclear deterrence is part of Europe's defense equation), Mandon said, while stressing the need for greater dialogue with allies on defense planning. Mandon was heard by the Senate Finance Committee on May 11, 2026.