France unveils $90B military expansion plan

France has presented a draft update to its Military Planning Law for 2024-2030, allocating an additional €36 billion to boost defense spending. The plan aims to increase France's military budget to nearly $90 billion by 2030, with funds earmarked for expanding the nuclear arsenal, acquiring up to 47 Rafale F5 aircraft as nuclear weapon carriers, and developing new missile systems including the ultra-long-range 'Comet' air-to-air missile. Additional priorities include purchasing air-launched cruise missiles and ground-based ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,500 km, acquiring $10 billion in ammunition and $2 billion for SAMP/T air defense systems, and creating a European early warning system for missile strikes by 2035.