France to Expand Munitions Stocks in €36 Billion Defense Boost

France plans to direct a large share of its push to boost defense spending toward drones and munitions as it races to adapt to heightened threats and the risk of the US withdrawing military capabilities from Europe.

A revised multi-year spending bill presented to cabinet on Wednesday aims to deliver President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge of an additional €36 billion ($42 billion) in outlays over five years starting in 2026. Of that increase, €8.5 billion is earmarked for a 54% increase in munitions spending and €2 billion for drones.