LUXEUIL-LES-BAINS, France, March 18 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron announced France's plan to purchase more Rafale warplanes in the upcoming years and to invest nearly 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) into upgrading one of its air bases to equip its squadrons with advanced nuclear missile technology.
Given the shift towards a more confrontational stance with traditional Western allies, European countries are increasing defense spending and striving to decrease reliance on the United States.
Macron, who initiated a doubling of the French defense budget during his two terms, has now set a higher target, proposing an increase in defense spending to 3-3.5% of economic output from the current 2%.
He also aims to extend the protection of France's nuclear weapons, known as the nuclear umbrella, to other European nations.
Macron emphasized: "We haven't waited for 2022 or the current turning point to realize that the world is becoming more dangerous and uncertain, compelling us to innovate, fortify, and enhance autonomy."
In the upcoming weeks, he plans to make additional investments beyond those of the past seven years, as he addressed soldiers at a historic air base in Luxeuil, eastern France.
The base, renowned for being the home of American volunteer pilots during World War One, will be transformed into one of the most technologically advanced bases in France's nuclear deterrence program.
The base will house the latest Rafale S5 fighter jets equipped with France's next-generation ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles, expected to be operational from 2035, as announced by French officials.
Additionally, the French Air Force will procure more Dassault-made Rafale warplanes, partly to replace the Mirage jets transferred to Ukraine, Macron confirmed.
"We will boost and expedite our Rafale orders," Macron stated.
The 1.5 billion euros designated for these investments are included in the pre-approved multi-year military spending plan, although it remains uncertain how France will finance such a substantial increase in military spending while aiming to reduce the budget deficit.
Macron's speech coincides with a substantial surge in military spending.
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