Overview
- Gen. Fabien Mandon told France’s National Assembly defense committee he has ordered the armed forces to be ready within three to four years for a possible test from Russia.
- He warned that current hybrid threats could turn more violent and said Russia may seek to continue the war on the European continent while reorganizing to confront NATO.
- Mandon framed France’s rearmament as a signal designed to deter, arguing that visible preparedness could make rivals renounce hostile moves.
- Recent allied assessments have cited potential risk windows between 2027 and 2030, and the European Commission has presented a roadmap for capitals to prepare by 2030.
- The Russian Embassy in Paris condemned Mandon’s remarks, denied any intention to attack EU states, and accused French officials of using an imaginary threat to justify higher military spending.