French Gendarmerie Chief Warns of Potential Armed Conflict

General Hubert Bonneau emphasizes national defense preparedness and highlights geopolitical shifts in a letter to gendarmerie personnel.

General Hubert Bonneau, head of the French gendarmerie, cautions about the possibility of armed conflict and threats to national security in light of global geopolitical developments.
Bonneau's internal letter references the Russian invasion of Ukraine and evolving U.S. policies impacting NATO as factors necessitating increased European defense efforts.
He underscores the importance of the gendarmerie's role in territorial defense (DOT) and coordination with the French military to address potential threats.
The letter also discusses priorities like combating organized crime and narcotrafficking, including the establishment of a new National Judicial Police Unit led by General Sylvain Noyau.
Some gendarmerie officials have expressed skepticism about the focus on defense readiness, citing budgetary concerns and the need to address immediate operational challenges.