Overview
- The Élysée confirmed that astronaut Thomas Pesquet, a reserve Air Force colonel, will pilot an A330 Phénix/MRTT to fly the president back to Orly after the ceremony.
- Macron is slated to observe an in-flight refuelling demonstration with four Rafale fighters and review the Morphée medical evacuation capability aboard the tanker.
- His remarks are expected to focus on updating the 2024–2030 military programming law and on current strategic pressures.
- The 2026 defense plan totals roughly €57.1–€57.2 billion but has not yet been adopted by Parliament, with a stated path toward €64 billion in 2027.
- A new voluntary national service has begun recruiting, targeting 3,000 initial incorporations between September and November and aiming for 10,000 annually by 2030.