A DRAFT of the French Loi de Programmation Militaire (LPM, Military Planning Act), covering the period 2019-2025 was presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration on February 8. This includes a proposal for a major increase in defence spending. Total expenditure over the period is scheduled to be €295bn, of which €198bn has been budgeted for during the present fiveyear government term between 2019 and 2023. With a general election due in 2023, spending beyond that date may be subject to change. It will be considered over several months but is expected to be passed by parliament in the summer.
USAF/Tech Sgt Joshua J Garcia