France plans Rafale fleet increase and military spending boost (defence24.com)

• French Senate approves 30 additional Rafale F4 for Air Force and Navy
• Three FDI frigates ordered, Leclerc successor studies to begin
• Force strength raised to 275,000 FTEs, funding dispute unresolved

"France is updating its 2024–2030 Military Programming Law with an additional €36 billion. The Senate voted on 9 June 2026 to approve the purchase of 30 more Rafale F4 fighter jets, three FDI frigates, and an increase in force strength to 275,000 full-time equivalents. Funding remains politically contentious as the Senate removed Article 2 blocking the expenditure increase."