Showcasing military preparedness in a public display, France conducts a military parade. - France demonstrated eagerness to perform at a military spectacle
The recent Bastille Day military parade in Paris, held on the iconic Champs-Élysées, served as a powerful demonstration of France's operational capability and readiness in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in Europe. President Emmanuel Macron's speech on July 13, 2025, highlighted the seriousness of the deteriorating security environment and the need for France to maintain its military might.
Macron emphasized the importance of Europe ensuring its own security and warned of slipping behind if defense investments did not accelerate. He confirmed a significant planned increase in the defense budget, with the current military budget standing at €50.5 billion, up from €32 billion in 2017. France had initially aimed to double its defense budget by 2030, but Macron pledged to achieve this target sooner, by 2027. Specifically, he announced an additional increase of €3.5 billion in 2026 and another €3 billion in 2027.
The French armed forces are also preparing to deploy 7,000 fully equipped soldiers within ten days by the end of this year. This readiness is not just a visual display, but a strategic response to the increasingly volatile security landscape in Europe.
Indonesia, a potential ally, was a significant presence at the parade. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the guest of honor, sitting next to Macron on the tribune, and Indonesia recently announced plans to acquire Rafale combat aircraft and other French military equipment.
The parade was not just about military might, but also about inspiring the next generation. Macron announced plans to give military training for young people a new framework, aiming to encourage more to join the military service, although conscription is still not on the table.
The French aerobatics team, Patrouille de France, flew over the Champs-Élysées, leaving a trail of the French national colors in the sky. The day concluded with a grand fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower and a light show with over a thousand drones planned for the evening.
Macron's speech also touched on the fragility of the international order established after World War II, stating that freedom is currently threatened more than since 1945. He referred to Russia as an "imperialism and annexation power" that started an aggressive war against Ukraine in February 2022, reflecting France's stance on the ongoing conflict.
France's Bastille Day parade was a clear message to the world: France is ready and committed to maintaining its military strength and strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing and challenging global environment.
[1] Le Figaro, July 13, 2025 [2] France 24, July 13, 2025 [3] BBC News, July 13, 2025 [4] Reuters, July 13, 2025
- "Despite the increasing geopolitical tensions in Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of EC countries developing a robust employment policy in defense and military sectors, as demonstrated by France's recent substantial increase in its defense budget."
- "Amidst the global competition for military strength, the French presidential speech and Bastille Day parade in 2025 underscored the essential role of politics in shaping employment policies, particularly in the face of an increasingly volatile security landscape."
