06:39 23-10-2025

French Air Force Chief Warns of Possible Clash With Russia

North Atlantic Treaty Organization / www.nato.int

General Fabien Mandon warned that France must prepare for a possible military confrontation with Russia within the next few years, calling for faster rearmament and stronger defense.

France must be ready for a potential military confrontation with Russia within the next three to four years, the Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, General Fabien Mandon, told Le Monde.

According to the general, the key mission for the armed forces now is to be «ready for impact» in the foreseeable future. He stressed that France needs to accelerate rearmament efforts and strengthen its overall defense capacity.

Mandon suggested that Moscow might be tempted to expand the ongoing conflict into Europe, as Russia, in his view, perceives the continent as «collectively weak.»

At the same time, he said France has all the necessary means to feel confident and demonstrate determination in defending its national interests. Mandon noted that visible efforts to enhance defense and readiness could dissuade potential adversaries from taking aggressive steps.

The Russian leadership, however, has repeatedly rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO countries. President Vladimir Putin has stated that the West’s talk of a «Russian threat» serves mainly to frighten domestic audiences and distract from internal political and economic issues. He emphasized that such rhetoric has no real basis and is aimed at reinforcing anti-Russian sentiment across Europe.