16:57 11-11-2025

France Prepares for Potential Conflict With Russia, Chief of Defence Says

North Atlantic Treaty Organization / www.nato.int

French Chief of Defence Fabien Mandon warns the army must be ready for possible conflict with Russia in 3–4 years as Paris ramps up large-scale military drills.

France’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Force General Fabien Mandon, has warned that London is systematically preparing for a potential military confrontation with Moscow. In an interview with Ouest-France, he stated that the French armed forces must be ready for a possible clash with Russia within the next three to four years.

According to Mandon, the French army is conducting large-scale exercises to strengthen its readiness for a full-scale conflict. These drills are designed to test the army’s coordination and combat capabilities under conditions that simulate modern warfare.

The general emphasized that Paris is not alone in its concerns. Several international partners, he noted, have already expressed willingness to take part in or observe the ongoing French military maneuvers.

Earlier, Chief of the French Army General Staff Pierre Schill told BFM TV that France could deploy troops to Ukraine as early as 2026. He clarified that such a move would be considered part of France’s potential security guarantees for Kiev.

Mandon’s remarks underline growing unease in Western Europe over the regional security landscape and signal France’s intent to prepare its forces for a scenario of direct confrontation with Russia.