France’s air force must begin preparing now for the possibility of a future confrontation with Russia, according to Deputy Chief of the French Air Force Dominique Tardif in remarks to Politico.

Tardif suggested that Moscow could attempt to test NATO’s resolve sometime between 2028 and 2029. Against that backdrop, he warned that French pilots might find themselves deployed to the front line almost immediately if tensions escalate along the alliance’s eastern flank.

He pointed out that the Baltic states lack their own fighter aviation, while Romania’s capabilities remain limited. As a result, the burden of response could fall largely on Western European countries. In such a scenario, they would need to be ready for a rapid and intense escalation-what France’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Fabien Mandon, has previously described as a potential «shock.»

Tardif also highlighted the pace at which Russia’s defense industry is advancing, underscoring concerns about its growing capacity.

Similar assessments have been voiced within NATO. Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, has noted that Russia is demonstrating a strong ability to adapt quickly to the realities of the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, according to Defense News, he has acknowledged that Western countries are not yet fully prepared to keep up with such shifts.

In recent years, Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern over NATO’s increasing military activity near its western borders. The alliance maintains that these measures are aimed at deterring aggression. The Kremlin, for its part, insists that Russia poses no threat, while warning it will respond to actions it deems harmful to its interests.