(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that France will allocate an additional €4.2 billion ($4.9 billion) to military space programs from 2026 to 2030 during the inauguration of the Space Command in Toulouse.

"As part of the update to the Military Programming Law, we have decided on additional measures for space—plus €4.2 billion over the 2026–2030 period, on top of what had already been planned," Macron said.

He outlined plans to deploy patrol satellites and develop space action and surveillance systems, including lasers, jammers, and advanced warning tools, starting in 2027 to monitor orbital threats and reduce dependencies. Macron also noted that over €16 billion ($18 billion) will be dedicated to civil space programs, including dual-use initiatives, by 2030.

"If we want to preserve our freedom to communicate, to observe, to monitor the climate, (and) to continue to take action and defend ourselves, it is essential to make decisive choices today," he said. Highlighting the European space sector’s vulnerabilities, Macron stressed that Europe must prioritize competitiveness, European preference, and governance, and not rely on external powers or private entities.

He also unveiled France’s national space strategy, focusing on autonomous access to space, enhanced industrial and defense capabilities, active scientific exploration, and strengthening Europe’s space sector. Macron confirmed plans for an international space summit in Paris in spring 2026 and emphasized cooperation with European partners, particularly Germany.

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