France joins military space race with macron promising french presence
France joins military space race with macron promising french presence"
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On the eve of the nation’s Bastille Day celebrations, the French President announced he will expand the country’s air programme to cover space defence in an area he claims is now a national
security threat. “We will strengthen our understanding of the situation in space, we will protect our satellites better, including in an active manner,” said the French leader. “And to give
substance to this doctrine, to ensure the development and reinforcement of our space capabilities, a large space command will be created next September within the Air Force, which will
eventually become the Air and Space Force.” The increased space operations and the launch of surveillance satellites are budgeted at £3.2 billion (3.6bn euros) over the next five years. He
confirmed that Defence Minister Florence Parly would reveal details of how the programme will be funded at a later date. The French leader said that programme will ensure the country’s
defence of space and that working with Europe was also a priority for the nation. Spy satellites, location tracing and cyber attacks have been growing threats in recent years for Western
nations. “Never since the end of World War II has Europe been so important,” Macron said. “The construction of a Europe of defence, in connection with the Atlantic alliance whose 70th
anniversary we are celebrating, is a priority for France.” NATO is also set to launch their first space strategy after increased interest in this area by China and Russia. The USA has also
strengthened its space interests after Donald Trump ordered the creation of a new US Space command at the end of 2018. The new force is set to become the sixth branch of the US military
after an increase in the nations military budget. Under Mr Trump the country’s military budget has increased from £493 billion ($619bn) in 2016 to the new amount of £597billion ($750bn).
An increase in the US budget comes in the wake of increased tensions between the country and Iran after President Trump decided to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.