Modern conflicts are increasingly being waged in the realm of outer space, with future wars expected to originate there. This assertion was made by French President Emmanuel Macron during a recent speech in Toulouse, the center of France’s space and aviation industry, where the new military space command has been established.
Macron emphasized that the dynamics of warfare have shifted, stating, “Space is no longer a sanctuary; it has become a battlefield.” He expressed concern over the escalating threats posed by Russia in the wake of its comprehensive military actions in Ukraine, alleging that the country is engaging in espionage activities in space. According to Macron, Russian space vehicles are actively monitoring French satellites, which is complemented by widespread jamming of GPS signals and cyberattacks targeting space infrastructure.
Additionally, Macron highlighted a particularly alarming aspect of this conflict: the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in space by Russia. He warned that the consequences of such actions could be catastrophic on a global scale.
To bolster France’s military capabilities in this unprecedented domain, Macron announced a substantial investment of 4.2 billion euros (approximately $4.9 billion) aimed at enhancing military operations in space through 2030. He pointed out that the European space sector is currently “fragile” and underscored the necessity for supporting European firms to ensure competitiveness in the international market.
Key priorities in France’s new space strategy include the development of advanced launch systems that are reusable, cost-effective, and capable of high thrust. Macron made it clear that reliance on major foreign powers or private space firms is not a viable strategy, stating, “Depending on a major third-party power or any space magnate is out of the question.”
He further indicated that France is working on advanced warning systems in collaboration with Germany, and enhancing space surveillance through the Aurore radar system, which aims to lessen dependency on external nations.
In closing, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to investing in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial military capabilities, while emphasizing adherence to international law and a pragmatic approach to these new challenges.
