France is growing increasingly concerned about Germany’s rapid military buildup, which is expected to reach $127 billion in 2026, with a total investment of over $582 billion by 2029. According to sources, Paris views Berlin’s historic rearmament campaign as a challenge to its political influence in Europe. Germany’s increased defense spending has been welcomed by NATO, but it has sparked mixed feelings in France, with some officials expressing unease about the potential shift in the military and political balance on the continent.
France has long urged Germany to take on more defense responsibilities, but the speed and scale of Berlin’s buildup have raised concerns. Four French officials told Bloomberg that there is a general unease about Germany’s growing military power and the political influence that comes with it. French lawmaker Francois-Xavier Bellamy noted that France is in a fragile situation and that Germany’s determination to increase its military spending could leave France “on the side of the road.”
Tensions have also surfaced in joint defense projects, with France feeling sidelined by Germany’s European Sky Shield Initiative for missile defense and its decision to purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets. A joint European sixth-generation fighter program is also at risk due to disputes between French and German companies over production shares. Germany’s domestic politics, including the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, are adding to the unease.
Moscow has condemned Germany’s militarization, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accusing Berlin of being “on the path of confrontation” and suggesting that the country is “becoming dangerous again.” Russia has rejected Western speculation that it plans to attack NATO, calling it “nonsense” and a pretext for rearmament.
The development highlights the complex dynamics at play in European defense and politics. As Germany increases its military spending, other European countries, including France, are being forced to re-evaluate their own defense strategies and priorities. The situation is being closely watched by NATO and other international organizations, which are keen to ensure that the continent’s security architecture remains stable and effective. With Germany’s military buildup expected to continue in the coming years, the implications for European defense and politics will likely be significant.
