France plans to boost drone production by 400%: media reports 

France is preparing to significantly expand its stocks of bombs, missiles and drones, according to digital news outlet POLITICO, which has reportedly seen a draft law being prepared by the French government. 

According to this publication, in the period between 2027 and 2030, France is seeking to expand its stockpiles of loitering munitions (usually referred to as “kamikaze drones”) by 400%, of guided bombs by 240%, and of Aster and MICA air defense missiles by 30%. 

This decision, which has not yet been officially announced, is motivated by the observations from wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, where high intensity operations have often resulted in the quick depletion of aerial munitions inventories. 

The French armed forces have themselves experienced the realities of munition stocks attrition in a modern drone warfare setting in early 2026.  

In March 2026 it was reported that French Rafale fighters based in the Gulf had expended some 80 MICA air-to-air missiles while contributing to the defense of the United Arab Emirates against Shahed-type drones fired by Iran.  

This figure is said to represent a significant share of existing French missile stocks and also illustrates the challenges of asymmetric drone warfare, in which high-end, expensive missiles are used to down low-cost drones. 

These reports of expanded munitions procurement follow statements a few days prior, by Éric Béranger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at European missile maker MBDA stated that in 2026 the firm is increasing by 40% the production of its Aster missile, which is used by the SAMP/T air defense systems. MBDA also plans to invest €5 billion to further expand production in the next four years. 

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