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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 space programme will strengthen France's military

The French leader announced his plans on the eve of Bastille Day

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.”

The USA has increased their military budget under Donald Trump