Independent French presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron has won the backing of the Defense Minister, which could bolster voter confidence that the 39-year-old is presidential material despite having no party and minimal political experience.

Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, leading France’s military operations against Islamic extremists in Syria and Iraq, announced the move in Ouest—France newspaper on Friday.

Mr. Le Drian’s support adds weight to Macron’s centrist campaign, and comes after two other members of President Francois Hollande’s Socialist government joined Macron.

However Mr. Macron is being careful not to associate himself too closely with Hollande’s unpopular outgoing administration and the divided Socialists.

Mr. Macron, a former banker with pro-market views who has never held elected office, is considered the front-runner for the two-round vote April 23 and May 7.