Contenu du sommaire : Armement et économie de défense

Defining European strategic autonomy presents quite a challenge, given the degree to which the approaches of the member countries of the EU diverge. How can shared sovereignty be created? How can the different strategic cultures be taken into accoun ? Where should we stand with respect to the United States?

New Space has deeply perturbed the space landscape, calling into question the European position and undermining what has hitherto been achieved. We have to react quickly in order to preserve the strategic autonomy acquired at great cost. That means increased investment but also an opportunity to be seized.

The question of European strategic autonomy was raised as the Covid-19 pandemic struck and demonstrated the low resilience of member countries of the European Union. Effort must be made by all to bring together the different approaches to this principle, which is so important for the future.

The EDTIB is an opportunity that must absolutely be seized—especially since competition in technology is intensifying. European mechanisms exist for favouring innovation and modernisation of defence industries as long as there is a genuine ambition to serve the interests of Europe.

Cooperation in the field of armaments may well prove a worthwhile approach and a contribution to European strategic autonomy. Exploiting chinks and loopholes could lead to progress and to successfully removing numerous obstacles, and also to rebalancing the relationship with the United States.

5G has arrived in France. This technology is of interest for our defence structure, which needs to think very quickly about integrating 5G into its range of telecommunications assets in order to be an actor in the field. Experimentation could lead to this new perspective being adopted.

The exponential growth in the power of the GAFAM companies (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft) is calling into question our conventional approach to the defence technological and industrial base. We need to react rapidly and develop a more agile and effective model in order to recover a minimum level of sovereignty in a field that is now essential to our defence.

Ships' crews are increasingly digital natives, which raises the need to reflect about the on-board use of smartphones. The everyday use of social networks should be taken into account to avoid finding ourselves in a position of weakness during operational commitments.

The DDG-1000 Zumwalt class destroyers are said to transform the art of naval warfare. The design makes a break with conventional naval architecture and the complexity of the programme carries with it a considerable increase in costs, which has led to this class of vessel being limited to three ships. However the technologies developed will be used in future classes under development.

The WG13 Lynx helicopter has been retired from service after more than 40 years. It left a significant mark on the Navy by affording it anti-submarine capabilities, particularly when embarked on a Frigate. Today's Fremm/NH90 pairing is bringing a vital dimension that offers the Navy new operational capabilities.

The exponential growth of AI in military matters is bringing advantages that benefit our operational superiority. It is nevertheless essential to limit its scope and to maintain control of those decision-making processes that call upon algorithms. Since he or she has the overall view of the action, the chief must always retain the power of decision.

European defence remains a difficult issue : it is complex and the target of some scepticism, and yet we have to move forward together if we are to face up to current strategic challenges. That in turn requires a defence culture that is shared between the partner countries. The École de Guerre (French war college) is playing its part in this, together with its equivalents in other countries.

The precarious international geopolitical environment compels us to consider the conditions for build-up of our armed forces. Historically, mobilisation has been the pillar for achieving this with greater or lesser success, but it no longer meets current requirements. We need to prepare the mechanisms for reinforcing the nation's resilience when faced with a major crisis.

James Bond, OSS 117 and Malotrus count among those heroes or anti-heroes that reveal only one very limited aspect of the reality of the world of espionage. Such characters, formed in the imagination of a number of authors, are far from the heroes who remain in the shadows, working secretly and selflessly, driven by patriotism.

In the rank of Captain, Charles de Gaulle served in Poland from 1919 to 1921, a mission that allowed him to see action again after his captivity in Germany. As head of state he returned there in 1967 in the desire to conduct a policy of balance and openness towards the East, yet with mixed success given the degree to which Warsaw was under the control of the USSR.

The rebirth of the Polish State after the First World War was helped by French military commitment that allowed Warsaw's forces to win against troops sent by Moscow. The matter of the Franco-Polish alliance remained complex and linked to a common and painful history.

Malraux was a charismatic figure who led a very full life. He engaged on the republican side during the Spanish civil war and later in the resistance in 1944, yet it was more his charisma than the organisation of his command that contributed to forging his legend. Not so military in his conduct although warrior in spirit, he was able to transform his narrative into an artistic and political adventure.

Although with the help of the allies they were victorious, after 1945 the French forces were to confront enormous budgetary difficulties in a France ruined by the war and at the start of operations in Indo-China. Reduction in manpower, reform of structures and renewal of equipment all presented almost unsolvable problems.