As tensions with Russia escalate, France has stepped up its military preparations, with top officials warning that Europe must be ready for a confrontation with Moscow. The sense of urgency is reflected in a bold message from French Army Chief General Pierre Schill, who told his commanders and soldiers to be prepared to engage “even tonight if necessary,” according to reports from French magazine Valeurs Actuelles.
A Europe on Edge
The war in Ukraine has dramatically reshaped Europe’s security environment. Russian aerial incursions—including drones and fighter jets—have been reported by Poland, Estonia, Romania, and Lithuania. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have also recorded suspicious drone sightings, which Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said likely involved Russia “testing Europe’s limits.”
Against this backdrop, NATO has reinforced its stance, vowing to shoot down Russian aircraft that pose a threat during such incursions. Poland recently confirmed the most serious episode yet, with NATO forces joining to intercept and destroy at least 19 Russian drones breaching its airspace.
At a summit in Denmark, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Europe was already in “confrontation” with Russia, underscoring the pressing need for military readiness.
France’s Three-Step Military Strategy
General Schill has been restructuring the French Army for a potential large-scale conflict, focusing on speed, deployment capability, and modernisation. France’s plan revolves around three distinct phases:
Phase One: Armoured Brigade Deployment in Romania
Later this month, France will showcase the first step of its readiness plan by participating in NATO’s Dacian Falls 2025 exercise in Romania. Alongside 10 allies, France will contribute a full armoured brigade, marking the first time in decades it has deployed such a force abroad.
The exercise will involve around 5,000 NATO troops and heavy equipment, testing operational integration under NATO command. For France, this is not just training—it is the groundwork for rebuilding what General Schill calls “Europe’s most powerful land forces.”
Phase Two: Building a 25,000-Strong Division
The next phase involves scaling up. France aims to mobilise, equip, and operationalise a full division of 25,000 troops. Schill has emphasised that while personnel numbers are sufficient, the priority lies in securing advanced equipment and ammunition.
This phase could involve trade-offs, including cutting back on existing combat units such as infantry and cavalry, to focus on building a more modern and operationally ready force.
Phase Three: High-Intensity Force by 2027
The final stage of the plan envisions deploying a fully reorganised division of 25,000 troops overseas by 2027. This force will be equipped for high-intensity warfare, with an upgraded artillery brigade boasting multiple rocket launchers (LRU), enhanced air defence systems, and tactical drones for deep reconnaissance.
Schill has insisted that these assets must not only be modernised but also tripled in numbers, ensuring France can enter a high-intensity battlefield, withstand initial assaults, and sustain operations long enough to produce decisive effects.
NATO’s Eastern Flank: A Divided Responsibility
France’s role in Romania forms part of NATO’s broader effort to reinforce its eastern flank. The United Kingdom has taken responsibility for Estonia, deploying ground forces and fighter jets to counter Russian air incursions. Meanwhile, NATO as a whole continues to strengthen defensive positions along the Russian border.
Europe at a Crossroads
France’s three-step plan reflects a stark new reality: the possibility of open conflict between NATO and Russia can no longer be dismissed. With Macron openly acknowledging confrontation and Schill urging immediate readiness, France is spearheading Europe’s shift from deterrence to preparation.
Whether these moves remain precautionary or foreshadow a direct clash will depend on the course of Russia’s actions in the coming months. For now, the French Army is racing against time to ensure that if war does come, it will not be caught unprepared.
