French President Emmanuel Macron announced on the 12th a new French space strategy, adding a budget of 4.2 billion euros (approximately RM 20.087 billion) to the military space sector by 2030.
Speaking at the new French Space Command headquarters building in Toulouse, he said that under the framework of the revised 'Military Planning Law', France will invest further in military space projects to ensure continued strategic autonomy and freedom of action amid rapidly evolving global geopolitical competition.
The new building for the French Space Command was completed last summer, and Macron's visit was to inaugurate the new headquarters.
Macron pointed out that space is no longer a safe haven, but has become a new arena for strategic competition. Warfare today has already begun in space, and the wars of the future will begin from space.
He emphasized that France and Europe must "firmly defend their position and interests in this domain."
He warned that the European space industry ecosystem remains fragile and that every effort must be made to support domestic aerospace companies, enabling them to grow into true "European champions" with global market competitiveness.
Developing a New Generation of Launch Vehicles
Macron stated that France will focus on the development of reusable launch vehicles, low-cost propulsion systems, and high-thrust engines and other key technological areas to achieve technological breakthroughs and independent innovation.
He said: "It is unacceptable to rely on any foreign powers or space giants. You know what I mean."
He indicated France will accelerate the commercialization of the Ariane 6 rocket and promote the modernization of the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana, turning it into a flexible and open space platform, able to accommodate small launch projects and international partners.