France: Russia ‘greatest threat to France,’ particularly in Africa
Department of Security and Military Research and Studies 08-10-2024
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasizes Russia as France’s main threat, citing concerns for both French troops and interests in Africa.
In a recent interview with Le Point magazine, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu emphasized that Russia is currently France’s primary adversary. This discussion coincided with the release of Lecornu’s new book, where he outlined the security challenges facing Paris today.
When asked about the greatest threat to France, excluding terrorist groups, Lecornu stated, “Clearly it is the Russian Federation.” He highlighted that Moscow has become “even more aggressive” this year compared to 2022 and 2023.
Lecornu claimed that Russia threatens not only French interests in Africa, but also poses a direct risk to the French Armed Forces positioned on non-French territories. He noted that “the Russian air traffic control has threatened to shoot down a French Rafale patrol.”
Furthermore, Lecornu accused Russia of engaging in “information warfare” and of “militarizing new environments, including the seabed and cyberspace.”
The French defense chief did not specify incidents, but both Russia and NATO have accused each other of risky aerial maneuvers.
In March, Russia claimed its jets escorted two French Rafale warplanes over the Black Sea. Furthermore, Russia has warned that France’s arms supplies to Ukraine could lead to dangerous escalation.
Additionally, in January, Russia summoned the French ambassador over the presence of “French mercenaries” in Ukraine, which France acknowledged but denied facilitating.
