France Announces Launch of New Military Service

(MENAFN) France has unveiled a nationwide recruitment drive for a new voluntary military service targeting young citizens, a move officials say is designed to bolster national defense against what they describe as a Russian “threat.” Moscow has dismissed such claims as “nonsense,” accusing Europe of stoking fear to justify a military buildup.

The initiative was formally announced Monday by Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin and armed forces chief of staff General Fabien Mandon, who confirmed the program is open to French citizens aged 18 to 25.

An initial contingent of about 3,000 recruits will begin service between September and November, stationed solely within French territory. Authorities plan to expand participation to 4,000 in 2027 and reach 10,000 annually by 2030.

General Mandon said the program welcomes all citizens who wish “to play a part in the nation’s capacity to resist in an uncertain environment.”

The scheme was first outlined by President Emmanuel Macron in November, who described it as “purely military,” underscoring the need for a “strong army” to counter what he called the “lasting threat” from Russia.

In recent remarks, Mandon warned the country must be prepared to “lose children” in a potential clash with Moscow. He urged the public to “accept suffering in order to protect who we are,” predicting France could face war with Russia by 2028. While insisting the nation had the economic and demographic resources to “deter” Russia, he cautioned that France lacked the “strength of spirit,” adding that without readiness to sacrifice, the country “is at risk.”

The comments drew sharp criticism from French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel, who denounced them as “unbearable warmongering rhetoric.”

Russian officials have repeatedly rejected Western warnings of aggression, calling them “nonsense.” They accuse the European Union of “reckless militarization” and warn that the West is preparing for a large-scale confrontation.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has gone further, alleging Western Europe is engaged in a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and charging that Berlin and other capitals are sliding into a “Fourth Reich.”

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