The world has faced new threats since the last French defence white paper in 1994, and central to dealing with this is a strong air force and navy.
The government proposed that the main force level constitute an aircraft carrier group including combat, surveillance and rescue aircraft and helicopters, 18 Mistral Class amphibious ships, six submarines and the ability to deploy one or two naval groups either for amphibious operations or for the protection of sea lines.
Surveillance and combat drones and strike fighter combat aircraft will also be required to continue an effective presence on the world stage.
The naval nuclear deterrent has become one of the five basic strategic functions. As a consequence, the nuclear ballistic submarine fleet will be equipped with the M51 intercontinental ballistic missile deployed on new generation SSBNs from 2010 onwards.
The main strategic axis for France is the high-risk areas extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean, with possible extension towards Asia.
