Macron Warns: Space Has Become a Battlefield as France Boosts Military Space Investment by €4.2 Billion

French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Wednesday that contemporary conflicts are already taking place in space, with future wars likely to originate there as well. During his address in Toulouse, France's aerospace hub and home to its new space military command center, Macron emphasized the transforming nature of space from a peaceful domain to a contested battleground.

"The war of today is already being fought in space, and the war of tomorrow will begin in space," Macron stated firmly. "Space is no longer a sanctuary, it has become a battlefield."

Macron specifically highlighted Russia's activities following its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accusing Moscow of conducting espionage operations in space. He detailed how Russian space vehicles monitor French satellites, while also pointing to widespread GPS signal jamming and cyberattacks targeting space infrastructure.

The French President expressed particular concern about Russia's threat regarding nuclear weapons in space, describing potential effects as "disastrous for the whole world."

In response to these challenges, Macron announced additional funding of 4.2 billion euros (approximately $4.9 billion) for military space activities through 2030, though specific allocation details were not provided.

Acknowledging the fragility of Europe's space sector, Macron stressed the importance of fostering "European champions" capable of competing globally. His outlined space strategy priorities included developing future reusable launchers with low-cost propulsion and high-thrust engines.

In an apparent reference to private space ventures led by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, Macron asserted, "Depending on a major third-party power or any space magnate is out of the question. Let us be ready: this will be a condition for the success of military operations on land, in the air and at sea."

Additionally, Macron revealed France is accelerating development of advanced warning capabilities in partnership with Germany while strengthening space surveillance through the Aurore radar system to reduce dependence on other nations.

"We are investing in means of action from the ground and space while respecting international law, but without any naivety," he concluded.