Amid growing tensions with Russia, France is preparing its military for a possible full-scale war in Europe. Consequently, French army chief General Pierre Schill has told commanders and soldiers they must “be ready at any moment to engage, even tonight if necessary,” according to Valeurs Actuelles magazine.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Schill has worked to transform the French army into a force capable of rapid mobilisation and overseas deployment alongside NATO allies. Furthermore, he has modernised the army with drones, robots, long-range weapons, and air defence systems, incorporating lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.

This announcement came as President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe faces a “confrontation” with Russia during a summit of European leaders in Denmark. At the meeting, leaders discussed defence initiatives such as a ‘drone wall’ and continued support for Ukraine.

Rising Tensions Across Europe

In recent weeks, tensions between NATO members and Russia have escalated. For example, Poland, Estonia, Romania, and Lithuania reported incursions by Russian drones and fighter jets. Similarly, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden reported drone sightings, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to warn that Russia may be testing Europe’s limits.

As a result, NATO has pledged to shoot down any aircraft posing a threat. Recently, Poland, alongside NATO allies, successfully downed at least 19 Russian drones, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

France’s Three-Phase Military Plan

To prepare for a potential NATO-Russia conflict, France has devised a three-step military plan.

Phase One: The first phase will begin this month when a French brigade joins NATO’s ‘Dacian Falls 2025’ exercise in Romania alongside 10 allied nations. Around 5,000 soldiers with battle equipment will participate. The exercise will integrate forces under NATO command and upgrade NATO Battle Groups in Romania and Bulgaria to brigade level. Importantly, this marks the first deployment abroad of a full French armoured brigade in decades. Moreover, the exercise aims to rebuild what Schill calls “Europe’s most powerful land forces.”

Phase Two: Next, France will prepare a full division of approximately 25,000 troops for mobilisation and operational deployment. Schill considers this phase the “top priority,” even if it requires reallocating existing infantry and cavalry units. He confirmed that France has sufficient personnel but emphasised the need for adequate equipment and ammunition.

Phase Three: Finally, France plans to deploy the full division overseas. This evolved division will feature a reorganised artillery brigade with long-range rocket launchers, advanced air defence systems, and tactical drones for deep reconnaissance. Schill explained that these specialised assets must be tripled by 2027 to ensure effective operations on a high-intensity battlefield.

Dacian Falls 2025 Puts Plan into Action

The upcoming Dacian Falls 2025 exercise will implement the three-phase plan. It is part of NATO’s effort to strengthen its eastern flank along the Russian border. Notably, France leads in securing Romania, while the UK takes the lead in Estonia and deploys fighter jets to safeguard Poland’s skies from Russian incursions.

Ultimately, France is acting with urgency. Its military aims to be fully prepared for any conflict with Russia while supporting NATO allies and maintaining European security.