France is preparing to send military forces to Ukraine as part of European security guarantees starting in 2026, according to BFMTV on October 24.
General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the French Army, told members of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee that France’s land forces will be ready to deploy under the framework of future European security commitments to Ukraine.
“We will be ready to deploy forces under security guarantees, if necessary—for the benefit of Ukraine,” Schill said.
The general stated that 2026 will be “the year of coalitions,” highlighting upcoming multinational military exercises, Orion 26, which will test cooperation among allied land, air, and naval components.
He explained that the French Army is capable of responding to three simultaneous “alerts,” including a potential deployment to Ukraine.
France currently maintains a “national emergency level” of 7,000 soldiers who can be mobilized within 12 hours to five days, either for domestic missions or for NATO commitments.
Schill also emphasized that France’s “first level of NATO readiness” would remain a core element of the country’s defense posture.
The statement comes amid growing discussions in Paris about the threat posed by Russia. Earlier, former Chief of the French Armed Forces Thierry Burkhard warned that the Kremlin views France as one of its main strategic targets.
His successor, General Fabien Mandon, has called for accelerating rearmament and strengthening national defense capabilities.
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly stated that France would not rule out “sending troops” to Ukraine under certain conditions, though such a step would be coordinated within a broader European framework.
Earlier, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would send more Mirage 2000-5F jets and Aster missiles to Ukraine, along with expanded training programs, as part of ongoing efforts to boost Ukrainian air capabilities and maintain pressure on Russia.
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