France is reshaping its military approach based on lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, preparing for a possible confrontation with Russia this decade.

General Dominique Tardif, deputy commander of the French Air Force, said: "We are applying everything we can learn from Ukraine, especially in terms of capability development." He warned that Russia could test NATO between 2028 and 2029.

The conflicts have revealed gaps in Western arsenals - NATO lacks cheap defensive tools against cheap threats, as drone interception missiles cost far more than the drones themselves. France is developing cheaper countermeasures, including helicopter drone interception and laser-guided missiles for Rafale fighter jets.

The defense minister announced that France will spend 8.5 billion euros on ammunition by 2030 and can produce thousands of interceptor drones monthly. The Baltic states lack combat air forces and Romania's capacity is limited, making Western European air forces critical on the eastern front.