France Launches Public Investment Fund to Boost Defense Sector

The initiative, part of a broader EU rearmament strategy, allows citizens to invest a minimum of 500 euros, while public and private funds aim to close a 5-billion-euro funding gap.

France's new public investment fund for defense is set to raise 450 million euros, with contributions starting at 500 euros, locked for a minimum of five years.
Public investors, including Bpifrance and the Caisse des Dépôts, have committed 1.7 billion euros to the defense sector, with private investments being mobilized.
The French defense industry faces a 5-billion-euro funding gap to scale up production and meet strategic goals for European defense autonomy by 2030.
The EU has launched an 800-billion-euro rearmament plan to strengthen European defense capabilities amidst Russian threats and reduced U.S. security commitments.
French officials emphasize that defense investments align with democratic values, national sovereignty, and long-term economic responsibility.