France had aimed to double its defence budget from 2017 levels by 2030. However, Macron pledged to reach the target by 2027.

To be free in this world we must be feared. To be feared we must be powerful,'' the French president said in announcing billions in new military spending.

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday announced 6.5 billion euros in extra military spending in the next ...