France is revamping its military engineering with new equipment and programs set for 2027, aiming to restore critical capabilities long neglected.
French Army upgrades engineering capabilities
The French Army is advancing its engineering capabilities, with new major equipment expected to be delivered or unveiled in 2027. This effort aims to strengthen areas like breaching, mining, and demining, following years of underinvestment.LPM law enables progress
General Jacques de Montgros, the chief of staff of the Army (CEMAT), stated that the "engineering" capability is beginning to regain strength after decades of being in the background. This is made possible by the updating of the LPM (Long-Term Programming Law), which outlines long-term military planning and funding.New breaching vehicles in development
The first two mechanical area breaching vehicles (EBMZ) have been tested and are undergoing evaluations. These vehicles, developed in 19 months, are based on a 45-ton Caterpillar dozer and can be remotely operated. The Army expects to have 21 of them by 2030.Mine burial systems part of the plan
Engineering is expected to receive 18 mine burial systems during the LPM period. This comes in response to a tender launched by the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA). These systems are part of the "Mastering the Terrestrial Environment" (2MT) program, which replaces the previous "Heavy-Light Crossing System" (SYFRALL) program.Combat engineering vehicle gets funding
The launch of the combat engineering vehicle (EGC) has been delayed by a year but is now included in the French budget programming. A line of 850 million euros is expected to be allocated by the end of 2027, with about 150 million euros for initial development studies.International collaboration underway
The EGC is a French-Belgian program managed by the OCCAr. Belgium must pass its budget, and the project is progressing politically. Once approved by parliamentarians, the OCCAr can issue a tender for EGC, open to European and NATO industrialists. Companies like KNDS, CNIM Systèmes Industriels, and John Cockerill are among those interested in the project.LPM update drives transformation
According to CEMAT, the updating of the LPM allows the French Army to begin an effort to regain strength in capabilities like engineering, logistics, air defense, and electronic warfare. These areas have been neglected for decades, but they are now being prioritized to support the transformation of army corps and divisions.Funding remains a challenge
Despite clear needs and identified obstacles, securing the necessary finances remains a key challenge. The goal is to ensure credibility and complete the transformation of army corps by 2030 and divisions by 2027.
