French Top General Predicts Russia Will Require Nuclear Deterrence by 2030
French Chief of Staff Thierry Burkhard believes that in five years Russia could become a ‘real threat’ to Europe. In his opinion, European military methods must evolve and adapt to new conditions.
The Gaze reports on this, referring to Burkhard's assessment in the British newspaper The Economist.
Burkhard is convinced that in a conflict, the Russian people will always survive ‘five minutes longer than us.’ ‘Its experience, sheer numbers and endurance make the Russian army effective... and therefore dangerous,’ the general said.
Given the threat posed by the Russian Federation, Burkhard believes that the United States will not abandon Europe. He also places hope in the development of relations between France, Great Britain and Germany, which will become a lever of influence in the future.
He is convinced that this alliance, which has been strengthening in recent months, could become the ‘European pillar of NATO.’
The general also describes the change in methods of warfare, in particular, according to him, high-tech weapons such as SCALP cruise missiles will be of decisive importance. However, they are expensive and must be supplemented with cheap ammunition designed to wear down the enemy.
In addition to equipment, tactics and organisation should not be neglected. Today, all armies have unmanned aerial vehicles, but the most effective will be those that can combine them ‘on land, in the air and at sea’.
After all these recommendations, Burkhard acknowledges that if France is indeed threatened by Russia, ‘the issue will not be conventional weapons, but nuclear deterrence.’
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a significant increase in the country's defence spending, in particular due to the threat from Russia.
He also emphasised the special role of Paris and London in ensuring European security.