French Chief of Staff Thierry Burkhard believes that in five years Russia could become a “real threat” to Europe.
The French general gave his assessment of the military situation in Europe to the British newspaper The Economist.
According to Burkhard, European military methods must evolve and adapt to new conditions.
He is also 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 French general said.
Given the threat posed by Russia, Burkhard believes that the US will not abandon Europe. He also hopes that relations between France, the UK, and Germany will become a future lever of influence.
He is convinced that this alliance, which has been strengthening in recent months, could become the “European pillar of NATO.”
The French 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 organization should not be neglected. All armies have drones, but the best will be those that can use them “on land, in the air, and at sea.”
After all these recommendations, Burkhard acknowledges that if France really finds itself under threat from 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 defense spending, in particular due to the threat from Russia.
He also emphasized the special role of Paris and London in ensuring European security.
