Rafale Fighters, Tiger Helicopters Part Of French 2016 Draft Budget

France is increasing its defense budget for 2016 by $671 million to $32 billion that will include orders of three A400M transporters, nine Rafale fighters, five Tiger helicopters, a Barracuda Submarine and a new frigate.

The French government’s 2016 budget has also allocated $4.2 billion for research and development. The draft budget presented last Wednesday does not include pensions. The budget includes 9.95 billion euros for the purchase of new equipment. Overall there is an increase of 300 million euros in procurement.

The French Navy will receive a multi-mission frigate (FREMM deal), two support vessels and offshore support and multimission building and a mine future system prototype. The budget also includes transfer of four ATL-2 maritime patrol aircraft for surveillance mission.

According to the budget, the Navy will receive additional FREMM, light patrol Guiana (PLG) and three first generation Rafale fighter jets. First 25 trucks for the Special Forces (PLFS) are also supposed to be delivered in 2016 for the marine commandos.

First two batches of naval cruise missiles (MDCN) will also be delivered for FREMM and Barracuda submarine which is under construction.