Chief of the Defence Staff General François Lecointre

“5 years dedicated to Defence: Threats, aims and means”. This is the theme we have chosen for our Summer Defence Conference.
The challenge facing us now is to work together, to align our efforts so that our armed forces can plan for the future. Five years! That is all the time we have under the next Military Planning Law.
 
In this specific context, it is vital that decision-makers, operational chiefs and industrial actors across the defence community work together on strategy. Let there be no doubt about it: joint strategic thinking is key to developing a balanced perspective in line with the security and technological challenges facing us now and in the future.
 
This conviction must guide all of us as we head into this 15th edition of the Summer Defence Conference. At the end of the day, the growing severity of the security situation requires just one thing from you: Determination.
 
“I will go on!" Such is the motto of the regiment of one of our soldiers, who was killed in Mali in April. Such should be our goal. To make sure that our country does not let down its guard. To make sure that we protect France and its citizens with the same degree of resolve. To make sure that we integrate cutting-edge technology into our defence system, so that we can keep pace with new developments.
 
More than anything else, we have a responsibility! Given the country's economic and fiscal situation, the effort required is substantial. Nevertheless, the President has promised the nation that he will rise to the challenge of protecting its safety.
 
This determination reflects our collective commitment to defending our country.
Because it is “the first foundation of national security”, we have to work together. This principle should guide our discussions and our actions, so that we can lay the groundwork for peace.
 
General François Lecointre
Chief of the Defence Staff