France maintains military personnel in various Middle Eastern countries, including approximately 700 troops in Lebanon contributing to the UNIFIL force, as well as forces in Iraq and the UAE.

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally party, stated that European allies must purchase French military equipment if they wish to be protected by France's nuclear umbrella, calling the purchase of American F-35 jets contradictory.

Today marks the 300th birthday of Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, a French military engineer whose revolutionary invention is widely believed to have been involved in the first traffic accident in history.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the French far-right, stated that European countries seeking to benefit from France's nuclear deterrence should prioritize purchasing French military equipment, echoing a stance similar to Donald Trump's.