A New Investment Fund to Support the Defense Industry

The government is launching a new savings product allowing French citizens to invest in the defense industry. This €450 million fund, set up by the public bank Bpifrance, will enable individuals to contribute to national rearmament with a minimum investment of €500.

A Minimum Investment of €500, Locked for Five Years

Individuals will be able to invest amounts ranging from €500 to several thousand euros, with a minimum commitment of five years. The goal is to meet the sector’s capital needs, estimated at around €5 billion, to accelerate the production of defense equipment. Investments can be made directly or through life insurance contracts, allowing savers to indirectly become shareholders in defense companies.

An Investment Without a Guaranteed Return

Unlike regulated savings accounts, this fund will not offer a fixed rate of return. Its performance will depend on the profitability of the funded companies. However, the government assures that these investments could prove beneficial in the context of increased defense spending.

Supporting the Entire Industry

This fund is part of a broader state-led rearmament effort, aimed at strengthening France’s defense industrial and technological base (BITD). It will benefit nine major groups, such as Dassault Aviation, Safran, and Thales, as well as nearly 4,500 SMEs and mid-sized companies in the sector.

Additional similar savings products are expected to be introduced soon by private investors and banks, offering more options for French citizens looking to support the defense industry.