France Strengthens Protection of Critical Infrastructure Against Russian Hybrid Attacks

France is strengthening security measures and preparing a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defense industry facilities from potential drone and cyberattacks.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the government is preparing these measures following a meeting at the Élysée Palace on September 18.

Leaders of political parties represented in the French Parliament, as well as the heads of France’s foreign and domestic intelligence services, military intelligence, and the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security attended the meeting.

According to Macron, the level of the Russian hybrid threat to France and other European countries has increased in recent weeks. He cited several recent incidents in Europe as examples, including an attack on the Kyiv–Warsaw passenger train, an attempted attack on Leipzig Airport that German authorities linked to Russian military intelligence, and a Russian warship firing signal flares at a Danish Air Force helicopter.

Previously, France’s Defence and National Security Council held a meeting, following which the government instructed state institutions to strengthen their preparedness.

The French Minister of the Interior also convened the heads of the country’s territorial defence and security zones, instructing them to increase vigilance due to the risk of Russian hybrid operations.

Meanwhile, Paris plans to strengthen its efforts to counter foreign interference and information operations. To this end, France uses, among other tools, the government agency VIGINUM, which was established to detect and analyze foreign digital information operations.

“The day we are attacked, we will not be warned,” the French president said, explaining the need to strengthen the country’s level of preparedness.

According to Macron, the new measures should cover not only government institutions, but also strategic industrial facilities and companies in the defense sector.

Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella, leaders of France’s far-right National Rally party, have also adopted stronger anti-Russian security rhetoric, directly describing Moscow’s actions as “hostile” and referring to Russian intelligence operations, hybrid attacks, and destabilization campaigns targeting European countries and French interests.

In August, Celine Berthon, Director General of France’s General Directorate for Internal Security, stressed the need to prepare for potential hybrid threats on French territory.