Macron to seek bigger military budget in 'war economy'

French President Emmanuel Macron (C) is presented new special forces' uniforms and gear by a special forces officer on the booth of the French Ministry of Armed Forces at the Eurosatory land and airland defence and security trade fair, at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Villepinte, north of Paris, on June 13, 2022. REUTERS - POOL

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a boost to defence budgets following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying France was now on a "war economy" footing.

Speaking at Eurosatory, a weapons industry fair, Macron said Europe needed "a much larger defence industry" to avoid relying on suppliers elsewhere for its equipment needs.