French President Emmanuel Macron, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, on Thursday outlines his “pointers for nationwide defence” on the strategic air base in Istres, Bouches-du-Rhône. His speech is extremely anticipated as France continues to hunt approval for its 2026 funds amid rising geopolitical tensions and rising army wants. Watch stay on FRANCE 24 at 12:30pm Paris time. [/gpt3]