French facilities that could face Russian hybrid attacks identified

France is preparing for Russian hybrid attacks targeting its infrastructure, which could take place as early as autumn 2027.

Source: French media outlet Franceinfo, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 18 September, French President Emmanuel Macron met with the leaders of all political parties, including candidates in the 2027 presidential election.

The meeting took place in the Élysée Palace's new crisis room, which has the highest level of security. Macron reportedly sought to warn presidential candidates about potential Russian attacks.

According to a confidential memo obtained by France Télévisions, several infrastructure facilities are mentioned as potential Russian targets, including power plants and electricity grids, railways, telecommunications networks and drinking water distribution systems.

"It should be known that French airfields, of course, the main ones, are protected against attacks or drone incursions. But one can imagine that all important facilities linked to defence could become targets," said General Patrick Dutartre of the French Air and Space Force.

French intelligence services are preparing for large-scale Russian attacks by 2030. However, according to France Télévisions, the timeframe is now autumn 2027.

Faced with a threat of unprecedented scale, the French government has taken unprecedented measures and convened an emergency meeting of all prefects. As early as next week, they are due to establish security and defence headquarters in their departments. Local law enforcement and military leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Education, business executives and emergency responders will take part in the discussions.

Following the meeting with political party leaders on 18 September, Macron highlighted the growing Russian hybrid threat and ordered the preparation of a plan to protect critical infrastructure against it.

"I have asked the government to prepare a plan to protect our critical infrastructure, as well as the most vulnerable facilities in our defence industrial and technological base, from drone and cyberattacks," the French president said.

Background:

• In a statement released on 19 September, two leading figures of France's far-right National Rally, Marine Le Pen, the leading presidential candidate, and Jordan Bardella, took a firm position towards Moscow.
• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, citing intelligence data, that Russia is planning hybrid attacks against countries supporting Ukraine.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.