French Gendarmerie faces vehicle obsolescence and new stationing plans

The French Gendarmerie is facing a significant equipment crisis as a National Assembly report warns of a “wall of obsolescence” approaching in 2028. Due to a sharp decline in vehicle purchases, the institution's fleet is aging rapidly. While the Gendarmerie needs to replace approximately 3,750 light vehicles annually to maintain its fleet of 33,600, recent years have seen a drastic drop in procurement, with only 730 vehicles purchased in 2024 and 1,055 in 2023.

In addition to the vehicle shortage, the institution's fleet of Écureuil helicopters is also nearing the end of its service life.

On a local level, Laurent Panifous, the minister delegate for relations with Parliament, announced that the 2027 budget will include nine military personnel to establish a new gendarmerie brigade in Mazères. This intercommunal unit is intended to strengthen security coverage in the lower Ariège region, including Mazères, Gaudiès, and Montaut. The project involves an estimated investment of 2 million euros to provide operational facilities and housing for the personnel and their families.