# French Gendarmerie budgetary and equipment challenges > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-gendarmerie-budgetary-and-equipment-challenges > Updated: 2026-10-29T09:02:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. The French National Gendarmerie is facing significant infrastructural and equipment challenges. General Hubert Bonneau, Director General of the Gendarmerie, testified that 70% of the force’s state-owned real estate is classified as dilapidated or very dilapidated. To address critical failures in utilities and housing, Bonneau estimated a requirement of approximately €400 million annually for sustainable upgrades. Further reports indicate an approaching “wall of obsolescence” regarding the institution’s equipment. A National Assembly report warns that a sharp decline in vehicle procurement is causing the fleet to age rapidly, noting that the force needs to replace approximately 3,750 light vehicles annually but has seen significantly lower purchase numbers in recent years. Additionally, the fleet of Écureuil helicopters is nearing the end of its service life. On a local level, plans for the 2027 budget include the establishment of a new gendarmerie brigade in Mazères. This project involves an estimated 2 million euro investment to provide operational facilities and housing for personnel in the lower Ariège region. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: French Gendarmerie faces vehicle obsolescence and new stationing plans A National Assembly report warns of a vehicle obsolescence crisis for the French Gendarmerie, while new budget allocations for 2027 will fund a new brigade in Mazères. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-gendarmerie-faces-vehicle-obsolescence-and-new-stationing-plans ### 2026-10-12: French Gendarmerie requests €400 million annually for housing French Gendarmerie Director General Hubert Bonneau has requested €400 million annually to repair dilapidated barracks and housing, while noting a surge in domestic violence complaints. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-gendarmerie-requests-400-million-annually-for-housing --- Cite as: French Gendarmerie budgetary and equipment challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-gendarmerie-budgetary-and-equipment-challenges