The defense forces of France mainly consist of the air force, army, navy and military police force (Gendarmerie). The President of France is the Commander in Chief of the defense forces of France. The Minister of Defense is responsible for managing the administration, financial aspects and development of arms required for the defense forces. The defense budget of France is close to 4% of the total GDP. There are more than 400,000 defense personnel in France. The defense forces of France are divided into the following percentages: the Army makes up about 38% of the total force, the Navy about 12%, the Air Force about 18% and the rest are the military police personnel.

The French Army has roughly 175,000 personnel who work in various branches. These diverse branches of the defense force of France include: Artillery, Armored Cavalry, Army Light Aviation, Foreign Legion, Infantry, Military Engineers, Transport and Logistics, Signaling staff, Maintenance, Marine infantry and artillery.

The French Navy has an older and richer history than the other defense forces of France. Its inception is believed to have happened in the beginning of the seventeenth century, during the rule of King Louis XIII. Although the French Navy lost the first battle of Sluys because the Royal Navy of Britain proved to be stronger, it immediately took its revenge and defeated the British in the battle of La Rochelle. The French Navy grew stronger thereafter with the support of King Louis XIV, winning battles against the English and Dutch.

With time, the French Navy gained more attention from the rulers of France. During the reign of Napoleon III, the French Navy helped him become successful in establishing French power in Europe and Asia, even as far as China. The navy also won control over some ports in India, which helped to boost trade in Asian countries. This made clear to the world that France was a powerful state that could not only dominate Europe, but also Asia. The French Navy today is well equipped with ships that can carry aircraft and helicopters. There are several submarines that can fire ballistic missiles and nuclear arms.

The other main wing of the defense forces of France is the French Air Force. The French Air Force has more than thirty-five bases within France, along with a few in various overseas locations. The French Air Force is equipped with several types of sophisticated fighter jets which are mostly made in France, with few imported from other developed countries.