How Will We Fight in 2041? French Army Uses War Games to Anticipate Future Conflicts

The French army is actively preparing for the future of warfare by engaging in sophisticated war games. Held at the historic Joffre Pavilion of the École Militaire in Paris, these simulations are designed to anticipate conflicts likely to emerge between 2030 and 2040. The exercises explore scenarios involving augmented soldiers, the expansion of conflict into space, hypersonic missiles, and quantum technology.

The initiative comes in response to the rapid technological and tactical shifts observed in recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. Military leaders are grappling with the challenge of quickly incorporating lessons from current events while simultaneously strategizing for combat forms that may not yet exist. The war games provide a crucial platform for this forward-looking analysis.

These are not simple board games for children. Dozens of tabletop games are laid out in a basement room, serving as tools for serious military planning. The École Militaire, founded in 1751, is a prestigious institution for training young officers. Hosting this event underscores the army's commitment to innovative thinking and strategic foresight in an era of unprecedented global change.