The new head of France’s Armed Forces, General Fabien Maddon, has warned that the country must be ready within the next three to four years for a “shock” or “test” from Russia, warning of the possibility of a more direct confrontation in Europe.

In fact, he said that he is preparing the French army for this eventuality.

“Russia is a country that may be tempted to continue the war on our continent,” General Fabien Maddon told the National Assembly’s Defense Committee on Wednesday.

“The first goal I set for the Armed Forces is to be ready within three or four years for a shock, a kind of test,” he added. “The ordeal already exists in hybrid form, but it can become more violent.”

Senior EU and NATO military and political officials have warned that Moscow could attack the Alliance within the next few years, with estimates ranging from 2027 to 2030. Last week, the European Commission presented a road map for preparing for possible war by 2030.

French officers have traditionally appeared more reserved than their European colleagues, avoiding to specify a timetable or talk openly about a possible Russian attack on NATO. However, in recent months, Paris’s rhetoric towards Moscow has hardened, with Emmanuel Macron declaring that Europe is “at odds with Russia”.

“To believe that the 2022 invasion of Ukraine was the last and that it will not be repeated on our continent is to ignore the danger that threatens our societies,” warned General Fabien Maddon. “The Russians are reorganizing with one goal: to take on NATO.”

However, he added, “Europe is the right level at which we need to address our challenges.”

The attempt to rearm France is already, as he explained, a deterrent message to Russia. “If our opponents realize that we are making this effort, they may retreat. But if they believe that we are not ready to defend ourselves, I don’t see what would stop them” he pointed out.