France, July 24 -- President Emmanuel Macron has appointed his closest military advisor, an experienced fighter pilot, as the new chief of staff of France's armed forces, Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Wednesday.

Fabien Mandon, a 55-year-old air force general and former Mirage fighter jet pilot, takes over from Thierry Burkhard.

Mandon's appointment

The appointment of Mandon, who has extensive combat experience, comes after Macron last week called for a boost in France's defence spending, citing Russia as a threat for all of Europe.

Macron said that "if you want be feared you must be powerful" and urged "mobilisation" by all government departments.

"I have every confidence in General Fabien Mandon," Macron said on X, adding ...