After Brest, in January 2021, where he presented his wishes to the armies, the President of the Republic therefore returns to Brittany, on the occasion of this annual ceremony. This time it will therefore be held in Cesson-Sévigné, near Rennes, and more precisely in the Leschi district, which notably houses the Land Digital and Cyber Support Command (CATNC).
Why did Cesson-Sévigné choose the site for the wishes? “Each year, the President alternates between the different branches of the army to present his wishes. Before Cesson-Sévigné (Land Army), the ceremony took place, in 2023, in Mont-de-Marsan (Air and Space Army), then in Cherbourg (National Navy), in 2024. The communications department of the Western defense and security zone answers us.
At the forefront of innovation, cyber and artificial intelligence
If the Cesson-Sévigné site was selected, it is also because Rennes and the surrounding area are at the forefront in terms of “innovation, cyber and artificial intelligence”, the theme of wishes to the armies this year. “Cesson-Sévigné and the CATNC symbolize the Army’s major effort in terms of innovation and cyber,” confirms the Army communications service. “This military district embodies a heritage deeply rooted in innovation,” explains the Élysée. Created to house the Army Electronics School, this historic site today hosts the CATNC, to guarantee the operational superiority of the land forces, its Digital and Cyber Support Brigade as well as the Signals School of digital and cyber which trains Army executives in the fields of digital, cybersecurity and electronic warfare.
Near Cesson-Sévigné, other sites also occupy an important place in terms of defense. In Bruz, south of Rennes, an agency will welcome specialists in defense artificial intelligence, near the DGA-Information Management. And in the Breton capital, major players in the French cyber army have taken up residence.
-It remains to be seen what Emmanuel Macron will announce during his vows. “It will undoubtedly recall the importance of digital and cyber and perhaps announce an acceleration of investments in this area,” says General Desportes, former director of the War School, professor of strategy at Sciences Po. and HEC.
