France upgrades strategic nuclear base amid new situation

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that his country will upgrade and modernize one of its main air bases to be able to deploy nuclear weapons amid concerns in Europe about US policy.

"Luxeuil air base is about to be upgraded in an unprecedented way and will play a crucial role in France's nuclear deterrent," President Macron said on March 18. The French leader added that the base would need a major investment to accommodate two squadrons of Rafale jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, according to Politico .

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveu air base on March 18, 2025.

France plans to invest 1.5 billion euros in the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base. By 2035, France aims to have F5 Rafale fighters as well as the ASN4G air-launched hypersonic missile. The base's workforce will double to 2,000.

President Macron also confirmed that the country will order more Rafale aircraft from French military contractor Dassault Aviation, but did not specify the number. Previously, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the French Air Force would need about 20 more Rafales, adding to the expected fleet of more than 180 aircraft.

“If we want to avoid war, our country and our continent [Europe] must continue to defend, equip and prepare ourselves,” Mr Macron said. The French leader said he would make further announcements about the country’s rearmament soon.

President Macron said France has decided to place modern nuclear missiles at an air base less than 200 km from the German border. The move is considered a strategic step by France.

The plan comes after Germany's future Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he wanted to hold talks on France's nuclear deterrent because of concerns about US support and commitment to Europe.

This is not the first time France has mentioned this plan. In June 2023, Cédric Perrin, chairman of the French Senate's foreign affairs and defense committee, mentioned plans to upgrade the air base. Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur hosted nuclear weapons for decades, until the Rafale fighter jets were moved to another location in 2011.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phap-nang-cap-can-cu-hat-nhan-chien-luoc-giua-tinh-hinh-moi-185250319105826057.htm