In a significant military development, France is set to deploy Rafale fighter planes armed with nuclear cruise missiles along its border with Germany. President Emmanuel Macron announced the move on Tuesday, stating that the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base in eastern France would be upgraded to host these advanced aircraft. The base, which previously housed nuclear weapons until 2011, is set to play a key role in reinforcing France's nuclear deterrent capabilities, reports the Telegraph.
Macron revealed that the base would be modernized to accommodate two Rafale squadrons and expanded to nearly 2,000 military and civilian personnel. The government has committed €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) to the project, which includes accelerating the order of new Rafale aircraft. By 2035, Luxeuil will also host the next generation of Rafale jets, armed with hypersonic nuclear missiles.
In his statement, Macron emphasized that France's decision is a response to an increasingly volatile and unpredictable global security environment, particularly since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. Although Macron did not directly reference Russia, his remarks come amid heightened tensions in Europe.
The announcement follows a recent suggestion by Germany's chancellor-designate, Friedrich Merz, that France could extend its nuclear protection to Germany and other EU members. Macron indicated that he would initiate a broader discussion on this potential security arrangement.
In response, Russia has condemned the European Union's militarization efforts, warning that such plans could escalate tensions and hinder peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the EU's actions as "reckless" and warned of the dangers of a confrontational approach.
As France moves forward with these plans, the military buildup along its border with Germany is seen as a clear signal of the country’s commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrent in the face of growing global instability.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
