France to deploy nuclear fighter jets near Germany: Timeline and details
Photo: Emmanuel Macron, President of France (Getty Images)
By 2035, upgraded Rafale fighter jets armed with a hypersonic nuclear missile will be stationed at the 116 Luxeuil-les-Bains airbase in France, states French President Emmanuel Macron, according to BFMTV.
According to BFMTV, French President Emmanuel Macron wants to make Air Base 116 the "home" for future new models of the Rafale, which are "key components" of France's nuclear deterrence forces.
The airbase will receive a €1.5 billion investment for modernization. In the future, it will accommodate two new Rafale squadrons, totaling around 40 aircraft.
Macron also confirmed that France will increase its orders for Rafale jets, which he described as essential in the face of a geopolitical "turning point."
BFMTV adds that France's nuclear deterrence system currently involves three airbases:
- Saint-Dizier in the Haute-Marne department
- Istres in the Bouches-du-Rhône department
- Avord in the Cher department
Photo: Air Base 116 Luxeuil-les-Bains (Google Maps)
Nuclear deterrence
At the end of February, the media reported that Paris was ready to use its nuclear deterrence forces to defend Europe. Specifically, fighter jets armed with nuclear weapons could be deployed to Germany.
Later, during an address to the nation, Macron stated that he had initiated strategic discussions on protecting the entire continent with France's nuclear arsenal.
