In the face of growing global uncertainties and increasing threats from nuclear and conventional weapons, President Emmanuel Macron announced a major military modernization project on March 18, 2025. This plan aims to increase and accelerate orders for Dassault Rafale fighter jets, while re-establishing the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base as a key component of France's nuclear deterrence strategy.
Macron, who announced the decision on site in Luxeuil, eastern France, explained that the base would be modernized as part of a comprehensive investment plan. Over the next ten years, Luxeuil will become a central hub for the French Air Force, with the number of personnel stationed there expected to increase to around 2.000. A large portion of this investment, estimated at around €1,5 billion, will be used to transform Luxeuil into a hub for the next generation of Rafale fighter jets and reintegrate the base into the French nuclear deterrence architecture.
A strong military future for Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur
The decision to reestablish Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur as a strategic military base is a clear sign of France's determination to adapt its military infrastructure to current geopolitical challenges. Luxeuil was already a key base for France's nuclear deterrent from the 1960s until 2011. During this time, the base housed strategic bombers such as the Mirage IV and later the Mirage 2000N, which were equipped with nuclear cruise missiles.
The current plan calls for Luxeuil to once again play a key role in the French Air Force by becoming a hub for the next generation of Rafale fighter jets. These jets will not only cover conventional missions but also expand France's nuclear deterrent capabilities. This development fits into a broader strategy to further strengthen the Air Force and respond to current global threats.
President Macron emphasized that the development of the new Rafale fleet, particularly the Rafale F5, is crucial to continue protecting France and Europe from the threats of an increasingly unstable international environment. The Rafale F5, expected to enter service by 2030, will be equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including the "loyal wingman" combat drone concept based on the nEUROn demonstrator, and the ASN4G, a hyperfast nuclear-capable ramjet missile.
The Rafale and France's nuclear deterrent
The introduction of the Rafale F5, which is expected to complement the existing fleet of approximately 50 nuclear-capable Rafale B fighter jets, represents a crucial expansion of France's nuclear deterrent. These jets belong to the Strategic Air Force Command (FAS) and are currently capable of operating with the ASMPA standoff nuclear weapon. The Rafale M fighter jets of the Naval Nuclear Aviation Force (FANU), based on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, also contribute to maintaining nuclear readiness.
The decision to establish Luxeuil as the future base for the next-generation Rafale F5 underscores France's commitment to further modernizing its nuclear deterrent and strengthening the country's military power in the face of a rapidly changing geopolitical situation. The introduction of this advanced technology and the upgrade of Luxeuil are intended to ensure that France maintains a credible and reliable nuclear deterrent well into the future.
Geopolitical dimensions of the decision
The expansion of Rafale orders and the restoration of Luxeuil as a nuclear military base come at a time of increasing tensions in Europe and around the world. In particular, the growing threats from Russia and the unpredictable political developments in the United States under the new Trump administration have raised concerns in Europe and emphasized the need for a strengthened domestic defense capability. In this context, France is increasingly viewed as a leading European nation in maintaining an independent nuclear deterrent.
Macron emphasized that France has a responsibility to defend both itself and the European continent. "Our country and our continent must continue to defend, equip, and prepare if we want to avoid war," the president declared. "This is the choice we have made and will continue to make. Deterrence is a historic and essential element of national defense."
At a time when many European nations are rethinking their defense strategies in the face of global uncertainties, France's decisive step to strengthen its nuclear capabilities represents a message of self-determination and security. It is a signal that France is not only relying on its own strengths but is also expanding its role as a security guarantor for Europe.
Future prospects for Europe
The decision to revive Luxeuil as a nuclear base represents not only a military decision, but also a political one. France is thus demonstrating its willingness to act not only as a member of NATO, but also as a sovereign nation with its own nuclear deterrent and defense strategy. At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, this is seen by many as a necessary step toward European security autonomy.
In the future, France's increased role in nuclear deterrence could also have implications for European defense policy as a whole, as other nations that have previously relied on the United States as the core of their security strategy may increasingly see the need to strengthen their own military capabilities.
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