France is set to significantly bolster its nuclear deterrence capabilities by modernizing the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base near its border with Germany to accommodate Rafale fighter jets armed with nuclear cruise missiles. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on March 19, emphasizing the growing security threats faced by Europe since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This move signals an escalation in European military preparedness, drawing both support and criticism from various quarters.

The Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base, which historically housed nuclear weapons until 2011, is now slated for an extensive upgrade. Macron declared that by 2035, it will become the first base to deploy the next-generation Rafale aircraft armed with hypersonic nuclear missiles. The ambitious modernization project is set to cost approximately €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) and will involve doubling the base’s personnel to nearly 2,000 military and civilian staff to accommodate two Rafale squadrons.

The French government’s decision to reinstate nuclear weapons at the base aligns with its broader strategy to reinforce its strategic deterrence capabilities amid the deteriorating security landscape in Europe. Macron’s statement highlighted that France finds itself in an “increasingly dangerous and........

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