In a significant announcement, President Emmanuel Macron outlined France’s intentions to increase its orders for Rafale fighter jets, a strategic move aimed at enhancing national defense capabilities amid a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions. During a visit to the Luxeuil-les-Bains military base in eastern France, Macron emphasized the necessity for the country to prepare for potential threats, stating, “Our country and our continent will have to continue to defend themselves, to equip themselves, to prepare if we want to avoid war.”
The need for enhanced military readiness is underscored by concerns over possible U.S. security disengagement and ongoing Russian aggression. Macron indicated that decisions regarding further investments would be disclosed in the coming weeks, reflecting a policy shift towards significant military reinforcement.
Currently, the French air force operates 108 Rafale jets, with an additional 41 in service with the navy. Prior to Macron’s announcement, France was set to acquire 56 more aircraft. However, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has highlighted the imperative to acquire an additional 30 Rafale warplanes, indicating an urgent push for increased military capability.
The Luxeuil-les-Bains site is slated to become a pivotal facility by 2035, set to host the next version of the Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missile, thus marking a significant advancement in France’s military technology. Macron announced a substantial state investment of nearly 1.5 billion euros (approximately $1.6 billion) to modernize the base, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the Transatlantic Alliance, notably NATO.
Macron also reiterated the importance of nuclear deterrence in France’s defense strategy, committing to reinforce all components of the nuclear capabilities. France and Britain stand as the only European nations possessing nuclear weapons, and discussions on extending France’s nuclear deterrent to include European partners are reportedly on the agenda.
Later in the day, Macron was scheduled to travel to Berlin for discussions with Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, signaling ongoing collaborative efforts in European defense strategies amidst the changing global landscape.
