France to reopen fourth nuclear air base as Europe rushes to rearm

In a step towards enhancing France’s nuclear deterrent, President Emmanuel Macron announced the modernization of the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base, which will once again house nuclear weapons.

Speaking from the site on March 18, Macron stated, "The Luxeuil air base is about to be upgraded in an unprecedented way and regain its full role in France's nuclear deterrent." He added that this initiative would require a "massive investment" to accommodate two squadrons of Rafale jets capable of carrying nuclear payloads, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Although the announcement is not entirely new, as Cédric Perrin, Chairman of the Senate's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, had hinted at it in June, the move is seen as a strategic signal. The Luxeuil base, located less than 200 kilometers from the German border, will play a pivotal role in France’s nuclear strategy amid growing concerns over the potential retreat of US forces from Europe. This decision follows statements from Friedrich Merz, Germany's Chancellor-in-waiting, who has expressed interest in discussions about France’s nuclear deterrent.

The Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur base previously hosted nuclear weapons for several decades until 2011, when Rafale jets were relocated to other locations. France is now set to invest €1.5 billion in the base, with plans to host F5 Rafale fighter jets and ASN4G air-launched hypersonic nuclear missiles by 2035. The number of personnel at the base will also double to 2,000.

Macron further confirmed that France would be ordering additional Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation, though he did not specify the number. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu had previously indicated that around 20 more Rafales would be required, adding to a fleet expected to exceed 180 warplanes.

In his remarks, Macron emphasized the importance of defense in preventing conflict: "If we are to avoid war, our country and our continent must continue to defend, equip and prepare themselves." The French president also indicated that further announcements on France's rearmament plans would follow in the near future.

By Vafa Guliyeva