Media: France to deploy nuclear deterrent in Germany amid US withdrawal threat

France is prepared to deploy its nuclear deterrent to protect Europe, with the possibility of stationing fighter jets carrying nuclear weapons in Germany. This move comes as the US threatens to pull its forces from the continent and in response to growing calls from European leaders for greater security independence from Washington.

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor following Sunday’s election, has urged France and Britain to extend their nuclear protection to Europe. Merz emphasized Europe’s desire for more autonomy, particularly in light of US President Donald Trump’s policies.

A French official told The Telegraph that positioning French nuclear-capable jets in Germany would send a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling Europe’s determination to defend itself without relying solely on the US, per Caliber.Az.

“Posting a few French nuclear jet fighters in Germany should not be difficult and would send a strong message,” the source said.

French President Emmanuel Macron discussed European security with Merz before presenting a European defence plan to President Trump at the White House. At the summit marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Trump suggested that the US may not offer security guarantees to Ukraine post-peace deal. Macron emphasized that peace “must not be a surrender of Ukraine” and urged Europe to take more responsibility for its security.

The US has long provided Europe's nuclear security, with around 100 US nuclear missiles stationed in Germany. However, France maintains an independent nuclear deterrent through its "force de dissuasion," while Britain's deterrent plays a crucial role in NATO’s strategy.

Merz, criticizing Trump’s stance, called for France and Britain to discuss expanding their nuclear protection to Germany. He warned that the US was becoming “indifferent to the fate of Europe.” While discussions about a European nuclear deterrent have not formally begun, Macron is pushing for debate on the role of French nuclear weapons in Europe’s defence.

A German diplomatic source said that any request for a European nuclear deterrent would likely depend on the US withdrawing its own nuclear forces from Germany. France’s nuclear arsenal, estimated at 300 weapons, includes air and sea-based launch capabilities, while Britain’s Trident system relies on submarines carrying up to 16 warheads each.

On a visit to Kyiv, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussed the "moral case" for Ukraine acquiring nuclear weapons as the Russian threat intensifies. Meanwhile, UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer stressed that Britain was ready to support a future peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, contrasting with Trump’s reluctance to commit US troops.

The US has clashed with its allies on a UN resolution condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine. While Washington voted alongside Russia against the resolution, European leaders, including British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, condemned Putin’s actions, describing the invasion as unprovoked and barbaric.

Trump, speaking with Macron, suggested that European peacekeepers could soon enter Ukraine. He predicted that the war might end within weeks, a sentiment echoed by Macron in an interview with Fox News. The US also plans to finalize a minerals agreement with Ukraine, although disagreements persist over security guarantees.

In Moscow, Putin expressed willingness to cooperate with the US on rare earth metal production and did not rule out European involvement in a potential peace settlement.

By Tamilla Hasanova