On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron announced transformative developments at the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base, asserting it will become the first site to host the next generation of Rafale fighter jets and their accompanying hypersonic nuclear missiles by 2035.
During his visit to the base, Macron revealed the government's commitment to invest 1.5 billion euros to modernize this pivotal facility, which plays a key role not only in national defense but also within the framework of NATO. "Your base will grow unprecedentedly," Macron stated, emphasizing the significant military and civilian expansion planned for the site.
Under the new plans, two squadrons of Rafale jets will be stationed at Luxeuil, with the first squadron expected to arrive by 2032, followed by the second in 2036. This deployment is expected to restore the nuclear deterrence capability of the base, which was lost back in 2011, marking a significant shift back to strategic defense initiatives.
Macron underscored the importance of these upgrades, noting they will not only bolster military strength but also boost the local economy. He highlighted the anticipated arrival of 3,000 to 4,000 new residents, including families with children who will attend local schools, signaling potential growth for both the community and its educational institutions.
Currently, the base employs 1,200 personnel. By 2030, this number is set to increase by 800, reflecting the broadening scope of operations and responsibilities at the base. This significant enhancement coincides with the withdrawal of the current fleet of 26 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, which are scheduled for retirement by 2028.
France's defense spending is also expected to undergo dramatic changes, jumping from more than 50 billion euros today to approximately 100 billion euros by 2030, according to Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Macron clarified his vision for the French military, stating, "We must defend ourselves and prepare, if we wish to avoid war," reaffirming France's commitment to maintaining one of the continent's most capable military forces.
Reflecting on historical contexts, Macron remarked on the air base's past role during significant global conflicts, stating, "This history resonates today." The Luxeuil base has housed training missions for Ukrainian pilots, aligning current military efforts with its long-standing tradition of bolstering allied operations.
Established over 100 years ago, the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur base originally opened its doors as early as 1911 and was notable for hosting the Lafayette squadron during World War I. Its involvement with nuclear deterrence began in 1966, sustaining until it was halted in 2011.
Macron's visit underscored the necessity of modernizing France's military footprint, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions illustrated by the recent thawing relations between the U.S. and Russia. "France will play a central role in NATO's strategic operations," he remarked, signifying his intent for the air base to remain integral to both national and European security initiatives.
Echoing sentiments of readiness and preparation, Macron emphasized, "We must be prepared. We must be able to confront whatever challenges arise." He indicated upcoming decisions aimed at reinforcing defense capabilities would be announced soon, asserting the need for more Rafale jets to sustain and expand France's military readiness.
These announcements come at a time when European nations are proactively evaluating their military investments and alliances. France's commanding role, alongside NATO allies, reflects Macron's broader commitment to strengthening collective European defense posture against potential aggressions, particularly on the continent's eastern frontier.
Germany's recent discussions surrounding defense spending are indicative of this collective strategy, as Macron prepares to engage with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reinforce collaborative defense efforts and mutual protection strategies within Europe.
The advancements at Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur represent not just military upgrades but also signify the entwined relationship between national defense and local economic development, ensuring long-term benefits for both the armed forces and local communities alike. "This effort will benefit the entire region," Macron stated, reaffirming the comprehensive scope of his military strategy.
The air base's pivotal role, as articulated by President Macron, solidifies its stature within the broader narrative of not only French military history but also the country's future strategic defense commitments as Europe navigates through uncertain times. The roadmap laid out at Luxeuil points toward enhanced military capability and regional stability, steering France toward becoming not just a national military power, but a central figure on the European defense stage.
