On March 21, 2025, the French defense landscape took a significant turn as President Emmanuel Macron and Dassault Aviation's CEO Eric Trappier unveiled pivotal plans aimed at strengthening France's military capabilities amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
In a move that underscores the importance of nuclear deterrence for national security, Macron announced plans for the Luxeuil-St Sauveur Air Base to become a key site for hosting nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jets. This announcement, made during a visit to the base accompanied by Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, highlighted France's commitment to bolstering its defense posture in light of perceived threats from Russia and concerns regarding the reliability of U.S. support under President Donald Trump.
Macron stated, "To come here [to Luxeuil-St Sauveur Air Base] is to go to the sources of our combat aviation and our nuclear deterrence, a history where the defense of our country and the permanent evolution of the [French] Air and Space Force are intimately intertwined." This declaration sets the tone for a renewed investment in France's military infrastructure, particularly focusing on the development and deployment of advanced combat technology.
To facilitate this, France plans to establish the Luxeuil-St Sauveur Air Base as a nuclear-capable site by 2035, expected to house two squadrons, approximately 40 fighter jets of the latest F5 variant of the Rafale combat aircraft. The Rafale F5, dubbed the ‘Super Rafale,’ is currently under development and promises enhanced combat capabilities, including more powerful engines and improved survivability. Trappier noted, "The F5 variant of Rafale will have more powerful engines, improved survivability, and data links, and will be accompanied by an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) weighing more than 10t.”
The strategic location of the Luxeuil-St Sauveur Air Base, situated just 200 kilometers from the German border, sends a clear message about France's intent to enhance its defense preparedness amid worries that the United States might reconsider its defense commitments to European allies.
Moreover, the French government is preparing to invest around €1.5 billion, or about $1.6 billion, towards this enhancement project, which not only reflects a major defense initiative but also aims to boost the domestic arms industry. Earlier, on March 18, Macron announced that France would increase its orders for Rafale jets as part of broader European efforts to strengthen collective defenses amidst these heightened tensions.
Macron emphasized the necessity of additional Rafale orders, stating, "I want to tell you that the Air and Space Force will receive additional Rafale orders. This is imperative in the current context—an absolute necessity." This assertive stance reflects France’s proactive approach to addressing the risks associated with reduced American presence or support.
In a broader context, Trappier called for a unified European defense strategy during a recent interview. He expressed that "European preference has become much more credible" particularly in matters of military procurement and production. He urged European nations to enhance their military manufacturing capabilities and emphasized that arms procurement should favor European industry over global sources. Trappier asserted, "If the banks support sustainable development, they can also support armament, it’s not incompatible."
This perspective aligns with France's ambitions to spearhead European defense initiatives amidst cracks forming within the transatlantic alliance prompted by Trump's leadership and shifts in U.S. foreign policy. The rising tensions around the Ukraine conflict—which has seen Russian military threats escalate—further stress the need for an independent European defense strategy.
As discussions continue around defense posturing in Europe, Macron's recent statements about extending the French nuclear umbrella to its European allies have gained attention. Macron has described Russia as an “existential threat” to Europe, indicating that the French nuclear deterrent serves as a critical protective measure. He noted, “Our nuclear deterrent protects us: it’s complete, sovereign, French through and through,” which touches upon the historical reliance on U.S. nuclear protection and highlights an evolving responsibility.
In response to Macron’s appeal, Polish President Andrzej Duda welcomed the notion of extending French nuclear protection, calling it a gesture of responsibility for European security. Additionally, Baltic State leaders have expressed interest in discussing the potential for closer military ties with France as concerns mount about Russian aggression.
While these developments mark a strategic shift for France and its role in European defense, the challenges of following through on these ambitious plans remain. The urgency expressed by Trappier, who cited a report indicating the European defense industry is facing significant challenges, underlines that without action, the momentum for necessary improvements might falter.
As the dust settles on these announcements, one thing remains clear: France's initiatives to strengthen military capabilities are not just about new aircraft and missiles. They represent a shift towards a more self-reliant European defense strategy prepared to tackle both current and future security threats. With the March 27 summit featuring discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies approaching, France is at the forefront of forging a new path in European security policy that could reshape how the continent responds to threats from its borders.
