French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an ambitious program to modernize the national defense, starting with an increase in orders for Rafale fighter planes and the reactivation of nuclear capacity at the historic Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base in northeastern France, which until 2011 was the heart of the Country's nuclear deterrence. Speaking at a press conference yesterday during a visit to Luxeuil, home of the French Air and Space Force, he explained how an investment of 1.5 billion euros will allow the base to accommodate two new squadrons of Rafales, with the aim of doubling the base's personnel -reaching about 2,000 military and civilian personnel- by 2035.

The program includes the introduction of the new Standard Rafale F5, planned to enter service by 2030 and intended to enhance the operational effectiveness of the French Air Force. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as the drone that will act as its sidekick "Loyal Wingman" derived from the nEUROn, and the ASN4G hypersonic missile with nuclear capability, the Rafale F5 is designed to ensure superior performance and greater interoperability with current defense equipment. The French President underlined in his speech: "Our armed forces and our continent must be prepared to face the threats of the future. The revitalization of the Luxeuil base, which once hosted the Mirage IV and then the Mirage 2000N, is a key strategic choice to strengthen our nuclear deterrence and promote technological innovation in the armed forces".

It is now clear that “Rearm Europe”, the new European defense plan, is transforming the continent’s defense landscape into a race for strategic autonomy, and the French move represents an essential pillar to strengthen military cooperation and integration. Macron has in fact highlighted how the recent change in the international order, marked by the positions of the Baltic countries, the Central European Nations and the evolution of US policies, makes a unified approach to defense even more urgent. France, with its historic deterrent power and the ability to project an autonomous defense, is positioning itself as a key player in the European security strategy, offering a solid alternative to US influence in the region.

Stressing that the war in Ukraine “has changed the situation", Cédric Perrin, senator for the region where the air base is located, confirmed that the first Rafale squadron will land at Luxeuil in 2032, becoming operational the following year. The second squadron will become operational in 2036. The redeployment of the Luxeuil base, along with the upward revision of orders for Rafales, marks a turning point in French defense policy, with implications that extend far beyond national borders.

Currently, the French Air and Space Force has three air bases equipped with secure nuclear missile storage facilities: Saint-Dizier, Istres and Avord. These ones host approximately 50 Rafale B two-seaters, armed with ASMP-A supersonic missiles and supported by a fleet of Airbus A-330 MRTT Phénix air-to-air refuelling tankers.