Rafale Fighter Jets: Strengthening France’s Nuclear Defense
**French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will be increasing its order of Rafale fighter jets to bolster its nuclear deterrence capabilities. During a visit to the Luxeuil-les-Bains Air Base on March 18, Macron revealed plans to introduce the advanced F5 standard of Rafale fighter jets in the next few years. Additionally, he confirmed that by 2035, the base will host the next-generation ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile, part of an extensive 1.5 billion Euro (1.6 billion Dollar) investment aimed at modernizing France’s nuclear arsenal.**
In his address, Macron emphasized the vital role of two squadrons of the F5 standard Rafale jets in facilitating the deployment of nuclear missiles at Luxeuil. This strategic decision marks a significant shift in the capabilities of the base, which will be the first to operate Rafale jets integrated with hypersonic nuclear missile technology by 2035. The President remarked on the increasingly perilous state of global affairs, asserting, “The world we live in is becoming increasingly dangerous and uncertain,” particularly in light of Russia’s escalating military ambitions.
Macron has made it clear that France intends to leverage its nuclear capabilities in defense of Europe. He highlighted the need for a collaborative European defense framework amidst rising threats. The forthcoming F5 standard Rafale fighter jet will be developed alongside a new combat drone, a move announced by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu in late 2024. This joint venture reflects France’s commitment to enhancing its defensive measures against potential threats.
According to Dassault Aviation’s press release, the newly designated F5 standard will incorporate advanced features such as reduced radar visibility, autonomous operational capabilities, and an internal weapons system that can be controlled directly from the cockpit. These enhancements are designed to ensure that the F5 Rafale effectively addresses the challenges anticipated in the 2030s and 2040s, with Defense Minister Lecornu describing this transition as revolutionary for both the strategic air forces and conventional aviation in France, comparable to the leap from the Mirage 2000 to the Rafale.
