French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that France plans to increase and accelerate orders for Rafale fighter jets to enhance its defence capabilities. The announcement was made during a visit to a military base in Luxeuil-les-Bains, in eastern France, where Macron emphasized the importance of military preparedness to avoid future conflicts.
“Our country and our continent will have to continue to defend themselves, to equip themselves, and to prepare if we want to avoid war. No one can predict what will happen in the coming months and years. What I want is for us to be ready and protected,” Macron stated.
Increased Defence Spending in Europe
European countries, including France, have been ramping up defence spending and weapons production due to concerns over potential US security disengagement and growing Russian aggression. France has been actively modernizing its military and strengthening its capabilities to protect its national and regional interests.
Rafale Jets: Backbone of France’s Defence
Macron highlighted that the French air and space force will benefit significantly from additional orders of Rafale warplanes, manufactured by Dassault Aviation. Last year, France’s air force had 108 Rafale jets, while the navy had 41. Before Macron’s announcement, France was set to receive 56 more aircraft, but Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu recently stated that acquiring 30 additional Rafale warplanes was necessary to maintain operational readiness.
Future Plans for Rafale and Hypersonic Missiles
By 2035, the Luxeuil-les-Bains base will become the first base to receive the next version of the Rafale fighter jet, equipped with a hypersonic nuclear missile. Macron revealed that the government plans to invest nearly 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) to upgrade the base, ensuring it plays a central role in safeguarding NATO’s transatlantic interests.
Focus on Nuclear Deterrence
Macron also reiterated France’s commitment to nuclear deterrence, vowing to strengthen its components further. France and Britain remain the only European countries with nuclear weapons, and Macron recently hinted at the possibility of extending France’s nuclear deterrent to European partners.
Strategic Talks with Germany
Following his address at Luxeuil-les-Bains, Macron was scheduled to travel to Berlin for discussions with Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz to further strengthen European defence cooperation.
