France is relying on state-of-the-art technology for nuclear deterrence: brand new Rafael F5 stealth attack drones, hypersonic nuclear missiles and the latest generation of advanced SAMP/T NG air defense systems. This was announced by President Emmanuel Macron in his latest speech on defense strategy.
On Tuesday, Macron visited the Base Aérienne 116 “Lieutenant-Colonel Papin” in Luxeuil-les-Bains in the department of Haute-Saône.
The airbase is located in the far east of France – around 250 kilometers from both Bregenz and Salzburg.
Until 2010, Mirage 2000Ns were stationed there as part of the French nuclear deterrent. In view of the worsening security situation in Europe, France is now focusing on a comeback of strategic deterrence on site. President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the base will be reintegrated into the nuclear deterrence concept by 2035.
In future, the French aerospace forces are to bring together state-of-the-art next-generation weapons systems there – developed by the domestic defense industry. However, none of these planned technologies currently exist at the site.
The focus is on the 7th and 8th squadrons with Dassault Rafale in the future F5 standard. This version of the French multi-role combat aircraft, also known as the “Super Rafale”, is currently still at an early planning stage.
The F5 will be equipped with the new RBE2-XG radar, which is based on gallium nitride modules. This state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar is now part of the third generation of French electronically scanned radar systems and will be upgraded with advanced AI functions, which are already included in the F4 standard.
In addition, the Rafale F5 will receive a new generation of electronic warfare systems that will significantly improve its electronic warfare capabilities.
The ASN4G nuclear hypersonic missile is planned as the main weapon system – Militär Aktuell has already reported on this. According to the French specialist press, the ASN4G is said to have “almost unprecedented capabilities”. Specialized ammunition bunkers are being built specifically for these high-tech weapons.
The modernization of the base involves an investment of 1.4 billion euros and a doubling of the workforce.
The Luxeuil air base will regain its place in French nuclear disarmament.
1.4 billion euros will be invested to renovate its infrastructures and allow it to welcome the next two Rafale escadrons. pic.twitter.com/5RPvokrpWe
– Élysée (@Elysee) March 18, 2025
The Rafale F5 will be accompanied by a new stealth fighter drone. Based on the nEUROn project, but around twice the size, these drones, which are expected to weigh ten to twelve tons, are designed to clear a path through enemy air defence systems for the nuclear-armed Rafale. The loss of a drone as part of this “door opener” tactic is deliberately accepted.
To protect the base, two batteries of the new SAMP/T NG long-range air defense system from the Eurosam joint venture of Thales and MBDA are planned. France plans to have a total of twelve SAMP/T NG batteries in operation by 2032.
Macron deliberately did not reveal any details about the future overall capacity of the French nuclear deterrent. French experts are speculating as to whether the two new squadrons are intended in addition to or as a replacement for the existing Rafale and ASMPA-R squadrons – and whether the production of nuclear weapons may have to be resumed for this.
France is increasingly open to discussions about a possible extension of its nuclear deterrent to European allies.
President Macron recently emphasized France’s completely self-sufficient ability to produce and deploy nuclear weapons. However, we can only speculate about the actual scale of these capacities – there are no published figures on the number of warheads or the amount of fissile material required.
This strategic ambiguity is a deliberate element of French deterrence policy.
Surrounded by his soldiers, Macron announced that he would speak out again on nuclear deterrence policy in the coming weeks and months.
This underlines the fact that intensive debates are currently being held within the inner circle of French security policy about the future direction of the French nuclear forces – against the backdrop of global security policy shifts.
