France will order additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets to serve as carriers of ASMP-A tactical nuclear missiles, stated President Emmanuel Macron.

He announced this news while visiting the French air base of Luxeuil-les-Bains in the east of the country.

The move is aimed at strengthening France’s nuclear deterrence capability and enhancing its ability to provide a nuclear umbrella for European allies and NATO members.

In addition to directly strengthening the strike force, Macron also announced a €1.5 billion investment plan to modernize and expand France’s nuclear strike infrastructure.

“The world we live in is becoming increasingly dangerous and uncertain,” Macron stated during his visit.

The investment will be aimed at expanding Luxeuil-les-Bains Air Base, allowing the creation of two new squadrons. In addition, key elements also include an increase in the number of nuclear-capable Rafales to 40.

Key elements will also include the deployment of a French hypersonic nuclear missile by 2035, to be carried by an upgraded Rafale modification.

Miltarnyi previously reported on Macron’s remarks on engaging European allies in discussions about France’s nuclear forces as a deterrent against Russia.

France’s Nuclear Arsenal: Current Capabilities

As of 2024, France has an estimated 290 nuclear warheads, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), of which about 280 are deployed and the rest are in reserve.

Submarines are the backbone of the naval component of the French nuclear forces. They belong to the Triomphant-class and consist of four submarines: Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant and Le Terrible. Each of these carries up to 16 M51 ballistic missiles, which are equipped with TNO thermonuclear warheads.

The aviation component of France’s nuclear arsenal is represented by Dassault Rafale fighter jets, which are armed with ASMP-A (Air-Sol Moyenne Portée Amélioré) cruise missiles with TNA nuclear warheads.

Approximately 70 Rafale aircraft of the B (for the Air Force) and M (for the Navy) versions are ready to carry out nuclear missions.