Signal For Russia: French Nuclear Rafale Deployed in Poland

The French Air Force has deployed Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying ASMP missiles with a nuclear warhead to Poland.

This was reported by the French military observer Etienne Marcuz in his X.

The photos released from Poland show an aircraft of the 4th Squadron, namely 2/4 Lafayette. Together with the 1/4 Gascogne, this unit is responsible for the constant combat readiness of the air nuclear forces as part of the French nuclear triad.

At the same time, this does not mean that the fighter jets deployed in Poland are equipped with nuclear weapons.

Most likely, they are performing tasks to achieve and maintain air superiority in accordance with the conventional capabilities of the 4th Squadron.

However, the very appearance of these aircraft in Poland may be symbolic.

It reinforces President Emmanuel Macron’s words about France as one of the key factors in the nuclear deterrence of Russia in Europe.

Although the French Air and Space Force have previously participated in missions in Europe, this deployment was the first after Macron’s resonant statements and is likely a direct response to the growing threat.

Amid doubts about the reliability of U.S. security guarantees, France’s move is intended to reassure European allies and reaffirm Paris’ readiness to play the role of a nuclear guarantor of Europe’s security alongside London.

Back in March, Macron said that he planned to discuss with European allies the possibility of using French nuclear forces as a means of deterring Russia.

The French leader called Russia a threat and announced the start of strategic debates on the defense of European allies using nuclear deterrence.

At the same time, he emphasized that control over French nuclear weapons would remain solely in the hands of the French president.

Information that France is ready to use its nuclear deterrent to defend Europe instead of the United States appeared in late February.