Archive · 29 May 2025
France Renovates Air Base for Nuclear-Armed Bombers
France is spending a lot of money to upgrade an air base so it can handle nuclear weapons.
This is happening because of worries about security in Europe.
The base will get new fighter jets and be twice as big.
The upgrades include making the runway bigger and building new hangars.
This base will be one of the main places in France to store nuclear weapons.
The project will take many years and include new planes and missiles.
Pilots are ready to use the nuclear weapons if necessary to protect France.
France is renovating an air base to accommodate nuclear-armed bombers and new generation hypersonic missiles.
The $1.7 billion project at Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur base will make it twice its current size by 2035.
The base will house 50 Rafale fighter jets and ASN4G nuclear-capable air-to-ground missiles.
Luxeuil will become the fourth French base capable of storing nuclear weapons.
France is open to discussing with other European countries the deployment of French nuclear-armed jets, a move condemned by Russia.
- Who
- France is renovating the Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base, and President Macron announced the plans.
- What
- France is renovating its air base to accommodate nuclear-armed bombers and new generation missiles, at a cost of $1.7 billion.
- When
- Work to begin around 2024-2025, with key works taking place between 2029 and 2032, and the base becoming fully operational by 2035.
- Where
- Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base in eastern France.
- Why
- To enhance security and modernize its nuclear capabilities amid growing concerns in Europe, and to ensure the base can handle new generation jets and missiles.
Russia's Stance
France's Stance
Nuclear Weapon Deployment
Russia's Stance
Russia condemns the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Europe, as it would not add security or stability.
France's Stance
France is ready to discuss deploying nuclear-armed jets with other European countries to address growing security concerns.
- Renovation Cost
- $1.7 billion
- Base Location
- Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur Air Base
- Target Operational Year
- 2035
- Rafale Jets
- 50
- Nuclear Capable Base
- Fourth
- Closure Period
- 2029-2032
- Technicians (Projected)
- 1,000