France modernizes nuclear deterrence: new Rafale with hypersonic missiles by 2035.
Macron to station new fighter jet at airbase 116
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the arrival of a new version of the Rafale fighter jet at airbase 116 in Luxey-le-Ben.
Macron plans to make airbase 116 in Luxey-le-Ben the location for future new models of Rafale and key components of nuclear deterrence.
The President stated that France 'will increase and accelerate orders for Rafale', as this is 'necessary' given the geopolitical 'turn'.
Two new Rafale squadrons are set to join the base, consisting of about 40 aircraft. The state will also invest 1.5 billion euros in modernizing the base.
By 2035, 2000 military and civilian personnel will join the base, noted the head of state, who is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
Luxey will be the first base to receive the next version of Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missile, symbolizing the beginning of the modernization of nuclear deterrence.
Currently, three other airbases are involved in nuclear deterrence: Saint-Dizier (Haute-Marne), Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône), and Avord (Cher).
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