France gives air base $1.7 billion nuclear facelift to modernize deterrence
France invests $1.7B in nuclear air base upgrade
France is spending a huge amount of money — $1.7 billion — to improve and expand an important military air base in the eastern hills of the country. This upgrade will allow the base to handle planes and weapons that carry nuclear bombs. The decision to do this shows that security concerns in Europe are growing.
The air base is called Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur. Right now, it is a smaller base with old facilities and older fighter jets. The renovation will make the base twice as large as it is now. This work will not be quick; it is expected to take ten years to finish. But by 2035, the base will be very modern and powerful.
When the work is done, Luxeuil will be ready to hold a new generation of hypersonic missiles. Hypersonic missiles are very fast weapons that travel faster than five times the speed of sound. France will carry these missiles on its Rafale fighter jets. There will be about 50 of these jets equipped with the new weapons based at Luxeuil.
President Emmanuel Macron announced this plan in March at the base. This was the same day when the US President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin were discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine. The announcement showed France’s intention to strengthen its military power and be prepared for any threats.
The new Rafale jets and the nuclear-capable ASN4G air-to-ground missiles will be housed at Luxeuil. This means the base will become very important in France’s defense system. Currently, France has three other bases where nuclear weapons are stored. Luxeuil will become the fourth base, but it will be the most modern and advanced one.
Old base gets new life
Before this upgrade, Luxeuil was not very large or modern. It currently has about 20 Mirage-2000 fighter jets. These jets are older models that are no longer being made. The hangars, or airplane storage buildings, are shaped like triangles and were built in 1952. Colonel Emmanuel Roux, the base commander, says these hangars have been used a lot over the years.
Colonel Roux also shared some interesting history. He showed pictures of the base from 1962, which included French President Charles de Gaulle visiting. He joked that the base looked the same back then as it does now, showing how much it needs updating.
The upgrade will completely change the base. It will get new, bigger hangars and facilities to store and maintain the new fighter jets and their nuclear missiles. The base will be designed to handle more complex and modern weapons systems.
This large investment and modernization highlight how important Luxeuil will be in France’s future defense plans. It will help France protect itself better and play a stronger role in Europe’s security.
Europe has been feeling more worried about security because of recent global conflicts and tensions, especially the war in Ukraine. Countries like France are investing more in their military to be ready for any problems that might come.
France’s decision to upgrade Luxeuil shows how seriously it takes these risks. The base will be able to quickly launch powerful jets that carry some of the most advanced weapons in the world. This will give France an edge in protecting its country and allies.
By 2035, when the renovation is done, Luxeuil will be a key part of Europe’s defense network. It will hold new technologies that can respond fast and powerfully to any threat.
History of Luxeuil base
Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base has been part of France’s military for many decades. The triangle-shaped hangars and facilities have served many generations of fighter jets. But the base has aged and was designed for older aircraft and weapons.
Now, with the arrival of the Rafale jets and hypersonic missiles, the base needs a big upgrade to handle these modern machines. This includes bigger hangars, better storage for nuclear weapons, and updated support facilities for the pilots and staff.
The $1.7 billion investment is part of France’s broader plan to keep its military strong and modern. The country wants to make sure it can defend itself and its interests in a world that is changing quickly.
The new jets and weapons will make the French air force faster and more powerful. With nuclear capabilities, France maintains a strong deterrent — meaning it discourages enemies from attacking because they know France can respond strongly.
France’s move will also impact Europe’s overall security. By having such a modern base ready, France shows its commitment to protecting not just itself but its European partners.
France’s Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base will soon change from an old, small base to a modern, large, and powerful military center. With $1.7 billion invested, the base will be ready by 2035 to handle new Rafale fighter jets and advanced hypersonic nuclear missiles.
This renovation is a clear response to growing security concerns in Europe. It shows France’s determination to keep its military strong and its people safe.
From old hangars built in 1952 to the future home of the latest nuclear technology, Luxeuil will play a vital role in France’s defense and in keeping peace in Europe.
