France launches pan-European nuclear deterrence scheme to pressure Russia

Under Macron’s "forward deterrence" concept, France will station nuclear-enabled Rafale jets across Europe and build a secure communications and early-warning architecture with ten partner nations, aiming to add a layer of strategic complexity for Russia. The coalition currently includes the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Greece, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while Italy opted out and the Baltic states were not invited.

French officials say the scheme supplements, not replaces, the U.S. nuclear umbrella and could also bolster conventional defense if American protection falters. Macron reaffirmed that France’s vital interests extend beyond its borders, and the country plans to resume nuclear weapons production and stop disclosing the exact number of warheads, estimated at around 290. Critics note that a future Rassemblement National presidency could undermine the plan’s credibility, but the French government maintains full control over the deterrent while allowing partners limited participation.