France set to increase its Rafale aircraft procurements

2025-03-19 02:42:22

(MENAFN) France's President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that the country would boost its orders for Rafale combat aircrafts, as part of attempts to strengthen European defense in response to the potential scaling back or withdrawal of the U.S. military presence on the continent.

Emmanuel Macron stated: “I want to tell you that the Air and Space Force will receive additional Rafale orders. This is imperative in the current context – an absolute necessity,” highlighting that they would “increase” and “accelerate” its procurement of Rafale jets.

During a speech at Luxeuil-les-Bains Airbase in eastern France, Macron confirmed that the Rafale program would be broadened to reinforce its strategic role in “French nuclear deterrence.”

He added: “I am announcing that Luxeuil Airbase will receive massive investments to accommodate the next two Rafale squadrons. Its capacity will double, reaching nearly 2,000 military and civilian personnel by 2035.”

Emphasizing that the airbase would experience a “profound transformation,” Macron further stated that the French government would allocate nearly €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) for the modernization and transformation of the airbase.

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