To upgrade and extend a key military aviation station in the country’s eastern highlands, France is investing a staggering $1.7 billion. The base will be able to handle aircraft and weaponry that carry nuclear bombs. This move demonstrates the rising security worries in Europe.
Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur is the name of the air base. It is currently a minor base with outdated fighter planes and infrastructure. The base will double in size as a result of the refurbishment. This work will not be quick; it is projected to take ten years to conclude. However, the basis will be extremely strong and sophisticated by 2035.
Luxeuil will be prepared to house a new generation of hypersonic missiles once the construction is completed. Weapons that move more than five times the speed of sound are known as hypersonic missiles. France’s Rafale fighter planes will be equipped with these missiles. Approximately fifty of these planes, outfitted with the new weaponry, will be stationed at Luxeuil.
This idea was unveiled at the base by President Emmanuel Macron in March. On this same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were talking about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The declaration demonstrated France’s will to bolster its military might and be ready for any danger.
Luxeuil will host the nuclear-capable ASN4G air-to-ground missiles and the new Rafale fighters. This implies that the facility will play a significant role in France’s defence strategy. There are now three other nuclear weapons storage locations in France. Luxeuil will be the newest and most sophisticated base, yet it will still remain the fourth.
How will Luxeuil support Europe’s broader security strategy?
Luxeuil wasn’t very big or contemporary before to this renovation. It possesses around 20 Mirage-2000 fighter planes at the moment. The earlier types of these jets are no longer manufactured. Constructed in 1952, the triangle-shaped hangars are used for storing aeroplanes. These hangars have seen heavy use throughout the years, according to base commander Colonel Emmanuel Roux.
Colonel Roux also gave some fascinating historical background. He displayed photographs of the site taken in 1962 when French President Charles de Gaulle was there. He made the joke that the base needed a lot of upgrading because it didn’t look much different then than it does now.
The base will be entirely altered with the upgrading. The new fighter planes and their nuclear missiles will be stored and maintained in larger, new hangars. The base will be built to accommodate more sophisticated and contemporary weaponry.
The significance of Luxeuil in France’s future defence plans is demonstrated by this significant investment and upgrade. It will enable France to better defend itself and take a more active part in the security of Europe. Due to recent tensions and conflicts throughout the world, particularly the crisis in Ukraine, Europe has been more concerned about security. To be prepared for any issues that may arise, nations like France are increasing their military spending.
France takes these dangers seriously, as seen by its decision to improve Luxeuil. Powerful planes carrying some of the most cutting-edge armaments in the world will be able to swiftly take off from the facility. France will have an advantage in defending its nation and friends as a result. After the renovations are completed in 2035, Luxeuil will play a significant role in Europe’s defensive infrastructure. It will have cutting-edge technology capable of swiftly and effectively countering any danger.
