French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to procure additional Rafale fighter jets in the coming years and commit nearly €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to modernize a key airbase, equipping it with cutting-edge nuclear missile technology.

Amid growing security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's more assertive stance towards NATO allies, European nations are ramping up defense expenditures and striving for greater strategic autonomy. Macron, who has already overseen a doubling of France’s defense budget across his two terms, is now pushing for an even higher target, proposing an increase to 3-3.5% of GDP from the current 2%.

Additionally, he has offered to extend France’s nuclear umbrella to other European nations.

"We did not wait until 2022 or today’s shifting global landscape to recognize the increasing dangers and uncertainties of our world," Macron stated. "This demands innovation, strengthening our capabilities, and achieving greater autonomy."

Speaking at Luxeuil Air Base in eastern France—a site renowned for hosting American volunteer pilots during World War I—Macron revealed plans to transform it into a hub for France’s nuclear deterrence strategy. The base will house the latest Rafale S5 fighter jets, designed to carry the forthcoming ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles, expected to be operational by 2035.

Macron also confirmed that France would accelerate orders for Rafale jets, partly to replace the Mirage aircraft transferred to Ukraine.

The €1.5 billion investment is part of an already approved multi-year military budget, though questions remain about how France will finance its broader defense ambitions while seeking to curb its budget deficit.

Macron’s announcement coincided with the German parliament’s approval of a significant military spending increase.