France is prepared to extend its nuclear deterrence to safeguard Europe, as President Emmanuel Macron considers the deployment of nuclear-armed fighter jets to Germany.
The discussions come amid growing concerns over the security of the continent, particularly in light of potential shifts in US defence commitments under President Donald Trump.
Macron met Trump at the White House, where he reportedly insisted that any potential peace deal involving Ukraine “must not be a surrender.”
His visit follows talks with Friedrich Merz, the likely next German chancellor, who has urged the UK and France to strengthen Europe’s independent nuclear security capabilities.
Nuclear Fighters in Germany
The proposal under discussion involves stationing French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, equipped with nuclear weapons, on German soil. This move would serve both as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression and as a signal of Europe’s ability to act independently of the United States in defence matters.
According to The Telegraph, French officials have indicated that such a deployment would not be technically difficult and could send a powerful strategic message. Diplomats in Berlin have suggested that the initiative could also pressure UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to demonstrate Britain’s commitment to European security in a similar manner.
“If the French take this step, it will increase pressure on Britain to show it is serious about contributing to European defence,” one senior diplomat in Berlin stated.
However, sources also cautioned that such a move would likely remain unofficial unless Washington significantly altered its nuclear presence in Europe.
A Shift in Europe’s Security Architecture
France remains the European Union’s only nuclear power following the UK’s departure from the bloc. Macron has previously signalled his willingness to integrate France’s nuclear forces into a broader European security strategy.
The debate over European nuclear deterrence has intensified as Trump’s foreign policy stance raises uncertainties over NATO’s long-term commitments.
While the US continues to host nuclear weapons in Germany under NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangements, any perceived weakening of that commitment could accelerate efforts by Europe to develop independent deterrence capabilities.
