France Rules Out Permanent Nuclear Deployment in Europe

France has no plans to permanently deploy nuclear weapons in other European countries or to introduce a NATO-style nuclear sharing system, Der Spiegel reported, citing sources in the French government.

Paris is instead considering arrangements such as access to airspace, air bases or aerial refueling for French warplanes, according to the magazine. A temporary deployment of aircraft is also under consideration. France has already sent Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons to Poland this spring.

The report follows an announcement by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron of deeper cooperation on nuclear deterrence. Initial steps are to include German military participation in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic facilities.

France is the European Union's sole nuclear power. Experts estimate it holds around 290 operational nuclear warheads, delivered by ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-tipped missiles fired from Rafale fighter jets.

(tass, lud)