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French Air Force Plans Dedicated Nuclear Deterrence Rafale Squadron

Thierry Dubois November 19, 2025

Dassault Rafales in flight — The French Air and Space Force’s plan for a dedicated nuclear deterrence squadron calls for 45 additional Rafales.

Credit: G. Martel/French Air and Space Force

French President Emmanuel Macron promised additional Dassault Rafale fighter orders for the Air and Space Force during a visit to the eastern Luxeuil air base in March. Service officials issued a clear request in October: Increase the planned Rafale fleet to 230 aircraft from the current 185 target...

Thierry Dubois

Thierry Dubois has specialized in aerospace journalism since 1997. An engineer in fluid dynamics from Toulouse-based Enseeiht, he covers the French commercial aviation, defense and space industries. His expertise extends to all things technology in Europe.

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