France and 10 European Countries Plan to Deploy Nuclear-Capable Rafale Jets to Deter Russia

France is working with 10 other European countries on a new nuclear deterrence framework aimed at Russia, The Wall Street Journal has reported. French President Emmanuel Macron, who calls the initiative "forward deterrence," unveiled it in March 2026. The plan involves deploying nuclear-capable French Rafale fighter jets in other European countries. It matters because it would broaden nuclear deterrence in Europe, where the American "nuclear umbrella" has so far played the central role.

Who is taking part

The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Greece, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark have joined France. The three Baltic states, which are the most exposed to Russian aggression, are not involved, and Italy has declined to take part. Finland said it would like to participate but does not intend to host nuclear weapons on its territory in peacetime.

Participants also plan to build a joint early-warning and intelligence-sharing system.

Arguments and limits

French officials believe the new deterrent could be more credible because the security of France's European neighbors matters far more to Paris than to Washington. European officials stress that the system should supplement, not replace, the American nuclear umbrella and add strategic uncertainty for Russia.

Experts say the French ASMP-A cruise missiles carried by Rafales are more effective in modern warfare than American B-61 nuclear bombs. The B-61s were developed in the 1960s, and advances in Russian air defenses limit their use.

Macron has also said France intends to resume nuclear weapons production for the first time in decades. The country has about 290 nuclear warheads, but it will no longer disclose information about its arsenal.

In practice, France will keep full control of its nuclear forces. "The French will let us participate in their nuclear deterrence as much as the Americans," said a minister from one of the participating countries.

France is holding bilateral talks with its partners and has set up 10 separate groups for them. Military officials said defense officials across Europe have had to hold frequent calls to keep one another informed about the negotiations.