France invests $1.7 billion in modernizing a nuclear facility at its air base
France to Boost Nuclear Capabilities with $1.7 Billion Air Base Renovation
France has commenced a significant $1.7 billion modernization project at its Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base in eastern France, aiming to enhance its nuclear capabilities and adapt to evolving security concerns in Europe. The decade-long revamp will see the base more than doubling in size and becoming a key hub for France's advanced military technology.
The renovation will enable the Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur base to accommodate nuclear-armed bombers, such as France's latest Rafale fighter jets, and cutting-edge hypersonic missiles, including France's ASN4G air-to-ground missiles[1][2]. This strategic location near Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium will potentially allow for the deployment of nuclear assets across Europe[5].
By 2035, the base will be twice its current size, accommodating 50 upgraded Rafale jets and new generation nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles[1][2]. Infrastructure improvements will be extensive, with the replacement of outdated hangars, expansion of the runway for the heavier Rafale jets, and substantial security enhancements[1][5]. The project is expected to quadruple the base's personnel to around 1,000 technicians[5].
Between 2029 and 2032, the base will shut down for major construction activities, with the arrival of the first new Rafales during this period[5]. Currently, the base houses about 20 Mirage-2000 jets, which are no longer in production[6].
Colonel Emmanuel Roux, base commander, compared the triangle-shaped hangars, dating back to 1952[6], to photographs of Charles de Gaulle's visit in 1962[6]. "We have 10 years to build the best base in France with planes that don't yet exist, a nuclear weapon that doesn't yet exist, and technicians who aren't yet in school," said Roux[6].
The renovation of the Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base signifies a strategic move to strengthen France's military capabilities and solidify its role in the European security landscape.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-upgrades-luxeuil-air-base-nuclear-armed-raffles-2021-03-20/[2] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/20/france-unveils-plans-to-modernize-east-france-air-base-with-1-7b/[3] https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/dassault-rafale/[4] https://defence-blog.com/nuclear-weapons/france-asn4g-nuclear-capable-air-to-ground-missile/[5] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/03/20/france-unveils-plans-to-modernize-east-france-air-base-with-1-7b/[6] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/france-air-base-renovation-1-7-billion-to-upgrade-nuclear-capabilities/
The Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur air base modernization, costing $1.7 billion, is not only a boost to France's nuclear capabilities but also a strategic move in European politics, potentially influencing war-and-conflicts dynamics, as it may allow the deployment of nuclear assets across Europe. The continuing technological advancements will enable the base to accommodate the latest Rafale fighter jets and cutting-edge hypersonic missiles, which could impact general news regarding military technology.
