Ten European Countries Have Joined France's Nuclear Plan Against Russia
- 26.10.2026, 11:48
Paris's goal is to create additional risks for the Kremlin.
Paris is enlisting ten European countries to expand France’s nuclear deterrence against Russia amid growing doubts about the U.S.’s willingness to defend its allies. The plan calls for the deployment of French Rafale fighter jets—capable of carrying nuclear weapons—at European bases, as well as the development of early-warning systems, secure communications, and intelligence-sharing capabilities, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The initiative, called “Forward Deterrence,” was presented in March by French President Emmanuel Macron. It includes the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The Baltic states, which are most vulnerable to the Russian threat, are not included in the project. Italy declined to participate.
Paris’s goal is to create additional risks for the Kremlin in the event of a military conflict with Europe. “This creates a new challenge for the adversary, as it adds yet another factor that the Russians will have to take into account,” said Macron’s adviser on strategic issues Xavier Chatel.
France possesses approximately 290 nuclear warheads—significantly fewer than the United States and Russia. However, the French ASMP-A cruise missiles, which are carried by the Rafale, are capable of striking targets on Russian territory, including major cities.
Unlike the U.S. program for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Europe, the French arsenal is under the full control of Paris. European partners have no say in decisions regarding its use.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that Helsinki does not plan to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory during peacetime. However, participation in the initiative will allow the country to receive information and influence strategic planning.
Experts warn that French capabilities cannot replace U.S. security guarantees. Furthermore, a potential victory by the right-wing party led by Marine Le Pen in the French presidential election could cast doubt on the reliability of the new partnership.