(February 25, 2025)

His visit follows talks with Friedrich Merz, the likely next German chancellor, who has urged the UK and France to strengthen Europe’s independent nuclear security capabilities.

The proposal under discussion involves stationing French Dassault Rafale fighter jets, equipped with nuclear weapons, on German soil. This move would serve both as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression and as a signal of Europe’s ability to act independently of the United States in defence matters.

According to The Telegraph, French officials have indicated that such a deployment would not be technically difficult and could send a powerful strategic message.