Macron announces increased Rafale orders as EU chief emphasizes need for credible deterrence

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase orders for Rafale fighter jets and invest nearly 1.5 billion euros in an air base to equip its squadrons with the latest nuclear missile technology. He emphasized the importance of nuclear deterrence and committed to strengthening each of its components. Macron urged European nations to replace American-made military hardware, such as F-35 fighter jets and the U.S. Patriot air defense system, with France's Rafale and the Franco-Italian SAMP/T.