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France, Poland to Simulate Nuclear Deterrence Exercises Near Russian Borders
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France and Poland are preparing to conduct joint military exercises on NATO’s eastern flank. The maneuvers will take place over the Baltic Sea and northern Poland.
These drills will simulate the use of French nuclear weapons against targets in Russia and Belarus, according to Wirtualna Polska. Key sites near Saint Petersburg are among the simulated targets, according to The Moscow Times on April 23.
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The Polish Air Force will focus on long-range reconnaissance, target identification, and simulated strikes using JASSM-ER cruise missiles from F-16 fighter jets. French Dassault Rafale fighters, which are capable of carrying ASMP nuclear-tipped missiles, will practice elements of nuclear deterrence.
There are no plans for the permanent stationing of French nuclear warheads on Polish soil. However, Rafale aircraft will participate in joint training sessions periodically.
According to the report by Wirtualna Polska, the Dassault Rafale fighter jets possess a combat radius that allows them to fly directly from bases in France to a strategic line stretching between Budapest and Kaliningrad. From this position, the aircraft would be within range to launch strikes against designated targets located inside Russia and Belarus.
This cooperation is reportedly being organized outside of standard NATO bureaucracy to allow for faster decision-making. These scenarios serve as additional measures in the event of an attack.
The exercises follow changes to French nuclear strategy announced by President Emmanuel Macron on March 2. At that time, he spoke about a new stage in French deterrence and suggested extending a nuclear umbrella over Poland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that discussions with France are ongoing. “Poland is negotiating with France and a group of European allies on an advanced nuclear deterrence program. We will arm ourselves with partners so that enemies do not dare to attack us,” Tusk stated.
Macron previously emphasized the goal of these strategic shifts. “It is extremely important that our adversaries or a group of adversaries cannot even think of striking France without being sure that they will suffer damage from which they will not be able to recover,” the French President said.
On April 20, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met in Gdansk to deepen defense ties and expand their technological alliance.
During the summit, the two leaders discussed the unprecedented possibility of Poland participating in France’s nuclear deterrent strategy, specifically through contributions to early warning and air defense systems.
They also launched a joint military communications satellite project intended to incorporate other European operators. While the meeting celebrated a shared vision for European sovereignty, it also highlighted ongoing friction regarding Macron’s push for European-made military hardware, as Poland continued to prioritize massive orders for American-made defense systems.
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