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France Reportedly Sends Nuclear-Capable Rafale Jets to Poland in Direct Signal to Russia
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
French Air and Space Force Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons have been reportedly deployed to Poland, according to French military analyst Etienne Marcuz, who shared the information on X on September 14.
Photos from the deployment show aircraft from the 2/4 Lafayette Squadron. Along with the ¼ Gascogne Squadron, this unit is responsible for maintaining the airborne component of France’s nuclear forces.
⚡ Réactivité.
— Chef d'état-major armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (@CEM_AAE) September 13, 2025
✈️ Puissance.
🤝 Solidarité.
Trois #Rafale déployés en Pologne avec le soutien de nos A400M Atlas, pour défendre l’espace aérien du flanc Est de l’Europe #EasternSentry.
L’@Armee_de_lair et de l’Espace : toujours au rendez-vous. pic.twitter.com/9vtohycQgO
The deployment does not confirm that the jets in Poland are armed with nuclear weapons. According to Marcuz, the Rafales are most likely assigned to conventional air superiority missions.
However, their presence in Poland carries symbolic weight, highlighting France’s role as a nuclear power within Europe.
The move follows recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing France’s responsibility in European nuclear deterrence.
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In March, Macron stated that he would open discussions with European partners on the potential use of French nuclear forces to deter Russia. He underlined that ultimate control of France’s nuclear arsenal remains solely with the French president.
In February, reports also indicated that France was prepared to consider extending its nuclear deterrence guarantees to Europe in the event of uncertainty around US security commitments.
France maintains a nuclear triad consisting of ballistic missile submarines, air-launched systems, and land-based assets.
Earlier, The Guardian reported on September 12 that Germany expanded its air policing operations over Poland in response to Russian drone incursions, with Eurofighter units placed on 24/7 readiness to monitor the airspace, according to the German defense ministry.
