ISTANBUL 

France's president said Tuesday the nation will increase its orders for Rafale fighter jets amid efforts across Europe to boost its defense in case the US scales back its presence or withdraws from the continent.

“I want to tell you that the Air and Space Force will receive additional Rafale orders. This is imperative in the current context – an absolute necessity,” Emmanuel Macron said, stressing that they would “increase” and “accelerate” Rafale orders.

Speaking at Luxeuil-les-Bains Airbase in eastern France, Macron affirmed that the Rafale program would expand in a way so it regains its place within “French nuclear deterrence.”

“I am announcing that Luxeuil Airbase will receive massive investments to accommodate the next two Rafale squadrons. Its capacity will double, reaching nearly 2,000 military and civilian personnel by 2035,” he said.

Underlining that the airbase would undergo a “profound transformation,” Macron said the state would invest nearly €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to modernize and adapt the base.

“By 2035, Luxeuil will become the first base to host the next version of the Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missile – an essential part of the ongoing modernization of our nuclear deterrent. Luxeuil will thus continue its long history in service of the mission that is at the heart of our national defense,” Macron added.

He further stressed the need for defense, preparation, and deterrence, calling it essential to national security and a great advantage for the country.

“No one can predict what the coming months and years will bring. What I want is for us to be ready. What I want is for us to be protected,” Macron added.