On 6 March 2025, Ambassadors to the North Atlantic Council visited France's Istres strategic air base, alongside NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska. Participants received briefings on France's nuclear deterrent from Commanders of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS), Strategic Oceanic Force (FOST) and Naval Nuclear Air Force (FANU). The visit's various steps showed the credibility of France's airborne component, and that of its nuclear deterrent as a whole, which is strategic and fully independent. At a time of unprecedented security challenges to the Alliance, Allies also discussed the strategic environment, through presentations from representatives of France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Armed Forces.
(Credits: Forces aériennes stratégiques)
This visit reaffirmed that nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Alliance security. The fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. The independent strategic nuclear forces of France have a deterrent role of their own and contribute significantly to the overall security of the Alliance. France's separate centre of decision-making contributes to deterrence by complicating the calculations of potential adversaries.
(Credits: Forces aériennes stratégiques)