Russia has warned that European countries hosting French nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jets will become priority targets in any major conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko issued the threat on April 23, 2026, in response to France’s expanding ‘forward deterrence’ doctrine.
Grushko’s statement marks the sharpest Kremlin reaction yet to President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for temporary deployments of Strategic Air Forces (FAS) Rafale B jets across allied bases. He described the initiative as an ‘uncontrolled build-up’ of NATO’s nuclear potential, integrating French forces into the alliance.
The warning follows Macron’s April 20 announcement in Gdansk with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, adding Warsaw to discussions with the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark. Paris is negotiating hosting arrangements with these eight partners, avoiding permanent basing or U.S.-style nuclear sharing.
Grushko emphasized that Russia’s military will monitor deployments and update its high-priority target list accordingly. He dismissed French assurances, noting Paris rejects formal nuclear guarantees, arguing the posture exposes hosts without bolstering their security.
This escalation heightens tensions over NATO’s eastern flank, complicating European air basing strategies amid Russia’s ongoing strategic posturing.