Leaders of France and Poland on Monday discussed holding joint exercises as part of France's efforts to involve allies in nuclear deterrence, Politico reports, writes UNN.
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"Among the issues we will consider will be information exchange, joint exercises," French President Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference in the Polish port city of Gdansk when asked about France's cooperation with Poland on nuclear issues.
France is the only nuclear power in the European Union. Earlier this year, Macron announced a "new stage of French deterrence," a historic shift that will allow other European countries to play a greater role in deterrence, starting with participation in nuclear exercises.
France will increase size of its nuclear arsenal - Macron02.03.26, 17:26
"Cooperation in so-called forward deterrence includes Poland, as well as Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden," the publication states.
Poland, which does not participate in the US nuclear weapons sharing program, is reportedly interested in strengthening European deterrence against Russia.
We decided to join the group of countries invited by France to cooperate. An exclusive group consisting of countries that understand the need for European sovereignty. We live in a world where we need nuclear deterrence capabilities
A group of European countries supported talks on joint nuclear deterrence - Politico15.02.26, 18:33
France insists that ultimate control over the use of its nuclear weapons must remain with Paris, but there are talks about eventually stationing French military aircraft with nuclear weapons in allied countries.
"Frankly, having Rafales with atomic bombs over Poland is not my dream, but I hope you don't have such plans," Tusk told Macron.
Macron said his team would discuss options with their Polish counterparts to organize operations "in the coming months."
Tusk also praised France's commitment to defending Poland's eastern borders, including its borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
He mentioned the possibility of France's participation in ensuring the security of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, which plays a crucial role in delivering weapons and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
France and Poland also signed agreements to deepen defense ties in space and military planning, starting with Poland's planned purchase of a French military telecommunications satellite by the end of the year.
The defense ministers of both countries will also deploy a bilateral defense cooperation plan for 2026-2028, aimed at expanding joint military activities and coordination, Macron's office said.
Germany said talks with France on nuclear deterrence are at an early stage16.02.26, 15:37