Airbus boss says Europe needs tactical nukes in face of Russian threat. Appeal to European nations

Airbus Chairman René Oberman said Wednesday that European nations should develop a common tactical nuclear deterrent to counter Russia's expanding arsenal, breaking one of Europe's main defense taboos, Politico reports.

Speaking at the Berlin Security Conference, Obermann said Europe's current posture leaves a dangerous gap, pointing to the “over 500 tactical nuclear warheads” deployed by Russia along NATO's eastern flank and in Belarus.

“What do you think would be our response to a limited Russian tactical attack with limited effects?” the Airbus chief asked the audience of defense officials, military officers and industry executives. “I don't have the answer – but I'm sure you do,” he added.

Tactical nuclear weapons have lower explosive yields, typically between 1 and 50 kilotons, and are made for use in battlefield situations. Strategic weapons are larger, have powers of over 100 kilotons and are designed to destroy cities.

Airbus chief proposes 'joint and phased programme'

Obermann argued that Germany, France, the United Kingdom and “other willing European member states” should agree on a “common and phased program of nuclear deterrence”, explicitly including the tactical level – an area that European leaders have traditionally avoided in public debate.

France and the United Kingdom maintain independent nuclear arsenals, but there is no common European doctrine on how to deter or respond to a limited nuclear attack. France is estimated to have around 290 nuclear warheads and the UK has around 225 nuclear warheads – none of which are tactical.

Germany participates in NATO's nuclear weapons sharing mission, but has no weapons of its own.

Russia has around 5,580 nuclear weapons, the largest arsenal on the planet.

Ignoring the Russian tactical arsenal would be a mistake, the head of Airbus believes

The head of Airbus believes that Europe risks misunderstanding Moscow's strategy if it focuses only on strategic forces, ignoring Russia's huge tactical arsenal.

His call could spark debate in European capitals, where nuclear policy remains politically sensitive and largely isolated at a national level. It also highlights how Russia's war in Ukraine and Moscow's repeated nuclear threats are confronting European officials and industry leaders with questions once considered politically intangible.

The growing threat posed by Russia and concerns that the US, under Donald Trump, may no longer be a reliable security partner are causing European countries to carefully consider nuclear options. Earlier this year, Poland said it would consider gaining access to nuclear weapons.

Obermann's remarks come as European governments increase spending, modernize their militaries and answer questions about long-term American security guarantees.