noun, masculine/yl.ti.m‿a.vɛʁ.tis.mɑ̃/plural: ultimes avertissements
the recourse to the use of limited, sub- or prestrategic, tactical nuclear strikes as part of a nuclear deterrent, constituting a “final warning” and the last measure before strategic nuclear bombardment; also, such a strike
“They were not battlefield weapons but the l’ultime avertissement (final warning) prior to the use of strategic forces. […]” — French conventional forces have two roles: to defend the FRG conventionally alongside the allies if the president makes that determination, but also to conduct the national deterrent maneuver (to test the enemy’s intentions) prior to the use of prestrategic (l’ultime avertissement) weapons. (please add an English translation of this quotation)
Synonyms: avertissement nucléaire