Currently, France plans to increase the number of its nuclear warheads and offer new allies in the European Union an updated security architecture based on French deterrence capabilities. Macron announced this before representatives of the Navy command.
He noted that the next five years will be an "era of nuclear weapons" and declared an end to the policy of openness regarding data on arms stockpiles. To date, experts from the AFP agency estimate the number of nuclear warheads in France at 290, placing the country fourth in the world ranking after Russia, the USA, and China.
One of the key initiatives is the introduction of the concept of "advanced deterrence." France plans to deploy its strategic air forces on the territory of eight partner countries, including Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece. This, according to the Élysée Palace, is intended to complicate strategic calculations for potential adversaries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has already expressed support for this initiative on the social network X, emphasizing that joint armament with allies is the best way to prevent aggression.
Important milestones in modernization also include the launch in 2036 of a new nuclear submarine of the SSBN class with the symbolic name Invincible. In addition, Paris, Berlin, and London have agreed on joint development of long-range missiles. Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed the establishment of a permanent group on nuclear issues, marking a new level of defense cooperation between the two countries.
These changes in nuclear strategy come against the backdrop of increasing skepticism in Europe regarding the reliability of American protection. Donald Trump's rhetoric about possible concessions in the Ukrainian conflict and his tough stance on NATO are prompting European states to seek alternative ways to ensure their security. "Europe must become an independent geopolitical power," Macron summarized.
Despite the expanding cooperation, France maintains full sovereignty over its nuclear arsenal. According to the constitution, only the president has the right to make the decision to launch a nuclear strike. Paris still does not provide allies with guarantees of automatic protection, maintaining strategic ambiguity regarding its "vital interests." The main goal remains unchanged: any aggressor must understand that the cost of attacking France or its key interests in Europe will be catastrophic.
