President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will increase the number of its nuclear weapons and cooperate with eight European countries to strengthen the continent’s defense.
As Russia’s war against Ukraine enters its fifth year and concerns grow over wavering commitment from NATO ally Washington, Macron updated France’s nuclear doctrine during a speech at the Île Longue nuclear submarine base.
His remarks also came after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, raising fears of further instability in the Middle East.
“We are facing multiple threats and must strengthen our nuclear deterrence,” Macron said. “With full respect for our sovereignty, we must also consider our deterrence strategy within the European continent.”
He announced the “gradual implementation of enhanced deterrence,” adding that France’s arsenal requires modernization. “I have therefore ordered an increase in the number of nuclear weapons in our arsenal,” he said. France is estimated to possess around 290 nuclear warheads, making it the world’s fourth-largest nuclear power.
Macron said eight European countries — including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland — have agreed to participate in France’s proposed advanced nuclear deterrence plan. The Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark are also expected to support France’s “strategic air force,” aimed at complicating adversaries’ calculations and extending deterrence across Europe.
He added that the plan could involve traditional participation by allied forces in nuclear-related activities, similar to the recent involvement of British troops in military exercises.
The Île Longue base houses France’s four ballistic missile submarines — Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire, Le Vigilant, and Le Terrible. At least one submarine remains deployed at sea at all times to ensure continuous nuclear deterrence.
