French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France's arsenal, while also unveiling a new nuclear doctrine aimed at integrating a European dimension into deterrence.
Speaking from Île Longue, a naval base housing nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Macron said he had ordered the increase to strengthen France's deterrent capability in a context of deteriorating global security. However, he declined to provide specific figures on the current or future size of the French nuclear arsenal, stating that this information would no longer be disclosed.
Macron stressed that this decision did not mark the beginning of an arms race, but rather an adaptation to new threats and the evolving geopolitical landscape. He also insisted that France would retain full control of its nuclear weapons and that French nuclear deterrence would remain strictly defensive, intended to protect the nation's vital interests.
A key element of this new doctrine is the opening up to European cooperation on deterrence. Macron mentioned the possibility of temporarily deploying French strategic air forces armed with nuclear warheads to allied countries, and involving European partners in deterrence exercises. Several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark, have already expressed interest in this initiative.
France and Germany have announced the creation of a "nuclear steering group" to strengthen their defense cooperation, including German participation in French nuclear exercises and joint visits to strategic sites. This initiative aims to complement NATO's nuclear deterrence arrangements, not replace them.
In parallel with these developments, France is continuing to modernize its nuclear forces. A new third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, named l'Invincible, is expected to enter service in 2036. France is also working with the United Kingdom and Germany on very long-range missile projects.
This announcement comes amid growing concerns about security in Europe, particularly related to the war in Ukraine and tensions with Russia. It also reflects a desire to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in defense, in a context of the United States refocusing on its own priorities.
The decision to increase the number of French nuclear warheads marks a turning point in the country's deterrence policy and could have significant implications for security in Europe and beyond. France had not increased its nuclear arsenal since at least 1992.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), France possesses an estimated 290 nuclear warheads. This ranks it fourth in the world behind Russia, the United States, and China.
